Q: We live in a gated community. I had a falling out with one of my neighbors I used to be friends with, and she has been acting childish and harassing me. It started with nasty gestures when I drove by her house and mystery trash was thrown on my lawn. Yesterday, I noticed a sign on her lawn calling me an offensive name. It is getting hard even to leave my house. What can I do to stop this? — Barbara
A: One of the best ways to deal with a former friend is to avoid them, but that is impossible when you live on the same block.
My standard advice when someone has an issue is to try to talk to the other party and see if things can be worked out.
If that is impossible or does not work, your next step would be to report the harassing behavior to your homeowners association and ask that they take action. Everyone has a right to enjoy their property; your association should enforce that right when necessary.
Your association can tell her to stop, possibly fine your neighbor if this continues, and may even eventually have to take her to court to get her to respect the rules and your right to live peacefully.
As with all legal issues, document everything that is going on, keeping dates and details and even taking pictures when appropriate.
t is essential to stay on the right side of this and not retaliate or stoop to her level.
If, for some reason, your association is unable or unwilling to correct your neighbor’s behavior, you should speak with an attorney. Your attorney may be able to send her a letter demanding that she stop the bad behavior and warn her of the ramifications.
Depending on what she does, she may be liable to you for causing you harm, or at the very least, your attorney can seek an “injunction,” a court order telling someone to stop wrongful behavior.
Finally, always remember that your safety is paramount. If you ever feel unsafe or a family member may be in danger, you should immediately call the police.
Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.
