Empty Home Laws Neighbor Complaints: What Legal Options Do You Have?

When you inherit a home and decide to clean it out, it’s natural for your neighbors to react. However, it’s important to understand the legal implications of having an empty home, especially in the United States. Generally, neighbors have no legal grounds to take action against you.

Non-Legal Neighbor Complaints

Neighbor complaints often stem from personal opinions rather than legal rights. If your neighbor expresses concern that your home is not occupied yet, their feelings are understandable, but they have little to no legal recourse. For instance, in many areas, neighbors might feel the home looks empty and unsightly, or they think it’s inappropriate for people to live there. However, unless there are specific issues with the property, these complaints are often dismissed by legal authorities.

Limited Legal Actions

Legally, your neighbor cannot take any action against you simply because the house is empty. If they want to force you to take action, they would need to prove that your actions are causing significant harm or are a violation of local laws. This can be difficult, as there is no statute that compels you to occupy an inherited property.

Reporting Issues

In some cases, if your neighbor is exaggerating or reporting issues that they don't fully understand, they may mention specific local ordinances. For example, if the property is unkept with an unkempt lawn or piles of trash, these can be reported to local city authorities. However, such reports are usually taken into consideration only if the property truly meets the city’s criteria for nuisance. Additionally, if you are maintaining the property in a manner consistent with local laws, your neighbor’s complaints will likely fall on deaf ears.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Involvement

If the home in question is part of an HOA, there could be specific rules about how long a property can be unoccupied. However, this is not a common situation and generally requires the HOA to file a complaint and follow a formal procedure. Most HOA rules are also enforceable through a specific notice and a set timeline for rectification. If your neighbor is part of an HOA, they might have more leverage, but it’s still unlikely to result in legal action.

Proactive Communication

Instead of worrying about legal actions, it’s often more effective to communicate openly with your neighbor. If your neighbor is upset that no one is living in the home yet, a simple and direct conversation can often resolve the issue. You might say something like, “I understand your concerns, but I am taking my time to clean out the home. I will let you know when I have a tenant lined up.” This approach shows that you care about their feelings and are willing to work towards a solution.

Conclusion

While it’s natural for neighbors to have concerns when a home is empty, legal action is rarely a viable option. The homeowner has the right to keep a property unoccupied as long as it is properly maintained. If you decide to clean out an inherited home and your neighbor complains, the best course of action is to inform them of your plans and keep the lines of communication open. This can help prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary stress.