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Category: Neighbor Relations

  • Neighbors look to sue a sloppy neighbor

    Reader Question: Can you tell me if a homeowner can sue a sloppy neighbor or the city for not taking action on a neglected property? We have owned our home for fourteen years now. The neighbors take good care of their property. But, three years ago the pristine property across the street was sold. The…

  • Does a gaggle of hobos affect property values?

      Reader Question: I just purchased a home and, after spending my first few nights there; realize that a gaggle of hobos are living in the driveway of the house next door. The Realtor had told me the heirs of the prior owners inherited the house, and it would quickly be renovated and sold. As…

  • Water rights for property owners

    Reader Question: What kind of water rights does a property owner have if their property borders a moving body of water? William G. Monty Answer: Hello William and thanks for your question. It is not clear what a moving body of water represents in your question. Is it a river or a lake? Is it…

  • Consider mediation in real estate disputes

     Reader Question: We are in disagreement with two neighbors over surface water drainage. The town wants nothing to do with it. Our concern that this issue is too small for a lawyer, which we cannot afford, but too big for us. Do you have any suggestions? Monty’s Answer: Consider mediation for this type of problem. Drainage…

  • Violation of HOA rules creates conflict

    Reader Question: I am a resident homeowner in an HOA with 88 homes. Some months ago a homeowner installed new windows with a green-tone trim. The other 87 homes have white window trim as originally constructed. Our HOA Declarations require any changes to be consistent with the “harmony of external design in relation to surrounding…

  • Water management issues can be dicey with neighbors

    Reader Question: The neighbors recently have installed 5 drainage hoses aimed at our house. One is from the neighbor on the other side of them. We tried calling the city and the calls have not been returned. Can we do anything to stop them? Mary P. Monty’s Answer: Hello Mary, and thanks for the question. Water runoff is an…

  • Is your neighbor committing mortgage fraud?

    Reader Question: I am pretty sure my neighbor has committed mortgage fraud. She is a Realtor with a company in my state. She recently changed the title of her house from her and her mom’s name to only her mom. Then about two months after, did a short sale on the house, which she sold in five…

  • “For Sale” sign installed without permission.

    Reader Question: Can my neighbor put up a 4 x 12 “for sale” sign on my property without my permission? What do you suggest I do about it? Monte Monty’s Answer: Hello Monte, thanks for your question. No one can put a sign up on your property without permission. My advice is to see, call or…

  • Homeowner Mulls Trading Part Of Lot With Neighbor

    Reader Question: Monty, I have a neighbor wanting to buy a small piece of frontage on my lake property because a small slew on the waters edge on my easterly lot line places part of my lot on his side of the slew. I am trying to decide whether or not I should agree to this proposition. If I…