Am I being harrassed by an old lady in my housing development?

Question

So my realtor comes to my house to tell me that some old lady that used to be the secretary of the housing development where I live is telling him that we have parties all of the time and have holes in our walls, which is NOT true.

He asks to come look at the house and I tell him tomorrow would be great. So he comes over tomorrow and clearly sees NO damage to our house. He tells me she is clearly targeting me and knows that our house is fine. He then lets me know that she has been taking pictures of all sides of my house to show that the lawn is dead, we have trash bags in the back yard (they are lawn clippings), and that we have weeds growing. We don't have a fence, so its not hard to see anything in our house. She lied to him to get us on his bad side and then is taking pictures to prove something. Its like she is trying to get us evicted and lying in order to do so.

I saw her today and didn't want my dogs by the window, I didn't go by the window, and I'm afraid to go outside when I see her because I'm worried she will find something else wrong with us or lie about me being belligerent or something of the sort.

I feel so violated for her taking photographs of my home. Is this harassment and can I complain to the president of the homeowners association that I feel harassed? I do feel that way, but is it considered harassment for her to lie to try to get me evicted and snoop around my home to where I don't even feel comfortable in my own neighborhood? What should I do?

Answer 1

smack the old lady.

Answer 2

I know this is going to be hard to believe, but if you can find a way in your heart to be kind to this lady your problem may be solved.  She may be a mean old bag but I'll guarantee she is a lonely one.

I don't mean kiss up to her but if you can treat her normally and speak when you pass she might come around.  Heck, what do you have to lose?

Answer 3

What a weird old lady, is she just really bored or something.  Anyhow it sounds like she can take all the pictures she wants but since you've done nothing wrong she can't get you evicted.  I'd call up the landlord or management company anyhow and complain - just tell them she is acting creepy - this way if she complains later they will not immediately take her side.  Beyond that just don't do anything and see if anything ever comes of this, I doubt it will - dead grass and trash bags is hardly grounds for eviction.

Answer 4

Taking picture of out side of your house is not something you can prevent.  You simply do not have the expectation of privacy outside.  She can also talk to anyone she chooses to and say anything she wants to.  That is her right.  You have no right to control any of this.

With that said...

She is clearly harassing you and her actions are bordering stalking.  What I would do is to call local sheriff's office's NON-EMERGENCY number and meet with an officer and file a complaint of harassment or neighborhood dispute.  Ask the officer to go talk to ther woman.  Also, contact your home owner's association and keep them updated with what is happening.  

If you feel threatened (and you probably do), be sure to tell the officer.