Problem Neighbors

Thank you (April 4) for the front-page attention to problem neighbors whose trash and non-maintenance of their property degrade neighborhoods.

Too often the problem neighbor is paying rent to an absentee owner whose property investment is paying off as the neighbors’ property investments are losing value. But the law leans in favor of the absentee’s property rights and that is why it is so difficult, costly, time consuming and too often futile to clean up eyesores and nuisances.

The law should provide equal justice but in cases involving absentee ownership of residential property is does not, has not and perhaps even will not. The right to blight seems sacrosanct.

BARBARA BURBY

Garden Grove