What recourse do I have for neighbor making frivilous complaints?

False claims of what type? More details would be helpful.

I’d take the direct approach and attempt an rational conversation with them. ASK them to explain their concerns and be OPEN to hearing what they say. You must remember that your idea of “false” complaints may not fit their reality. Yes, we need more details, and you must be brutally HONEST and not minimize any fact based concerns.

Have any of your residents behaved badly and given reason for these complaints?
Are they allowed to loiter near the property boundaries, do they have criminal backgrounds, mental health issues, any violent tendencies?
These are all VALID reasons for neighbors to be concerned.

I see this as a double edged sword, while I support rehab programs I also would not be too fond of having a group home next door to me.
I live in a rural tourist community and there is a group home for drug and alcohol abusers a few miles from me near the hub of our tourist community and there has been an increase in crime, theft and local businesses dealing with shoplifting with these people out on day passes.

While what you’re doing is admirable it is also your income source and I could see how it might be easy for you to invalidate concerns because you are making your living off of potentially dangerous people. Tell us more.

I hate stigma. I think the best thing you can do is to keep impeccable records, document everything, and run your business in a way that breaks the stigma.
I’m sure you have rules that cover the behavior of your residents. Let your neighbors know that you are just as concerned as them about maintaining a safe community. Some people are just bigots and will never accept people with psychiatric or dependency issues. As long as you are actively involved in running a good program that promotes healthy living, welcome the building inspectors, the police and the authorities, Give them cookies and thank them for being as concerned as you are about providing a safe home for your residents.

@Judi I agree, I hate stigma too, but…the reality of rehab homes do carry an increased risk of potential unsavory behaviors. Tis the nature of the unrecovered beast for many. Again, a double edged sword. Addicts will always struggle with relapse, and, sadly, crime and theft do go hand in hand with these issues.

@Coloma, that’s why an excellent program with active management, documentation and accountability are so important.

I read somewhere that a really loud rooster will annoy pesky neighbors.

If the false claims involve law enforcement than you have recourse and maybe you should contact your lawyer ( I’m not a lawyer and advice is “only interesting” ). Also the county may want to make a visit to your neighbor with a couple of uniformed individuals to tell to back-off.

we have tried the “nice” approach; we are a “Faith-based” program and it is important for us to maintain our testimony. That being said, we do NOT believe in merely standing still while being harrassed. A sample of the issue today was she reported us for having more than one “Business” vehicle parked on the premises. That is an outright LIE. We have one van which has the name of an Office Supply company we have. That is the ONLY vehicle that is at all business-related. In fact, my husband challenged her yesterday to give him ONE example of anything our folks have done to distrub her/her property or anyone else’s in the neighborhood – NO REPLY! First of all, we only have 3 clients… small group. They are all sober; we drug test weekly and randomly… you fail a test – you’re out. We are in complete compliance with ALL county/local/fire ordinances. This woman goes off on everyone in her life… i.e. her trash service, yard service, mailman – I’ve witnessed it ALL with my own eyes. Does not seem right to me that she is trying to shut us down simply because she is a miserable person who looks for (and makes up) reasons to call the Police, Fire Dept, Code Enforcement, etc…. and not just on us, but MANY others on our street. We’re just unlucky enough to live right across the street!!!! arhhh! I hope I answered this in the correct format – my first day here!! Thanks everyone for your responses/question/comments.

I am willing to bet that the various agencies that she calls know her game plan, and so they probably are aware of her M.O. That said, I would call the local District Attorney and discuss with them that she is harassing you by utilizing the services of the various agencies, and also, making unnecessary work for them all. Ask them for advice on how to handle the situation with her false claims.

I have several friends and acquaintances that work in law enforcement, habitual complainers are recognized by them as chronic problems. Talk to the Police, Fire Department and others about the neighbor that keeps crying “wolf”, when they visit you and thank them for their support. Keep your cool and remember she maybe under a delusion / fear of people different, in her eyes, of normal.

Document everything. Starting today!
Make a spreadsheet with Date Time / complaint or accusations / Agency called / resolution (true or False) / hours spent resolving the issue.

If you are on good terms with the neighbors ask them to add their information too.
Value your time at $X / hours. (What services have you had to pay for because you were wasting time with her?)
Keep this information and a running total. When it reaches a predetermined threshold you can hit her with a lawsuit ans sue for triple damages.

@KennesawBeliever Tough situation, I hope it all gets worked out.