You’ve done months of research, found your dream apartment, and signed the lease. When you finally move in, however, you discover your next-door neighbor is a chronic late-night party person. Or maybe you’ve lived in your dream place only to have someone move into the next unit and deposit heaps of garbage daily outside the building.
Learning how to deal with annoying neighbors is an essential part of renting. Sometimes, you’ll figure out how to avoid neighbors and keep the peace. Other times, the problem gets too intense. You don’t want to get yourself into legal trouble by acting out of frustration. Before you reach your breaking point, learn about the legal steps you can take to deal with bad neighbors legally.
Know your rights and responsibilities as a renter
As a renter, you have certain rights that protect you from the actions of other neighbors. These rights can vary depending on the state and the specific situation. However, some common rights include:
- The right to peaceful enjoyment of your property
- The right to privacy
- The right to a quiet environment
Along with rights, you also have responsibilities as a neighbor. These responsibilities include:
- Being respectful of your neighbor’s property and privacy
- Keeping your property in good condition
- Keeping noise levels to a reasonable level
What makes a bad neighbor?
What makes a neighbor a bad neighbor? What gets on one renter’s nerves may not bother someone else at all, and what we perceive as bad situations can range from purely annoying to illegal. You’ll find a few main types of bad neighbors, such as the following:
- Noisy neighbors: From couples in the next unit getting into screaming matches at all hours and late-night party people to the kid who won’t stop blasting music, noisy neighbors can disrupt the sanctuary of your home.
- Messy neighbors: Who enjoys coming home to trash bags in front of the apartment? This type of neighbor. You might find some renters with pets who don’t bother to clean up after their furry friend, too.
- Unfriendly neighbors: Maybe the person next door never says a word to you, or maybe you have a neighbor who’s actively mean to you.
- Dangerous neighbors: Neighbors who engage in illegal activities, such as dealing drugs or creating a physical threat to you, go beyond daily annoyances. Some neighbors are downright dangerous.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone if you have some awful neighbors on your hands. Dealing with neighbors comes with the territory of living in apartments. It’s essential to learn how to handle situations with neighbors legally.
What a bad neighbor does will ultimately determine the type of legal remedies you can use. For example, you may have to accept hearing a dog that occasionally barks during the day or soundproof your apartment. Noise that violates city ordinances, however, might allow you to pursue a legal case.
How to resolve conflict with your neighbors
You can take a few steps when you’re dealing with bad neighbors without getting into legal trouble yourself.
- Approach your neighbor about the issue
The first step in dealing with bad neighbors is to approach them and try to resolve the issue. Here are some tips for approaching your neighbor:
Choose the right time and place to talk.
Be calm and polite.
Explain how their actions are affecting you.
Listen to their perspective.
Try to come up with a solution together. - Write a letter
If approaching your neighbor in person is not possible or does not work, you can write them a letter. Here are some tips for writing a letter to your neighbor:
Be clear and concise.
Explain the issue and how it is affecting you.
Suggest a solution.
Be polite and respectful. - File a complaint
If all attempts to resolve the issue with your neighbor have failed, you can file a complaint with your landlord or property manager. Here are some tips for filing a complaint:
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Follow the proper procedure for filing a complaint.
Be prepared to attend a mediation. - Contact local authorities
Sometimes, bad neighbors are bad enough to require involving the police. If you feel unsafe, you may need to go this route. Let the authorities know how you’ve tried to solve a problem — it’s always a good idea to keep documentation of ongoing harassment. The police will investigate, and you’ll likely need to appear as a witness if your case goes to court. This should be your last option as it can have financial ramifications and could make your living environment more stressful.
- Consider relocating
If all else fails, you may want to consider moving on from your living space. Discuss your options with your landlord. They may be willing to let you out of your lease early if you are not able to resolve the conflict through all other avenues.
Final thoughts
Dealing with neighbors comes with its challenges, especially if you live next to someone annoying you. Learning how to handle bad neighbors without getting into legal trouble yourself is an integral part of apartment living. By behaving politely and keeping the law on your side, you can prevent awful neighbors from ruining the experience of living your best life in your dream home.
Ready to move out instead? Search thousands of apartments and homes for rent on Zumper and get yourself some new neighbors.
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