Reporting suspicious, illegal, or dangerous activity.

Discovering or suspecting illegal activity near your home can be concerning and potentially unsafe for you and your neighbors. As a responsible tenant, it's important to address the situation appropriately. This article guides what tenants can do when they suspect illegal activity in their rental property.

1. Observe and gather evidence

   1. If you suspect illegal activity, observe any suspicious behavior or activities.

   2. Take note of specific incidents, dates, times, and other relevant details like photos, videos, written statements, etc. Ideally, file a police report whenever an incident occurs.

1. 1. It's crucial to gather concrete evidence to support your suspicions. No one wants to feel discriminated against, targeted, or falsely charged by a neighbor.

2. Ensure personal safety

   1. While it's essential to gather evidence, always prioritize your safety. Do not confront individuals engaged in illegal activities directly, as it can put you at risk. Your safety should be the top priority.

3. Contact local law enforcement

   1. If you believe the illegal activities pose an immediate threat to yourself, other tenants, or the community, contact local law enforcement. Share your concerns, provide them with your collected evidence, and let them handle the investigation. It's important to let professionals handle potentially dangerous situations.

4. Maintain confidentiality

   1. When reporting suspected illegal activity, it's essential to respect the confidentiality and privacy of the individuals involved. Avoid discussing your suspicions with other tenants or sharing details that may compromise the investigation or endanger anyone's safety.

5. Cooperate with authorities

   1. If law enforcement decides to investigate the suspected illegal activities, cooperate fully with their inquiries. Provide them with any additional information or evidence you may have and follow their guidance to ensure a thorough investigation.

6. Document and report to property management

   1. Once you have gathered sufficient evidence, report your concerns to your property management or landlord in writing by email.

   2. Provide them with a detailed account of the suspected activities, including any evidence you have collected.

   3. Our team will address and investigate the situation as we can. Please note that we may be unable to prevent future incidents or enforce certain standards. However, we will guide you with what we can and cannot accomplish. 

7. Maintain vigilance and report any ongoing suspicions

   1. Continue to observe and report any ongoing suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. Your continued care can contribute to maintaining a safe living environment for yourself and your neighbors.

   2. While we may not be able to prevent or react to a single incident; continuing to keep us informed may allow for future recourse. Continue to stay diligent! 

Discovering or suspecting illegal activities in your rental property can be alarming. By following the appropriate steps, including documenting evidence, reporting to your property management and local law enforcement, and respecting confidentiality, you can take proactive measures to take care of the situation. Prioritize your safety and legal obligations as you work towards ensuring a secure and lawful living environment for yourself and your fellow tenants.