What to do with a slum lord across the street from you

[Jim Morris]

Team-

I own a duplex in Daytona Beach and we've worked really hard over the years to update and renovate the property. I believe we're now turning the corner and seeing the "fruits of our labor". Not only do we get great renters, we also get top dollar for the area. 

BUT... (there's always a but right?)

Directly across the street there is a small apartment complex. I'll be frank- it's trashy. It's the ugly duckling on the block on an otherwise really nice street. My renters have commented that sometimes they don't feel perfectly safe with some of the "riff raff" coming in and out especially at night. They haven't had any trouble but, some of the people are "sketchy". It was hinted this spring that the apartment was a part of the reason one of the renters were not going to renew. 

So what is a lanload suppoda do? The only thing I can think is to simply write the owner a letter (if so, what in the world do you say?), OR have a lawyer write something up with some teeth to it. If I'm losing a renter b/c of his horrible upkeep, I'd think there's some liability there?? Dunno.  

Surely I'm not the only one that's had to deal with this...

Thoughts?