A.S. from Cuyahoga County, Ohio writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I’m a single woman and live in a ground floor condo. The neighbors walk the dogs and let it do both its businesses right on my patio or next to it and the walk right up to my windows, less than a foot away, stand outside my living room and bedroom window let it relieve itself directly outside my windows while just staring in. This is a 30-year-old man. I have spoken to his girlfriend but he keeps doing it and I’m getting really creeped out. What are common areas considered and should I now go talk to management company?
Mister Condo replies:
A.S., I am sorry for your creeper neighbor and his lack of responsibility for his pet’s action. Yes, you should definitely talk to the management company and write a letter to your Board demanding they act. You might also want to call the police as his peeping in your window may actually be a crime. Your condo has rules about pets but this neighbor is either unwilling or uncaring about following those rules. The Board, via the Property Manager, are the only ones who can act against this person. Speaking with his girlfriend clearly didn’t work for you and I advise against you having any further contact with either of them. Take a picture of him and his dog doing their business and stay on top of the Board until the violation stops. Also, be sure you have as much information about him as possible in case you need to report further intrusion on your privacy to the police. You have every right to feel safe living in your condo. A visit from the police may curb his behavior and will certainly put him on notice that you are very serious about him keeping away from your porch and window. As for what is common area in your association, you would need to review your documents. If he is, in fact, trespassing on your property, you most certainly have the right to have him removed. If the area where he is walking his dog is common, you may have less of a case to keep him out of the area. Regardless, he should follow the association’s pet rules. Good luck!