Have a multifamily property--neighbors stealing water

[Palmer Wilkins]

Hi,

I'm new here. Great forum here!

I'm a new investor and have an older property in Central FL in B-/C neighborhood. It was a short sale. I'm finally getting it stabilized after many repairs and increasing the occupancy.

I have been told that the neighbors across the street are stealing water from the spigot on my property. Luckily, another neighbor--for whom I'm thankful--brought this to my attention. The guy that sold me the property owns the property where the "water theives" live.

My handyman removed the spigot handle, but now they're bringing a wrench apparently to steal water. My water bill I received over the past weekend had indeed shown an increase in consumption. Apparently, these scoundrels are filling up 5-gallon buckets at a time as their water is turned off.

A bigger problem too is that they may be dealing drugs. I have good tenants and don't want them worried with these issues.

I'll get to the bottom of this. I just found out about this issue yesterday; however, and am curious as to what others on this site might do.

My thoughts first are:
Discuss the issue with the neighbors stealing the water
Talk to the property owner--who is the epitome of a slumlord
Document their actions with a small video as I'm at the property often and take this evidence to the police and/or city.

Thanks in advance.

[Rusty Thompson]

You could always just remove the spigot. If you need a spigot there then replace it with one that is designed to be vandal resistant.

It seems like this would be the easiest & quickest solution. Better than waiting for the cops and utilities to take care of it.