Is That a Drug House in My Neighborhood? Now What?

Even if you live in a pleasant neighborhood, you might notice suspicious activities in a nearby house: people coming in and going out at all hours, cars making brief stops. You might have even heard rumors that it's a popular place to buy drugs. This can make you feel unsafe, and reduce your quality of life as well as property values. What can you do?

In many cities and suburbs, it is not uncommon to find an apartment or home that seems to be a central spot for sales or use of illegal substances. Below are a few things to consider, if you believe you are living near such a location. We'll cover:

• the importance of drawing your own conclusions
• why mediation isn't likely to help
• when to call the police
• when to call your homeowners' association or local government agency, and
• when to consider bringing neighbors together to file a class action lawsuit.

Don't Necessarily Believe the Rumor Mill

Just because you've heard murmurings about a local home does not necessarily mean that illegal activities are actually occurring there. Unless you've personally seen drugs being sold with your own two eyes, proceed with caution. You would not want to make false accusations about your neighbor, whether those accusations are made directly, behind the neighbor's back, or to law enforcement.

Mediation Probably Isn't an Option

This is one of the few instances of neighbor disputes (another being a direct threat of violence) where you should not take matters into your own hands. Realistically, walking over to a neighbor's door to engage in a good-faith neighborly negotiation and ask if the neighbor would mind not using the home to sell illegal substances probably won't get you far. And your own personal safety could be at risk, if the folks dealing the drugs are engaging in other criminal activity or (as sometimes happens if they're using the stuff themselves) are becoming paranoid or quick to anger.

Trying to get a mediator in involved isn't likely to work either, though it is often suggested for other sorts of neighbor disputes. Most mediators will refrain from involving themselves in a conflict where one party is clearly engaging in illegal activity.

When to Call Law Enforcement About a Drug House

If you witness truly suspicious activity over a long period of time, you should involve the relevant authorities. Which authorities are appropriate to call? Local police are a good start. Keep in mind that even once the police are notified, they will not arrest your neighbor. There will be a thorough investigation, to comply with due process, meaning that they will observe the area and potentially obtain a warrant to search the home for drugs. Only then would they be likely to arrest your neighbor.

Another possibility is to call in specialized authorities, such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It's mission is to enforce U.S. controlled substances laws and bring to the criminal and civil justice system anyone involved in their growth, manufacture, or distribution. The DEA has an online tip function you can use to report drug crimes.

Contact Your HOA or Neighborhood Association or Local Government Agency

If you live in a common interest development (such as a condo) that is governed by a homeowners' or neighborhood association, you might first speak with your leadership there to report the problem.

If you do not have a neighborhood association, but do not want to call the police yourself, consider contacting a local representative on the city council or in the state legislature. Government offices are often willing to intercede on a resident's behalf to file a report with the police.

Consider a Class Action Lawsuit Against the Landlord (If Any)

If other measures aren't working, and you are willing to make your identity known to the perpetrators, and the house is a rental, here's another possibility to consider: Similarly frustrated homeowners have successfully banded together to sue landlords who rent to drug-selling tenants. They've used a legal theory known as nuisance (use of property that unreasonably interferes with others' rights) to claim damages for emotional and mental distress. Such a suit can potentially be brought in small claims court.