Your house is more than a mere four walls. If you’re like most of us, it’s part of a larger setting that includes community and a sense of safety and well-being Whether a mile away or within spitting distance, you probably have neighbors. Neighbors can be a godsend or a nightmare. How would you categorize your neighbors? And while we are on the subject, what sort of a neighbor are you? According to FindLaw.com, a recent survey found that 42% of Americans say they have had a dispute with a neighbor. Here are a few tips on how to be a good neighbor.
What Sort of a Neighbor Are You?
Respect the Boundaries
The most common reason neighbors find themselves in court is over property line disputes. Consider hiring a legal surveyor. A surveyor can lay out your property lines if you or your neighbor are building a new fence, putting in a new driveway, laying out a pool, or planting trees. Undoing a project in progress due to property line disputes – (or worse yet, a project that has been completed) is going to get ugly. Property line disputes are the perfect setting to create “bad blood” between you and your neighbor and can also end up costing you a great deal of money.
Roving Rover
We love our pets, but that doesn’t mean others have to. Be a good neighbor and be respectful of your neighbor’s yard and don’t let your dog relieve itself on someone else’s property. Many cities observe leash laws, which means your neighbors have the right to contact the police if your dog roams free. Keep your pets in your own yard and clean up after them. It will keep your pet safe, and keep peace among your neighbors.
If your dog is aggressive, it goes without saying, it should be kept fenced at all times. Local and state laws define the proper way to keep pets controlled in residential areas. Make sure you know where you stand.
“Can you turn that thing down?”
Just because you enjoy rocking out while you clean your house or wash your car, doesn’t mean your neighbors want to rock along with you. Other noise nuisances include ceaselessly barking dogs, screaming children, and your lawnmower powering up at 630 in the morning.
Parking Problems
In most neighborhoods, it’s legal to park on the street. Just be aware of where you are parking and whether or not it infringes on your neighbor. It should go without saying, one should never block a neighbor’s driveway. Also, keep in mind that just like pets, parking is governed by local ordinances and laws. If your neighbor does not respond to a conversation about annoying parking habits, it is within your rights to contact the local parking enforcement to have the vehicle towed or ticketed. That is, if the vehicle is on your property without your consent, or parked in a no-parking zone, fire lane, or another unlawful manner.
Tree Debris
Be aware of how your trees affect your neighbors. Errant tree debris is a common complaint between neighbors. If your trees’ branches extend into your neighbor’s property, keep them pruned. Don’t allow your trees to damage your neighbor’s fences, cars, driveways, sidewalks, or personal property. Don’t rake or “leaf blow” your leaves into your neighbor’s yard.
How to Deal With “Less-Than-Neighborly” Neighbors
Believe it or not, experts suggest introducing yourself and getting to know your neighbors better. The thought is that people tend to be more accountable and respectful of those they know personally. Bear in mind, your neighbor might have no idea they are annoying you. Don’t be accusatory when talking with your neighbor, just keep the conversation as light and friendly as possible. If the root of your neighbor’s problem is something you can assist them in solving, this would be a win-win for you.
1. Offer a Sympathetic Ear
If you are the one being accused of “less-than-neighborly” behavior, listen with an open mind. Whether they are right or wrong, focus on whether you can address their issue with you. If you’re willing to work with them, more than likely they will be willing to do the same for you.
2. Document Your Interactions
This probably won’t be necessary, but document your interactions with your neighbor, just in case you need it as a reference. Should your interactions deteriorate in such a way that you need to involve an HOA, an attorney, or even law enforcement, it will benefit you tremendously to have a record of communications with your neighbor. Keep track of important dates, emails, texts, and photos to support your case.
3. Know the Law Before You Act
Don’t spout off about the law to your neighbor if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Should your issue with your neighbor be so severe it involves taking legal action, contact an attorney, your HOA, your local housing department, or other experts who know the ins and outs of your rights. Again, even if your interaction with your neighbor is friendly, it’s better that you’re aware of where you stand legally. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power”, even if you aren’t wielding it, knowledge and power can keep many situations from deteriorating unnecessarily.
4. Contact Authorities Only As a Last Resort
Loose dogs? Contact Animal Control. Garbage all over your neighbor’s lawn? Contact your city’s Code Enforcement Officer. The idea is that you contact the police as a last resort, and only if you feel threatened or your family is in danger. Entering in a “war” with your neighbor can make your life miserable, and should be avoided at all costs, especially if their behavior is annoying and not illegal.