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Keep Detailed Records Of Neighbor's Threats

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By RICHARD WHITE

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 5, 2008

A resident in our condominium is creating serious problems with threats. He has threatened many of our children and adults to the point of saying he has a gun and will kill them. There have been 23 calls to the police in response to his threats. The police say they cannot do anything. Our association attorney says the same. We would like to know if this answer is correct.

L.E.
Everglades City
Smarter than the police and your attorney? I don't think so. But I do have suggestions. Start a log of the events. Let residents know that any encounter should be recorded in the log with date, time, location and witnesses. Get photos or, better yet, take a video recording.

See if you can locate relatives to communicate with them about the situations. Call the health department and ask for advice. If he has any neighbors or friends, ask them to talk to him. I have found that in similar situations, asking a difficult person to become part of a committee or association work project may reduce the problems. I am sure you have some neighbors who go to church every week. Have them ask him to join them for a service.

The association has little power to evict an owner, but sometimes the matter can be taken to court with the proper evidence. The log, photos and tape can help build a case.

The developer of our condominium association will soon be turning over control of the governing association to us. Would it be prudent to commission a homeowner inspection of all the buildings and grounds by qualified professionals before this transfer?

R.J.
Sun City
My recommendations are to establish your team of professionals to assist in the turnover.

That would include an attorney, an insurance agent, a CPA, a management company, and engineers and other professionals necessary.

I would ask the developer for funding to engage these professionals. He should provide money from the association's accounts.

You have one chance to make sure everything is proper, and it is necessary to have proper guidance from professionals.

Richard White is a licensed community association manager. He does not offer legal opinions; any other questions and comments concerning association operations can be sent to Richard White, 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd., No. 201, Winter Haven FL 33884-4115;

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