If my neighbors are using drugs, what can I do?
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If my neighbors are using drugs, what can I do?
My neighbor is our landlord’s step-daughter. I have seen she and her friends using and talking about drugs in our parking lot. I have 2 children and I hate that my oldest son can’t play outside because I fear that they will do this in front of him. I have reason to believe that my landlord won’t do anything about the situation and am concerned about my family’s safety if he confides in her that I told him. What can I do to insure that it gets taken care of?
Asked on July 21, 2011 Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
1) IF the neighbors are tenants in the same building, and are being disorderly in some way--threatening you or your family; bringing in criminals and violence; creating noice and disruption--you *may* be able to force the landlord to do something. That's because you have a right to "quiet enjoyment" of your premises, and if other tenants are disrupting or destroyring your right, the landlord has to take action, such as sending them a notice to stop or even evicting them.
However, without actual disorderly conduct destroying your quiet enjoyment, you probably can't force the landlord to do anything. "Just" commiting a crime or doing drugs does not, by itself, destroy your quiet enjoyment.
2) You may be able to report this drug use to the police, who may take action.
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