I live in Ellicott City. It’s not having rentals in ellicott city that I don’t like, just my neigborhood. People have every right to rent out their house. I don’t deny that. I would just prefer in my neighborhood as a selfish homeowner, not to have houses as rentals. Would I do anything about it, no. Would I prefer not to have rentals, yes.
If the house wasn’t being maintained and there were “for rent” signs everywhere and the property values declining because of it, would I do something then? Yes. I would speak to the owner in a positive way.
I was making a point so that the original poster can understand where his neighbors are coming from.
Am I the only one that gets the impression that you don’t know who is taking down your signs, and hence you can’t confront them? (yes, Jack you are the only one). You mention that the HOA doesn’t have a problem with renters, but are you sure the HOA allows yard signs, many don’t.
Send the neighbor a letter, Certified Return Receipt, instructing him or her to cease & desist at once with both the trespass of your real property, as well as the theft and molestation of your personal property (the signs). You paid for it - if he takes it off your land without your permission, that’s stealing, pure and simple. Also state that if he does NOT cease & desist at once, the next letter will be one from your attorney, detailing a lawsuit that has been filed against him for tortious interference. End it with the same sentence lawyers always do, “PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.”. That should get their attention.
If they are really thick, then it may be worthwhile to spend $100 to have your attorney follow up with a letter to the same effect. If they realize that continuing to interfere with your rental could result in their paying for the vacancy, they may reconsider their position.
If this is a rent to own rather than a straight rental, I would explain the difference to this guy. Let him know that you aren’t looking for a “renter” who doesn’t care about the house or the neighborhood. You’re looking for a buyer who just needs some time to get their financing in order.
If it’s a really nice neighborhood, I’d take the sign down. Use the newspaper for your advertising. You’ll need the neighbors in the future. I know I wouldn’t want the signs in my neigborhood. It all depends if you want an adversarial relationship with the neighbors or a friendly one.
You may mention to him what he is doing is illegal. a.k.a. stealing/trespassing. (if you’re positive it’s him) Taking signs down from public roads is one thing, but that really irks me when they are taken from my property.
Talk to him and let him know in no uncertain terms that his action is reducing the pool of potential renters. This means you will have fewer tenants to choose from and he will end up with a lower quality neighbor. At the same time let him know you are commited to keeping high standards for the beautiful neighborhood. Let him know you would be grateful if he could suggest a suitable tenant. So grateful that you would pay a finders fee.
Then you should mix up iodine or an oil based dye and vaseline and smear it all over the back of the sign and the post. The vaseline may prevent the sign from being taken again because of the slimy grossness when someone touches it, and the iodine will stain the hands of the culprit. Just beware that this could spark the abuse of more than just your signs.
Chain a mean doberman to the sign or offer to pay the guy off.
You could also threaten a lawsuit for trespassing. Set a fake video camera up in the window “watching” the sign and tell him if the sign comes down you will turn the video in to the police. Of course, you will need a light shining on it at night.
I don’t think the actual sign is the problem. “renters arent welcome in my neighborhood” Is what I think the problem is…
But that is just how I understood it.
Re: neighbor stealing signs - Posted by brown-trout
Posted by brown-trout on May 10, 2004 at 21:24:36:
…uppity folks tend to bother me…tell him if he is so concerned, then he can BUY your rental…if he wont, then tell him its none of his business.
you could always use what ranchers out west use…an M-44…its a cyanide filled device to cull coyotes with, tie it to the sign (JUST KIDDING!!!).
If this is a really nice neighborhood, like you say. The issue is the rental and the signs. Most neighbors don’t even realize it will be renters. Get the signs out. Talk with the neighbors. Tell them the house will be maintained and immaculate. Use the honey approach vs the vinegar approach. Talk to the neighbor, promise to deal with any “issues” that come up with the rental, etc.
I know I’d be the same way if their was a rental in my neighborhood.
