Getting CPS involved is a sure way to escalate it for the tenant to go balistic on you downstairs. I know I would. Considering that you guys share the same building and probably share the same plumbing, etc, I’d say going this route, you are definitely asking for it. Again, they are tenants. Worst comes to worst, they won’t give a shit about the apartment they are occupying….If you think they are doing such a lousy job raising the kids, chances are they are doing a lousy job with their finances, and they won’t give a shit about losing a deposit or doing whatever else crap to the property and whatever is running between that unit and yours…You’re best bet it to work with the landlord. If you’re going to be spending money, you might as well consider the option of spending money to convince the landlord upstairs to not renew their lease. Might end up being cheaper. IE throw the tenant a bone and give the tenant money to move (directly/indirectly). You getting a lawyer, and going that route, I think is going to be a much longer and costly process.

[quote]
That’s what happens after a financial crisis and desperate incidental landlords need to rent out their units. I guess it’s a price to pay for opportunity.
[/quote]

While true, this is also the risk you have in general with buying a downstairs unit. Not saying you shouldn’t consider one. But I’m sure it’s not the first time someone had to deal with your situation. That said, one condo I have is downstairs, but I also made it a point to know the landlord upstairs, and we’re cool with things, even though he’s more or less out of town. So occasionally when I check on my unit, I check on his, and let him know what’s going on, and he appreciates that.