How do I defend against the neighbors?

[Fishbone]

Killing somebody over slashed tires? How about a friendly discussion between adults over this. If the kids still act like cocks I say unload all legal barrels on them.

 

[caudor]

Four healthy (big) dogs might do the trick. Make sure the gate is 'a little loose' the night you expect them to cause them trouble (just kidding) Dogs make great intruder alarms.

 

[wingsandsword]

Alzrius, I think we live in the same city. In fact, I once spent a year living in a rented house near a major University campus on a street filled mostly with other rented houses, so I think I know the general neighborhood you're talking about firsthand.

Our house was generally pretty quiet, we weren't loud party sorts, but our next door neighbors were. They would get loud and drunk, and sometimes park their car in the wrong place, or play loud music at night. They weren't very pleasant neighbors to say the least.

So, the most sociable and party-oriented of the housemates decided to take on the role of being a diplomat. He went over and got to know them, share a few beers, give a human face to their neighbors, and let them know that their neighbors didn't care much for the very loud music and wild parties at 3 AM. It took a bit of adjustment, but we did get them to significantly curb their behavior and clean up after themselves more, and we accomplished it without too many hard feelings.

I know you said that you weren't interested in reconcillation, but for next years crop of college students you might want to consider a Diplomacy check instead of an Intimidate check, it can work and be a lot less drama and confrontation filled.

If Diplomacy fails, then go with the cameras, documenting everything, police, et al. I believe the city we live in has a noise ordinance with some teeth to it passed a few years ago specifically designed to target loud parties in these circumstances.

 

[Baron Opal]

We had problems like this too. It turns out that the local college has an expulsion clause. Since there isn't enough housing for all of the students on campus, the college is very dependant on their students finding housing in the community. If they get word from the police that the students are causing trouble in the neighborhood, they can get expelled. Also, in my neck of the woods the landlord is vaugely responsible for the nusance and damage that the tenants do. I don't remember exactly how or what, but I do know that we were able to force some tenants to leave the neighborhood by pressureing the landlord. And, she sold the house soon after.

 

[Alzrius]

Alzrius, I think we live in the same city.

As it turns out, we do.

Well, the situation is now over. The kids who lived across from us seem to have moved out now that their lease has expired. However, they didn't let it go unchallenged. I found our car recently had a few new small dents in it. Judging from what appears to be a shoe-print, they stomped on it a little. I'm not that concerned over it (it's almost fifteen years old), but it's still irking. I think at least one of them still lives there, and I'm idly considering keying the car there in return, but I think I'll pretty much just let it go...for now.

Harmon, thanks for the link to that book!

 

[Harmon]

Harmon, thanks for the link to that book!

Most welcome- hope it can help someone somewhere.

Take care peoples