First of all, I would urge you to put everything that's transpired in writing and send it to your landlord. Start off with a simple "This is to confirm in writing recent events regarding Neighbor XYZ..." and then make a written record, the complaints, tire slashing, lunging at you, all of it.

The moment he lunged at you, you should have contacted the police. You can still go in and talk to them again about everything (in my area it's possible to get a restraining order after a cumulative effective of events - in other words an Order of Protection doesn't necessarily have to be obtained immediately after a specific incident). This goes beyond the typical neighbor dispute - when someone comes at you in an aggressive manner and their spouse has to hold them back, it's crossed a line.

How is it that he can understand all your conversations, but apparently it was never an issue with prior occupants? (You should try to find out.)

Meantime, if you have a verbal conversation with your LL, send a short note within a couple days saying "this is to confirm our conversation of 3/27/09..." That creates a written record and a paper trail. If you have a conversation relevant to this with anyone else (different neighbor, someone in HOA, etc.,) immediately jot down everything that was said while it's fresh in your mind.

If it's a large complex, can you request a unit away from him? (Stress your fear for your family's safety.) And try to get a first floor?

That part about you not answering the door was, in his opinion being rude so he had to call the cops? What a nut case. He could have called you and left a message, he could have left a note at your door, he could have asked the LL to mediate. Calling the police because you didn't answer your door is ridiculous. (You could have been in the shower for all he knew.) Regardless, if some jerk lunged at me no way would I open the door for him. Ever. Please inform your LL that you fear for your own and your children's physical safety.

And yes, consult an attorney.

Find out if there's another suitable apt. in the complex you could move into (or the other party could use). if not, get your lawyer to draft something or other to present to the LL and/or HOA saying you have as much right to the reasonable enjoyment of your place as nutbar downstairs, and that it's completely unreasonable to expect a 2 yr old to behave like a 90 yr old (and it's not your fault his wife is pregnant). Unless you have grossly exaggerated your innocence in this mess, you need to get some help, but maybe try coming across as unaggressively as possible just to keep things cool all around.

My apologies, I was so very tired when I wrote my response above that I got things twisted. I see you called the police instead of answering the door, rather than he called the police because you didn't answer. My bad.

I've been thinking about your situation some more. There are a zillion reasons why not to break a lease, but occasionally there are legitimate reasons. And imho you are getting into that arena with the tire slashing and physical affront. You are entitled to 'peaceful enjoyment' as much as the nutty neighbor.

Since this goes beyond typical lease language, I'm still encouraging you to consult an attorney.

Thank you so much for both your advices. You both expressed excellent and helpful points and I will act on your suggestions.

I made a mistake not reporting the incident with the neighbor attempting to lunge at me, or the tire slashing. I was afraid that it would escallate the problem even more, when in fact it could have difused the issue.

Thank you and I appreciate both your help.

You need to protect your self immediately. First thing to do, as previously suggested, is to document ALL previous communication and events to the LL.

Second, depending on when the lunging and tire slashing happened(some states deem 90-days max) you can still file a report. I would suggest doing so.

Third, Do NOT open the door for the neighbors again, UNLESS you have a witness with you, OR don't bother to open it.