How to deal with noisy neighbors or issues
From noisy neighbors to adventurous pets, there are ways to help successfully resolve disputes.
Common neighbor complaints
Whether you rent an apartment or condo, rent a house or own your home, good relationships with neighbors help make life easier. Even in the nicest of communities, complexes and neighborhoods, full-blown arguments and neighbor disputes do happen. Several end up in the midst of a longstanding feud. Why do neighbor complaints end up in conflict and how can they work toward a peaceful resolution? Consider the following tips for resolving neighbor issues.
- Property line disputes — perhaps the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” can be seen applicable in this situation. Before using what is considered a shared rental facility or installing a new fence, check with the landlord or have the property surveyed to determine the legal lot line. Having the property plotted may end up saving you money and a headache if it helps prevent conflict in the future.
- Loud neighbors — noise is a very common complaint between neighbors. It’s important to discern between occasional occurrences such as a graduation gathering, versus repeated disturbances like neighbors playing loud music during the day. Many lease or rental agreements include a clause called "Quiet Enjoyment," and if several neighbors complain, the landlord likely will order the tenant to comply with the lease or face eviction. If the landlord won't do anything about the noisy neighbors, then research local noise ordinances for guidance. However, the first step to most neighbor complaints is to try to talk it out before escalating the situation.
- Wandering pets — it can be frustrating to come home to find your property littered with the waste of a neighbor’s pet. Some animals could be dangerous or bite when left without a leash to wander the neighborhood. If you have discussed this matter with your neighbor and behavior has not changed, take a look at local regulations such as the number of animals allowed per household or lease. If you are a pet owner, consider if pet insurance is a good fit for you and your family.
- Nosy neighbors — some busybody neighbors are just curious or sometimes too curious. If their interest isn’t causing disruption or harm let them be. It’s simple to change the topic of conversation if it is becoming too personal or uncomfortable due to questions they are asking. It is typically not worth fighting about something that can’t be controlled.
- Maintenance issues — regardless of how unappealing they may look, unkept grass, untrimmed trees or bushes and trash piles may be in violation of tenant or ownership regulations. If neighbors that rent or own are having trouble keeping up their property due to their age, illness or finances, consider offering to lend a helping hand. After all, it's hard to argue with someone who's mowing the lawn.
How to discuss the problem with your neighbor
There are many ways to resolve conflict peacefully. If you are dealing with loud neighbors, here are some tips on attempting to resolve the matter or escalating when necessary.
- Consider the situation — many times, they may not be attempting to be a disturbance. If they have a small child, a dog or a different schedule than yours, loud noises produced from their daily needs may be out of their control.
- Be respectful — confronting them rudely or aggressively will not solve anything and it may even make the problem worse. Being kind, honest and understanding will create a safe space for conversation and conflict resolution. Take into account when this conversation may be taking place too, as catching them off guard will be difficult. If they are just getting home from work, early or late in the day, or if they are in a rush, the conversation will likely not be productive.
- Recommend a plan of action — discuss what is happening by asking them about the noise, telling them how you feel or how it may disturb you and offering some solutions where applicable. Coming up with a plan that serves both of your needs will help you avoid any further disruption.
- Document disturbances — if a conversation isn’t resolving the problem, creating a case to bring to the attention of others is helpful. Record any disturbances you experience, times they occur and visual or audio proof where possible. Bringing the case to a property manager, landlord or authorities may assist with evidence your neighbor is being disruptive.
- Ask the community — when your neighbor is being loud, chances are, you may not be the only one feeling that way. Proof and quotes from multiple people can give management an idea of the scale of this problem and how to step in if necessary.
- Contact your landlord or HOA — if talking with your neighbor didn’t provide changes or the plan of action didn’t resolve the matter, let your landlord know. They will not want unhappy tenants or good neighbors who will likely leave. Housing authorities may have experience properly resolving disturbance matters too.
- File a complaint — Filing an actual complaint will record the problem in writing. Before filing a complaint, see what constitutes a noise violation or legal violation. If it is a violation, your neighbor could receive a formal warning or an eviction notice. Many communities have an anonymous online complaint system and filing a complaint with police may not require you to state your name either.
- Contacting law enforcement — calling the police or other authorities may be the only other option. If you notice anything illegal, contacting the police would be needed to maintain a safe neighborhood. If after many requests they are not quieting down, they could be violating “disturbing the peace” laws. If you have given written notice with reference to rules, lease or local ordinances and the behavior has not changed, then they are purposely disregarding the laws and rights of others and police can help enforce that.
Neighbors can provide a wonderful community to live with and around when you all get along. Be sure to talk with your State Farm® agent if you have any questions about your renters insurance or homeowners policy coverages.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
These tips are not and should not be considered legal advice. If complaints or issues escalate, you may want to consult a lawyer.
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company
State Farm General Insurance Company
Bloomington, IL
State Farm Florida Insurance Company
Tallahassee, FL
State Farm Lloyds
Richardson, TX