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IF YOUR NEIGHBORS ABANDON THEIR HOMES

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By The Tampa Tribune | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

Monitor the property: Watch for potential vandalism or unfamiliar people. Call authorities if you suspect a crime.

Take matters into your own hands: A deteriorating property affects the value of your home, so you and your neighbors may want to mow the vacant home's lawn and move trash to the curb. If there's a major property issue, such as broken windows or knee-high weeds, contact code enforcement.

Talk to the lender: If the home is repeatedly vandalized, try contacting the lender on the home. Banks don't want to see a house devalued further, and they typically contract with services to keep the home secure. You can find lender information in loan documents filed at the county courthouse.

Notify your homeowners association: It has a vested interest in making sure the property is maintained. It may not be able to keep the property up to grade, but it can help lobby the lender and others for help.

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