Neighbor Threatening To File Harassment Complaint Against Tenant

[Gabriela Bayardo]

Looking for best practices on how to handle a neighbor who is threatening to file a harassment complaint with city against a tenant who has 1) screamed, disciplined and said in appropriate things (i.e. name calling, criticized their upbringing, etc.) to elementary age children, and 2) screamed at teenager after being bit by teenager's dog was in renter's property.  Tenant filed a police and animal control report after the bite incident, which dog's owner claims did not occur.

Tenant is elderly, pays on time, keeps rental clean and well maintained but in general is not liked by neighbors, is a demanding tenant and many of them have had "relationship issues" with her.

I have followed up with renter in the past to outline that per contract, we expect tenants to maintain peaceful relationships with neighbors and to work through any conflict in a productive ways, but I can't control what either party does and the complains are subjective.  What strategies have worked for others in similar cases?  

Thanks!

[Nathan Gesner]

1. It's a civil matter. If they don't like each other, that's their problem. As long as they are not violating the lease or breaking the law, you should leave them alone.

2. When their lease is coming due, send them notice of non-renewal and move on.