Disruptive Conduct Management

Location & Hours: 

City Hall (435 Hamilton St), 3rd Floor

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

About

The Disruptive Conduct Code is a set of rules designed to keep peace and order in Allentown's neighborhoods. Its main goal is to stop behaviors that harm the quality of life for all residents.

The code describes disruptive conduct as any behavior by people living in or visiting a rental property that:

    • Is too loud
    • Happens at unreasonable hours
    • Is offensive, aggressive, or hostile
    • Disturbs people's ability to enjoy their homes peacefully
    • Damages the property

These behaviors are serious enough for a police officer to issue a Disruptive Conduct Report (DCR).

This code applies only to rental units. So, if you rent in Allentown, this code affects you.

The code focuses on repeated disruptive behavior that truly stops neighbors from living peacefully in their homes.

Under this code, landlords must:

    1. Make sure their tenants know the rules about disruptive behavior.
    2. Take action when told about a disruptive conduct violation.

Landlords can take back their property if tenants repeatedly break the Disruptive Conduct Code. For this reason, it’s important that all tenants and their guests act in a way that doesn’t disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the area.

By following these guidelines, renters in Allentown can help create a peaceful and respectful community. The DCR Code helps address serious issues with disruptive neighbors before things get out of hand. We all have a role in maintaining a calm and harmonious neighborhood by being aware of how our actions affect others.

For more information, contact Carlin Caraballo, Nuisance Abatement Manager, at 610-437-7604 ext. 2744 or email carlin.caraballo@allentownpa.gov.

FAQs

A DCR (Disruptive Conduct Report) is a written report made by a police officer after investigating disruptive behavior.

To report disruptive conduct, residents can call the Allentown Police Department at (610) 437-7751.

Residents can also make reports through the Check-Mate system, which lets callers use a number instead of their real name. This system helps keep the caller's identity private if they want to stay anonymous.

Check-Mate applications are available at the Allentown Police Department or City Hall.

When you are disturbed by: noise or behavior that is very loud at the wrong times, rude or aggressive, or by damage to property.

  1. The Police Officer will investigate the report and take appropriate action to address the issue. If indeed evidence of a Disruptive Conduct is found a DCR is issued to the Tenant of the property.
  2. A Disruptive Conduct Report (DCR) is then submitted to City of Allentown for enforcement of the Code.

  1. Once a DCR (Disruptive Conduct Report) is received by the City of Allentown, it is entered into a database where it is recorded and tracked.
  2. A notice of violation is sent to both the tenant listed on the report and the landlord. This gives them a chance to address the problem and prevent future incidents that could lead to eviction. This process can happen up to three times.
  3. A key point is that if a 3rd Disruptive Conduct Report is issued within 12 months, it will result in a request for eviction. This means the landlord has the option to fix the issue by evicting the tenant.

  • Keep noise at a reasonable level.
  • Respect your neighbors' property.
  • Always follow local rules.
  • Be a responsible renter.

Contact

Contact Information
Disruptive Conduct Reporting
Allentown Police Department
Carlin Caraballo
Nuisance Abatement Manager

Laws

Residential Rental Unit Regulations

Resources

Disruptive Conduct Board of Appeals
North Penn Legal Services