What can be done about stubborn neighbours?

Question

I am really fed up with this situation. They moved in not too long ago. I rent a townhouse so they are right beside me. It started out with them making charcoal BBQ's in the house. I smelled burnt rubber coming in through my walls. Called the fire dept., called the manager numerous times. The BBQ is now in the yard. Problem is, I do not know what they are doing but everyday, the fire alarm goes off about 10 times and I smell burnt food coming from my walls which is really disgusting. This really isn't good for our health! I've also called Prevention. They phoned me back and told me nobody was home but I know someone was there. They just don't answer. I'm really starting to get paranoid and afraid to leave my house in case they start a fire! I have animals inside my home. What can be done about this situation? Moving is not an option, I've been here over 10 years. They should move, not me! Any advice will be greatly appreciated cause as I said I am really FED UP with these people!

Answer 1

Don't know but reading your question first thing I thought of was they must be cooking meth. Call the cops next time the fire alarm goes off.

Answer 2

Hey, I don't mean to sound stupid but you mention calling the Fire Department, the Manager, and Prevention but I do not see that you tried talking to them. Maybe they are nice people who do not know of your concern. Since they don't like opening the door to Authorities, try talking to them one-on-one. Introduce yourself as their neighbor and just be friendly. After that, just say (nicely) that you notice some things and you want to have a friendly and neighborly relationship and tell them your concerns. Who knows, it might just work!

Again, I don't know if you have talked to them or not because your question does not discuss that. If you haven't then it sounds like you went right above talking to them and went to Management and the Authorities.

I live in a townhouse complex as well and had a situation where my neighbors would party all night long after they moved in. I went next door, made small talk, got to know them and then casually mentioned this. They wanted us to have a nice relationship (we do live right next door to each other) and the late night parties stopped. Even if they have people over, I cannot hear them just like they cannot hear me.

When you go directly to Management and do not try to talk to them first, they may feel annoyed and the problem could actually get worst. Just talk to them...who knows you might actually gain some friendship from them as well!

EDIT: Okay I didn't know you talked to them already. In that case I agree with the other person who responded, they might be cooking meth in there. Call the police and inform them of your suspicions. Another thing you could try is to contact the Health Department. I mean they may or may not be able to help you but they SHOULD be able to guide you in the right direction.