Living next to an uncooperative neighbour can wreak havoc in many ways. Financially, it can escalate to a point where it affects the property value of your home and emotionally, it can threaten your safety and sense of well-being. Luckily, there are lots of ways to take action without starting a full blown war on your street:
1. Introduce Yourself
Whether you’re the newest addition to the neighbourhood or you’ve lived there for decades, it’s important that you get to know all of your neighbours by name. Say hi whenever you see them, start conversations when appropriate and most importantly, be friendly! Familiarity can go a long way when it comes to defusing future problems.
2. Don’t Assume
We’ve all heard the famous saying about making assumptions. In this case, it couldn’t ring more true. It’s easy to assume that a messy unkept lawn means your neighbours are lazy, but it could also mean that the person who lives there is too ill to handle yard work. If you want to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, offer to mow it for them if an illness is preventing regular maintenance. If it’s truly lazy/sloppy neighbours, then consider #4 below.
3. Be Empathetic
Be aware of when you’re approaching neighbours and how you’re approaching them when it comes to tone and message. Yelling at your neighbour at 4am while they’re outside with their dog barking uncontrollably is probably not the best solution to the underlying problem. Try to structure the conversation around genuine concern instead of irritability or anger. Remember, there may be something you’re doing that annoys them as well so keep an open mind and an empathetic heart.
4. Stay Informed
When all else fails, being aware of the governing laws in your neighbourhood can go a long way, especially when immediate assumptions are proven true. Find out what the regulations are for noise, unkept yards, junk cars and trash in your municipality. In this case, knowledge is power. If expressing your concerns face-to-face with your neighbour isn’t working, consider calling the authorities and filing a complaint with the police, homeowners association or city. While your neighbour may not appreciate the potential fine and your interference in the situation, you can rest assured that you are indeed within your rights.
5. Consider Mediation
If your neighbour is somewhat reasonable, you can consider using a mediator to solve any disputes. Keep in mind that mediation won’t assign blame, but rather help you both find a win-win so each of you walks away happy and able to live in close proximity without any underlying tension.
Do you have a neighbour horror story? How did you find a solution?
