My wife and I bought our first house almost 2 years ago in the Chester Park area of town. It’s an extremely small lot, neighboring houses are no less than 10 feet from ours on both the south and west sides. I love our house, it’s pretty much awesome. The neighbors, or lack thereof, however…..
The house on the west is fairly large, probably a 4 bedroom. Two years ago this house was already fairly dilapidated, rotting exterior, scary looking interior, and of course uninhabited. Obviously it’s present day condition has only gotten worse: Squirrels come and go through vents, a half dead tree rests on our roof and over power lines, and as of this week a family of no less than 3 raccoons is calling squatters rights, breaking a window to gain entrance.
The raccoons have taken a liking to sitting on the roof of the house to the south (which is now a foreclosure) and making noise. All. Night. Long. I’ve asked politley for them to quiet down, but am only met with extreme hostility. (“I will jump off this roof and eat your face off” hostility)
We aren’t really sure what we can do about this house. The tree is a huge issue, as a great deal of it is on our roof , it’s over power lines, and it’s shows definite signs of decay. The major roadblock is that the homeowner has been deceased for 7 or 8 years, and it’s still under his name. The city has been unwilling to help, only stating we need to seek legal council. Neither MN Power or other tree trimming services will touch it because it’s not on our property. The new inhabitants are just making this worse. I understand there are wild animals in town, but I don’t think they should have a 4 bedroom house at their disposal.
So, PDD, what the heck are my options? Is our only option to hire a lawyer?
Here is where I prematurely answer your questions:
1) No, I don’t have a firearm.
2) No, I don’t want to borrow yours. But thanks.
3) No, I won’t cut them myself, see also: live power lines.
4) No, I haven’t tried to contact the deceased via Ouija board to try and work it out. Although this seems like the best idea.
