What could be a more frustrating feeling to move into your Mission Viejo rental house expecting peace and quiet only to find out that one of your neighbors is a problem? Bad neighbors are a problem. But with every problem, there is always a solution. Here are a few tricks to turn a nightmare neighbor problem into an opportunity to create a more positive environment for you both.
Be the Change
Quite often, it is easy to point our fingers at our neighbors without looking at our own behavior first. Take the high road. Instead of accusing your neighbors of being the problem, examine yourself first if you are the cause of it. Are you considerate of others of your noise level? What about your pets? Do you make an effort in making your property clean and tidy? Do you respect your neighbor’s property? By answering these questions truthfully, you can be sure to be a good neighbor first.
Get to Know Your Neighbor
You may not feel like doing this but offering your hand first addresses a bad neighbor situation very well. Get to know your neighbor by establishing a line of friendly communication with them. Introduce yourself, smile, and say hello. Be friendly but not overly friendly to leave a positive impression during your first meetings. Don’t worry if you don’t get the desired response, at least you did your part in establishing a relationship. When the timing is right, bring up the problem behaviors in a polite, non-confrontational way. Regardless of our best intentions, this doesn’t mean that the neighbor will stop his annoying behavior but it makes them aware that such behavior is causing problems.
The Golden Rule
If you observe that your bad neighbor is complaining about a lot of things, perhaps she needs someone to listen to. Also, some neighbors cannot take constructive criticism. They tend to become hostile or aggressive or turn the tables around and accuse you instead. Our natural response to this is to be defensive. But it is better to remain friendly and accommodating than to try to show that you’re right. If you try and find solutions for your neighbor’s complaints, they will likely do the same for you.
Document Everything
Just because you’re friendly with your neighbors does not mean you’re okay with their bad behavior. 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 problem behavior will provide much better evidence if you need to inform your other neighbors, the owner’s association, landlord, attorney, or even the local authorities. If possible, also keep a record of relevant dates, times, and conversations. Keep all phone and text messages and emails, if any. It’s quite unlikely that you will be needing these videos and photos but it is a good idea to have them when the need arises.
Contact the Authorities
If you have expended so much effort but your neighbor’s behavior still does not improve, it may be best to contact the local authorities. Urgently so if your neighbor threatens you, damages the property, or tries to harm you or someone in your household. Some behaviors can be dealt with by the city’s code enforcement department, health department, owner’s association, or animal control. But when it comes to illegal activity or violence, call the police at once.
When all else fails, you could always move to a new Mission Viejo rental home and say goodbye to your neighbor. Real Property Management Agile has the perfect home for you if you’re looking to move. Check out our rental listings or contact us online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
