What Should Landlord Do when Neighbors Have Problems with Tenants

[manhattanproj]

My question involves real estate located in the State of: California

I don't really know where to post this as there isn't a category for it. This seems like the closest thing. This has more to do with dealing with neighbors of my tenants.

I'm a landlord in the Bay Area. For the past year or so, a few of the neighbors have been lodging complaints against my tenants and called the police numerous times. They've accused the tenants of drug dealing, drinking, damaging city property, etc. I've spoken to the tenants, a single mother w/ kids, and she denies any illegal wrongdoings. And the police didn't issue any citations/violations. They are under Section 8/Public Housing and she believes those neighbors are discriminating against her because of her socio-economic status. Essentially the neighbors are trying to push her out. She mentioned that everytime she walks her dog, one of the neighbors bring her dog and tried to provoke them. There have also been some arguments with the neighbors and the kids.

In a case like that, what would you guys advise me to do? What sort of legal actions should I take, if any, to protect myself?

In addition, those complaining neighbors want to set up a meeting with me to discuss the issues. Would you guys recommend having such meetings? I've spoken to a friend of mine, and she said it's not advisable to do that because essentially my relationship is with the tenants, not with the neighbors. And to protect myself from any liabilities in case they hang on to every words that I say at the meeting. She recommends me to issue a warning letter noting the complaints and have that copied to the police, so it is on file and to cover my bases.

Any advise and help is appreciated.

[Foster_Foster]

I can't fathom how the neighbors would know what your tenant's economic status is or how they'd know the person is getting rental assistance.

If you have reason to think the source of this is X jerk neighbor, I would consider having an attorney write to them advising that there's no evidence your tenants are doing anything wrong and that if they were, presumably law enforcement would address it.

I'd recommend to the tenant that she counsel her kids not to engage in ANY interaction with the neighbors who are trying to provoke them.

"She recommends me to issue a warning letter noting the complaints and have that copied to the police, so it is on file and to cover my bases."

I think unless your friend is an attorney, you should be ignoring your friend on all counts. And cover your bases about ... what?

If there is anything to the neighbors assertions vs. it just being the neighbors attempting to defame/libel the tenant, one would presume the police would address it.

If you doubt your tenant's word and didn't bother to check out the rental history of the tenant ahead of time, you're always free to contact old landlords and ask if they ever had any problems related to the tenant's behavior.

[manhattanproj]

I can't fathom how the neighbors would know what your tenant's economic status is or how they'd know the person is getting rental assistance.

That beats me but they did find out.

I think unless your friend is an attorney, you should be ignoring your friend on all counts. And cover your bases about ... what?

not really sure what the laws are in regards to the responsibilities of a landlord over neighbor's complaints. writing the letter is just to have something on file, noting that i'm aware of such complaints and have spoken to the tenants about them. mainly just to say i'm not ignoring them.

this brings up another question, can the neighbors sue me over any of these issues?