Being neighborly in tricky situations

Published on September 19, 2024

Issues with a neighbor are common, and they can often be resolved with a conversation. If you have a property concern and feel safe talking to your neighbor, we encourage you to politely approach them or leave a note as your first course of action. They may not realize they’re affecting you, and you may be able to work together to solve an issue.  

While the City doesn’t get involved with or mediate private property matters, there are some situations where you’ll want to contact us.  

Knowing when an issue crosses the line into a legal violation or public safety concern can be tricky. If you or your family have been threatened or you are concerned for your safety, always call the police. Here are a few ways you can take action in other difficult situations to keep your neighborhood safe and welcoming.

Suspicious activity

If you notice suspicious activity at a neighbor’s house, report it. Police may not know there’s a problem unless they are told, but people often take for granted that someone else has called or they’re being a “nosy neighbor.” Notifying the police lets them further investigate the situation to determine if there’s criminal activity. Signs to watch for include: 

• A high volume of traffic regularly going to and from a home but not staying long.  
• People arriving at or leaving homes at unusual hours regularly.  
• Strangers loitering outside their house. 
• Someone peering into their cars or windows. 
• Someone tampering with electrical, gas or sewer systems without an identifiable company vehicle or uniform. 

If you see suspicious, possibly criminal activity, you should never try to take action. Always call the police so trained law enforcement officers can handle it. The police dispatch non-emergency line is 913.477.7301. Call 911 when it’s an emergency.

If the residence next to you is for sale or rent, it could be unoccupied. Watch for open or broken doors and windows.

Lawn and garden issues 

You aren’t required by City Code to rake up your leaves, but it is neighborly to keep your leaves from blowing into adjacent yards. 

Leaf care can require a lot of time and physical labor, especially in established areas with mature trees. If your neighbor is elderly, recovering from an injury or has other physical challenges, consider asking if they need help.  

If you’re looking for another way to dispose of leaves, consider mulch mowing. Mow over the leaves with no bagger attachment. Then reattach the bagger and collect the leaves. Use the fine collected leaf material as a nutritious mulch around trees and in garden beds, or add it to your compost mix.  

If you spot someone raking or blowing leaves into a storm drain, call Lenexa Municipal Services at 913.477.7880. It’s illegal to dump anything into a storm drain, including liquids.

Disruptive neighbors 

If your neighbor’s dog is barking more than usual or disrupting you, it’s a good idea to call or text them to make sure they’re OK. There might be a reason the dog won’t stop barking. If you can’t get ahold of your neighbor, call the non-emergency line at 913.477.7301.  

It can be uncomfortable to crash a house party and tell them to quiet down. If there’s a loud gathering next door late at night, call the non-emergency police number. 

If your neighbor is burning illegal things such as lumber or trash, please call the non-emergency number when it’s occurring so the Fire Department can be sent out.