Tenant harassed by other owner in HOA

[Levi Davis]

We have our dream tenant (clean, quiet and never late with rent) in a small, four-unit condo building. She called us today in tears because her upstairs neighbor, a man who owns the upstairs unit, has been yelling at and harassing her for seemingly little or no reason. We are coming to find out this man is known in the neighborhood as a tyrant who aggressively confronts neighbors over inconsequential matters. He is also known to harass renters more than other owners (probably because they have less political power). This man has also been head of the HOA for many years.

This is upsetting for two reasons: (1) because our tenant is a good person that doesn't deserve to be mistreated, and (2) that this abusive neighbor is going to drive good tenants away, affecting the value of our investment.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much.

[Julie Hartman]

@Levi Davis We went through a nearly identical situation last year. We had an excellent long term tenant in a small condo building and he was driven out by an upstairs neighbor who had a seat on the HOA board. This neighbor abused her position in every possible way. In the end, we were powerless to do anything about it even with video footage of clear violations and borderline criminal activity. Our tenant left at the end of his lease term. Our property owner got fed up and ended up selling his unit. I am sorry to tell you that unless this offending neighbor gets ousted by the other board members/residents, there is nothing you can do. I would not be surprised if your tenant asks to be let out of her lease. She has the right to quiet enjoyment of the property and she is clearly not getting it.