Be the Change
Sometimes, it is easy to become irritated by our neighbors without taking a step back and giving our own behavior a closer look. Before you start accusing your neighbors of being a burden, make sure that you do not contribute to it yourself. Is your noise level too powerful? Are your pets annoying? Do you keep your property free from dirt? Do you respect the property of your neighbors? By answering such questions honestly, you can ensure that you are a great neighbor first.
Get to Know Your Neighbor
It seems strange, but one of the best ways to address a bad neighbor situation is to approach them directly. Attempt to open a line of positive communication with your neighbor by learning more about them. Introduce yourself, say hello when you see one another, and try to make your first interactions meaningful. While not all neighbors will respond in the same way, at least you have done your part to establish a relationship. If possible, try to mention the negative behaviors in a respectful, non-confrontational manner. There is no guarantee that this will stop the irritating behavior, but it will help your neighbor understand that what they are doing is causing problems for others.
The Golden Rule
If your bad neighbor is always grumbling about things, perhaps the best thing you can do is listen with empathy. While some neighbors may become rude or violent, if you bring up concerns, others may turn around and begin to accuse you of doing things they don’t like. It can be hard not to become defensive, but it is much more productive to stay polite and respectful than to “win” the argument. If you do what you can to address your neighbor’s complaints, they may be more likely to do the same for you.
Document Everything
Being friendly does not mean letting your neighbors get away with their terrible conduct. As you work with your neighbor, it is good to document what is going on with photos, videos, or other means. A video or photo of the bad behavior will give much stronger evidence if you need to inform your other neighbors, the owner’s association, landlord, attorney, or even the local authorities. Whenever possible, also keep a record of relevant dates, times, and conversations. Store phone and text messages and emails, if any. There is a huge possibility you may never need the video and photos you’ve taken, but it’s important to have everything ready just in case.
Contact the Authorities
If you’ve tried everything else, but your neighbor’s behaviors remain, it might be best to inform the local authorities. This is especially true if your neighbor threatens you, damages the property, or tries to harm you or someone in your household. Some actions can be addressed through the city’s code enforcement department, health department, owner’s association, or animal control. But if you witness any illegal activity or things escalate into violence, call the police.
Of course, one of the best ways to get away from a bad neighbor is to move to a new Cumming rental home. Real Property Management North Point has the perfect home for you if you’re looking to move. Check out our rental listings or contact us online.