Eye Sore Neighbor Becoming A Problem

[Luke Carl]

We have a vacation rental in a vacation rental area. We've only had it about a month. The neighbor lives there full time has had some real hard times with a big storm blowing all of his "stuff" (junk) around the yard. He had a heart attack and lost his job. Lost his kids back to the ex husband. 

All that being said I've taken the high road and made friends with him and we get along. 

I've asked him several times to let me clean up his yard. He always has an excuse "I'm on a FEMA waiting list for a $50,000 claim" I've called FEMA they said it takes 7-14 days. It's been several months so that excuse is just that, an excuse.

I realize my two options are to get him to let me clean up or to sell the damn cabin but I thought I'd post here for at least some sympathy as the wife and I have had enough even after just one moth. 

Our cabin is booked solid and we're warning everyone Several times via the listing, messeging, and text messages that the neighbor is a mess. Yet they still leave a review mentioning the crappy neighbor. I've gotten four 5 star reviews and one 4 star but they're all mentioning it. I do not like 4 star reviews and I'm not willing to risk losing superhost status. 

Anyone have any suggestions? DO NOT suggest "dont buy a house with a bad neighbor." He promied me he'd let me clean it up and has not held up his end. Besides, it's too late. 

Did I mention he has 4 dogs that sometimes poop in my yard and bother the guests? 

I wish I could find out if he's making his payments. The county says his taxes were paid on time in december. He has an FHA with BOA.

[John Underwood]

Lucas,

Here are some brainstorming ideas:

I would try and keep it friendly. Could you stay at your house one weekend and invite him over for a cookout? 

Either way approach him and say that you understand he has some physical limitations and you would like to help him. Say the weather is supposed to be nice on x day and say that you are going to be working in the yard anyway and ask what you can do to help him with his yard. Don't ask if you can help ask what you can help with.

If he has junk in the yard that is trash say your making a run to the dump does he have any trash you can take for him at the same time.

Tell you you bought too much mulch flowers ect could he use any of it since you don't want the hassle of taking it back to the store.

When you talk to him take his dogs some treats.

If you can get your foot in the door as to his approval to help with anything then you can go above and beyond to do more to help him and in turn help yourself.

Hope this helps and if all else fails start planting those privacy bushes.