[Louise16]

My tenant comes across as a nice intelligent reliable guy, always pays his rent and is usually quiet, never having friends over. I don't' think things have gone quite his way this year as is normal for someone in their mid 20's. About 3 months ago I heard him cursing and swearing loudly, yelling his frustration. He was living with his girlfriend at the time and I assume she was there but heard no sound in response. I sent him an email the next day to ask if he was ok as he sounded really upset. He wrote back and apologized, said he was embarrassed and it would never happen again. Since then I have heard him yelling in anger or frustration at least every other day. His girlfriend got a job overseas and he plans to visit her when his course is done in Dec(2 months from now). How much anger is abnormal? If he wasn't moving out I would probably want him to move as it scares me, although I am at no risk. Should I be concerned that he is going to flip out? What should I do to help him? I can't approach him and writing wouldn't be very effective. The only contact info I have for anyone else is an old boss. Any ideas?

[Little Lulu]

Do you think he is yelling at someone on the phone or is he alone when this happens? It does sound like he is having a struggle of some sort and I can understand your concern. I think I would find his behavior unsettling also but I can't think of a way for you to get involved without seeming like you are prying, unless he is so disruptive that calling the police seems like the thing to do. How soon is he moving?

[hvert]

Since he will be gone in two months, I might just let it go, unless you can hear what he is shouting specifically and it is something to worry about.

It's very disturbing to hear someone doing that, but I am wondering if your tenant is shouting at a video game or his laptop screen?

[Louise16]

He could be shouting at his computer but it is still concerning. It's not just a "oh s***" , it goes on and on for 5 minutes sometimes, usually "oh my f 'ing God!". Whatever he is reacting to is over the top on a regular basis. I guess my concern is that he may be doing this with people or losing his mind or building to something. Don't we all have a responsibility to prevent catastrophes? I just don't know what to do. I certainly don't feel safe to speak to him in person and an email just doesn't have the same impact.

[Little Lulu]

Maybe you could contact a law enforcement official (they deal with lots of domestic and mental health issues) and describe the situation to them. They may be able to give you some guidance.

I understand your concern. On the chance that someone with serious mental health issues and possible a danger to self or others is brewing in your apartment building, you do have a responsibility to look in to it. Good for you.

(((Louise16))) for being a responsible citizen.

[hvert]

If you called the police, would he know you did it? Are there other neighbors nearby who might plausibly hear these noises as well?

[ombrétwilight]

Since he is moving out soon, I would just sit through it. Unless you heard him shouting things like "I'm gonna shoot XXX!!" etc. then I would not involve law enforcement. He sounds like he's going through a rough patch and if the shouting gets intolerable, I might speak to other tenants/neighbours and discuss what we might do as a community.

[hvert]

My boyfriend is upstairs now, working on a software project. It's not going well. I think if anyone else heard him, they might want to call the cops.

Get a pack of disposable ear plugs and use them ... If the neighbor directly threatens you, however, that is a whole other matter and then would be the time to notify authorities.

Otherwise, I wouldn't involve myself as all of us have our own issues to resolve and work on without taking on somebody else's drama and trauma!

If you suspect he's abusing a child, an old person or an animal, though, I'd definitely contact the authorities right away!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Surely it is unacceptable that you are made fearful in your own home?

[cool09]

This is a tenant that lives in the same house as you? If he lives in a different house the landlord should not get involved with his personal issues. If he lives in the same house then you have a right to tell him to keep some peace around the house. If he can't do that then they you have the right to tell him to leave. Anger has no limits especially with some people who are more prone to it than others.

[Bill3]

My suggestion is to speak to your attorney about what you may legally do in this situation.