Few things are worse than moving into a new Yonkers rental house only to realize that one of your neighbors will be a concern. Handling bad neighbors can be stressful and complicated, but there are many things that you can do to help make the situation a little better. By following a few simple guidelines, you could turn a nightmare neighbor situation into an opportunity to create a more positive environment for you both.
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 nuisance, make sure that you do not contribute to it yourself. Is your noise level too loud? Are your pets being a threat? Do you keep your property safe and organized? Do you respect the property of your neighbors? By answering such questions honestly, you can ensure that you are a respectable neighbor first.
Get to Know Your Neighbor
It seems unusual, but one of the best ways to address a bad neighbor situation is to approach them directly. Find a way 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 optimistic. While not all neighbors will respond in the same way, at least you have done your part to establish a relationship. If necessary, try to talk about the problem behaviors in a pleasant and unconfrontational manner. There is no guarantee that this will stop the unpleasant 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 talking about things, perhaps the best thing you can do is listen with empathy. While some neighbors may become harsh or unkind, if you bring up the issues, others may turn around and start to accuse you of doing things they don’t like. It can be difficult not to become defensive, but it is much more productive to stay professional and cooperative than to “win” the conversation. If you do what you can to settle your neighbor’s complaints, they may be more likely to do a similar thing to you.
Document Everything
Being friendly does not mean letting your neighbors get away with their bad manners. As you work with your neighbor, it is good to document what is going on with photos, videos, or other tools. A video or photo of the concerned behavior will provide much greater evidence if you need to inform your other neighbors, the owner’s association, landlord, attorney, or even the local authorities. Furthermore, also keep a record of relevant dates, times, and conversations. Save phone and text messages and emails, if any. There is a strong 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 behavior continues, maybe it would be time to approach 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 attitudes can be addressed through the city’s code enforcement department, health department, owner’s association, or animal control. But if you’re starting to see 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 Yonkers rental home. Real Property Management DePenn has the perfect home for you if you’re looking to move. Check out our rental listings or contact us online.
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