Dear Abby Readers Struggle With Abandoned Neighbor Properties

A Dear Abby reader asked how much neighbors should do to maintain a house left vacant after its owner died.

• 5 cars sit on and around the property, some damaged.
• Bill collectors visit, and the reader says utilities are unpaid.
• The son reportedly stops by about once a month for mail.
• Neighbors have picked up litter, raked leaves and watered roses.

Why it matters: Phillips told the reader to stop doing free yard work on the property. She called the cars a safety concern.

• She advised giving creditors the son's contact information.
• She suggested listing problems and reporting them to the city.

How 3 sources split on this story

What’s next: Phillips predicted municipal fines would push the family to clean up or sell.

• Whether local rules let police tow the cars as abandoned.