Next Door Neighbors Parking Cars in Backyard and Stealing

[Richard P.]

I have a tenant which just informed me that their new neighbors next door are parking their cars in my tenant's backyard, blocking the driveway, stealing their kid's bikes, etc. These new neighbors are just causing all sorts of grief around the neighborhood and moved in about a month ago. The tenant called because she doesn't want to have any more trouble with her neighbors and wanted to ask if I would allow her to have a dog or to fence the backyard. I'm planning on talking to the landlord to see what we can work out, but I'm not sure how the conversation will go. How would you handle this situation? Anything to do or not to do?

[Frank Macias]

I would do what you suggested. Talking with the landlord would be my first approach. Hopefully, the landlord can whip their new tenants into shape. I would tell their landlord that their tenants are not parking in the correct places and that your tenants bikes have gone missing. 

I'm not sure how allowing your tenant to have a dog will solve or prevent this issue? A fence will be expensive but if you planned on doing it anyways might as well do it now. In addition, adding a fence can potentially attract more tenants when your property is vacant if potential tenants have a dog and are looking for a fenced backyard.