Whether they’re noisy, impede on your personal space, or don’t take care of their property, having problematic neighbors can be, well, a problem. That said, dealing with them is a delicate situation. So, if you find yourself in this awkward position, here are a few ways to successfully rectify the situation.
Let Them Know the Situation
Your neighbors don’t know what you don’t tell them, so it’s time to speak up. If your problems are fixable, it’s best to approach them politely and voice your concerns. The conversation should be quick, simple, and non-combative, as the intention is to let them know what’s bothering you, not to pick a fight.
Avoid Accusations
Have you ever been approached negatively? It doesn’t make you more inclined to help or listen. When you approach your neighbors about a problem, it’s important not to accuse them. Instead, calmly let them know what’s bothering you. This way, you’ve voiced your concern without actively starting a war.
Look at Yourself
Almost everyone has had bad neighbors, but have you ever been the bad neighbor? Before you escalate the problem, look at your own neighbor etiquette. Is your yard taken care of? Do your pets use your neighbor’s yards, and if they do, do you clean it up? Do you frequently have guests over to the point that things get loud? Assess your behavior first to ensure you’re not coming across as hypocritical.
Give Them a Warning
If you’ve tried the above steps and there has been no improvement, it may be time to be a little more firm in your complaints. This time, issue a warning rather than reporting them. Again, keep things civil and non-emotional and simply let them know that you will have to report them to the HOA (or whatever entity applies) if the problem continues. That way, you are justified in taking that next step, as you’ve given them at least two chances to correct their behavior.
Keep a Record
Let’s say your neighbor’s dog goes to the bathroom in your yard, and your neighbor doesn’t clean it up. If you’ve already approached your neighbors and nothing has improved, it may be time to escalate the problem. To do this, you need to document how often it’s happening. Is it monthly? Weekly? Daily? You’ll have more of a leg to stand on in escalating the issue the more frequently the problem occurs.
Have you ever dealt with problematic neighbors? Share your experiences in the comments below!