HELP! I cannot get along with my neighbor!

By Dawn Hardley, Property Manager

As Real Estate Property Managers we can do our job to the letter of the law but when it comes to trying to make two different parties get along, it is not “what we do.” We get dozens and dozens of the following complaints:

“My neighbor is making too much noise……….….”

“My neighbor is parking in my spot……………….”

“My neighbor is smoking outside my window….…”

“My neighbor throws their garbage in my can…….”

We could write a book with all the complaints. Rather than speaking with respect and kindness to their neighbor, it’s usually handled in a brash, rude tone, which does nothing but make the other party instantly defensive and just as brash and rude in their response. This type of action/reaction does not get anyone anywhere. Property Managers often feel like preschool playground teachers as opposed to professional real estate managers. HOWEVER, we have discovered a service out there that may be everyone’s saving grace……..they are called Community Mediation Centers and they are all over the United States and most recently online. The services are either free or very low cost, and they offer everything from resolution training, to advise, to legal counsel. The best reference we have found in our area is www.resolutionsnorthwest.org.

If you are having trouble with neighbors please check out this website (www.resolutionsnorthwest.org) and see if you are able learn how to get what you want and also maintain a wonderful neighborly living environment at the same time. Everyone wins! The people next door whose dog’s barking is driving you crazy could be the same people to call the police if they saw someone breaking into your house, call the fire department if they saw smoke, or be your only contact in a natural disaster. ALWAYS keep this in mind when dealing with sticky neighbor issues.

IF FOR ANY REASON you feel yourself or your family members are being threatened or may be harmed, DO NOT call your Property Manager. CALL 911 or your local Police Department FIRST THING.