Does anyone know how to handle harassment from neighbors?

Question

I live in a community and the entire neighbor hood thinks they have a right away through my yard. I happened to be doing yard work one day, and saw a lady who frequents my yard and I asked her (very nice)to not cut through my yard, she argued with me. Very rude woman. She is just one of many. Even though I have talked with the managers, it is a problem. I can't even sit on my own porch for the strangers tramping in front, dropping their trash, cursing and just generally being pains. Today, I saw that same woman cutting through as I went to work. I realized I forgot my cell. When I went back, tree limbs I had gathered to dispose of had been thrown against my storage building. Is there any way to resolve this before I lose it and do something that will land me in jail

I have searched the web and can't seem to find any sites that can answer my questions in FL.

Answer 1

I agree with the other first two answers, get a big, high fence.

Answer 2

Post "NO TRESPASSING" signs on your property, take photos of the people trespassing and call the law.  But, for you to have the right to post those signs, you have to be in a single-family home, i.e. not in one apartment of an apartment building...

If you are not in a neighborhood where you can construct a fence, consider planting some shrubs that are rather tall and close together...in other words, make it a pain to walk on your property.

Of course, a few well-placed rat traps might get the message across--especially for those who trespass in the dark!  (I am ONLY kidding, though it sounds like a Simpson's episode, almost!)

Answer 3

not to sound funny but do you actually live in the hood cause if you do thats common and i happen to have the same problem.  people cut through my yard, leave all kinds of trash in it when they walk by but i just go pick it up because i know how ignorant people are and im not always around.  i guess u can try asking them to respect your home but that is the only option i have.  it sucks but it is what it is.  

Answer 4

1. Install a GOOD fence.

2. Put up no trespassing signs.

3. If the problem persists, call the police or the city council. This is ridiculous and I'm sorry for your pain.

If possible, get barbed wire on the fence.

Answer 5

Definitely a fence is your best bet.  If you own your home, check into low-interest federal loans for home improvement from HUD.

You can't put up barbed wire or booby traps (though your neighbors might deserve it, their kids and pets don't), but you can get a nice, spiky, waist-high wrought iron fence.  That should do it.

Consider installing some surveillance cameras (black and whites will work and are low-cost these days).  You can record with any ole TV and VCR.  Just some signs that say there are cameras might work, even if you don't actually have cameras.  Or sit on your porch with your video camera.  Holler, "Say cheese!" at anybody who walks through your property.  Eventually, they'll go the other way.

A friend of mine lived in a trailer park where one rowdy family ruined it for everyone else.  She started video taping their late-night antics through her window, posted them on YouTube, and put up fliers advertising them all over the neighborhood.  Those people moved away.

Her neighbors were annoying, but they were not dangerous.  If gangs or drugs are a problem in your neighborhood, I wouldn't recommend the in-your-face approach.

Answer 6

i think u should give them a dirty look

at say "WHAT ARE U LOOKING AT?" with a stern voice

then simply apoligize.

and agreee to disagree =]

Answer 7

Is there any fencing allowed?I know some communities do not allow it.  If you an fence I would do that, otherwise...Trespasser Will Be Shot and sit on the porch with an air soft gun  

Answer 8

I think you need to build a picket fence, but to make it look nice (not tall) make it as high as your waist line, so it can't be jumped over (and so you won't spend too much $$$ on it!..

Also videotape or take pics of people when throwing stuff on your yard if they're repeat offenders, so you can sue them if necessary!..

And also post "private property - stay away" signs on your yard, so people will se you're kind of picky about it and that you mean it!..

Answer 9

Unless your yard is a common area for the group of houses, you can put up a fence.  

You seem have stirred up ill will with your demands and may now have a problem getting people to leave you alone at all.  

Before you put up the fence, real the rules of your neighborhood, the city rules, and go before the bureau of zoning so you don't waste money doing something not permitted.  Be sure all parts of the fence are inside your lot.

Answer 10

Probably the best thing you can do to avoid confrontation is to put up a fence.

Answer 11

That happened to me.  My neighbor thought he owned my yard.  I couldn't sit on the deck in my p.j's.  One day I came home and there was blood on the sidewalk around the side of the house.  A few days later I saw him and he had a big mark on his forehead.  He was probably sneaking around the house and tripped.  He looked mad at me but I wasn't even there when it happened.

It was getting tense and my husband went over to visit and smooth things over.  I stayed away for about a year and by then, the neighbor was distracted by his bills.

I think smoothing things over while trying to assert boundaries is the best way.  Time helps too.