Welcome to the Kazi Law Firm! We are a boutique law firm steeped in Texas tradition personifying the warmth and congeniality consistent with southern hospitality. We believe in preserving integrity and professionalism with true Texan charm, staying true to our roots, while providing essential, affordable legal services to all. Located just north of Dallas, Texas in the rapidly growing suburb of Frisco; the Kazi Law Firm concentrates on contracts drafting and review, wills & estate planning, real estate law, landlord, tenant, mediation, and general business law needs.
We all strive to have an amicable and friendly working relationship with our neighbors. But what if your next door neighbor is a “hoarder?” What if they’re bringing your property values down? We receive phone calls from time to time about bringing a cause of action against a neighbor who is not merely collecting items, but hoarding to the point of affecting values in the neighborhood. So, is there a legal cause of action in such cases?
The general advice is to attempt to speak with the offending neighbor personally to see if you can help them to fix issues amicably before involving the authorities. If this doesn’t work, then the next step is to file a complaint. This legal complaint would fall under a public nuisance.
Public nuisances are grouped into six general categories:
- Keeping, storing, or accumulating refuse on-premises in a neighborhood unless the refuse is entirely contained in an enclosed receptacle
- Keeping, storing, or accumulating trash or any unused, discarded, or abandoned object, including newspapers, vehicles, tires, and cans on-premises in a neighborhood for 10 days or more, unless the trash or object is completely enclosed within a building or is not visible from a public street
- Maintaining premises in a manner that creates an unsanitary condition likely to attract or harbor mosquitoes, rodents, vermin, or disease-carrying pests
- Allowing weeds to grow on-premises in a neighborhood if such weeds are located within 300 feet of another residence or commercial establishment
- Maintaining a building in a manner that is structurally unsafe or constitutes a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare because of inadequate maintenance, unsanitary condition, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, or abandonment
- Maintaining a swimming pool or unoccupied property in a neighborhood that is not protected with a fence that is at least four feet high and that has a latched gate that cannot be opened by a child, or protected by a cover over the entire swimming pool that cannot be removed by a child
If a neighbor is maintaining their property in a manner that includes one or more of these categories, a property owner or dweller may file a complaint against their neighbor. However, it is sometimes tough to know when someone is simply messy and likes collecting things or if they need help for the mental illness known as hoarding disorder (HD) that reportedly affects between 2-4% of the world’s population.
The law allows for a 30-day abatement period, during which time the occupant and owner of the property can fix the issue. If the complaint is merely some accumulated refuse outside of receptacles, it may be an easy fix. But if the problem is larger and not one that can be remedied within the 30-day period, criminal or civil suits may be filed.
A nuisance complaint requires ample documentation, clear and convincing evidence that a complaint is justified, and foolproof evidence that this nuisance has interfered with the quiet enjoyment of your property. To ensure you have everything that you need to file a public nuisance suit, your best option is to contact a reputable and experienced real estate attorney. The lawyers of the Kazi Law Firm can guide you through the process and ensure the most efficient and positive outcome for all involved.
I built my law practice on the premise of being a life raft in a sea of sharks. I want to be an advocate for those that have been wronged and are too intimidated to seek help. My firm is here to explore your options, guide you through your legal journey, and give you that safe space to ask questions! There’s no such thing as a stupid question…Only the ones you don’t ask. So, my question to my clients is not “do you have any questions?” But rather “what questions do you have?”
As always, the Kazi Law Firm is standing by to help you in your time of need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We specialize in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and wills & estate planning. Family is at the core of our practice. Just as we treat our family with respect and understanding, we treat yours. Come join the Kazi Law Firm family today!
Why swim alone in shark-infested waters when you don’t need to?
