DEAR HARRIETTE: I have noticed a lot of people coming in and out of my next-door neighbor’s apartment. Mostly, they seem to be tourist types. A couple have been loud and kind of rowdy. I think she is renting out rooms in her home. There are too many people coming and going for these to be friend visits. I understand that people have to figure out how to make ends meet, but I have two small children, and I feel uncomfortable having so many people coming and going right next door to me. I’m pretty sure it’s not legal to do this. My neighbor isn’t open to talking to me. Should I call the police? I want to protect my kids. -- Close the Revolving Door, Manhattan, New York
DEAR CLOSE THE REVOLVING DOOR: Your neighbor probably is running a room rental through a service like Airbnb, which is legal in New York City if she is living in the home. It may be difficult for you to get any real support to shut down your neighbor’s room-rental hustle.
If something happens that makes you or your children feel unsafe, you can call 911. To file a complaint without cause for alarm, you can call 311 to report your concerns. Your complaint will be investigated. If your neighbor is not complying with the law, she may be shut down.