What are common problems with condominium neighbors and how do I deal with them?
- Noisiness: Politely ask them to keep it down. If they don’t oblige then bring it up to the association.
- Too Much Borrowing: Simple tell them that you have no spare that you can lend.
- Smoking in Common Spaces: Remind them that they are not smoking in the right place.
Say you’ve already bought your dream condo for sale in the Fort. You’ve wonderfully furnished and decorated it and you find peace in just living there.
All of a sudden, you realize there are outside factors that can disturb this peace. One of the most difficult problems to deal with that can happen no matter where you live is a is a problematic neighbor. Confronting one is difficult because there is a chance that he would get offended and you’ll have to deal with having someone hostile next-door. This doesn’t have to happen. With some politeness and truth, you can easily confront any neighbor problem.
Listed below are 3 of the most common problems you’ll encounter with your neighbor(s) and how to deal with them properly.
Noisy Neighbors
The number one neighbor complaint in any home is noise. What more in a condominium where the units are literally right next to each other. While it may be tempting to storm in and confront them in a fit of rage, take a step back first and assess the situation.
In the case that they have a rare get together or party, then just tolerate it for the day. The noise should only last a day so really the best thing to do is to them have a good time. But be sure to put your foot down when the loud chatter and music persists until late hours.
In moments like these where you need to confront them, take the gentle approach. Knock lightly and politely ask them to keep the noise down. Any reasonable human being would be kind enough to oblige. But if you are not dealing with such an individual, then raise your concern to the guards.
Looking for Handouts
When a neighbor asks if they could borrow tools, appliances, and ingredients, it could be a good idea to oblige for the first few times. This will establish a good relationship with them, and puts you in the position to ask the same favor any now and then in case you need it. However, it’s definitely going to be troublesome if a particular neighbor gets too used to it and does it too often. In this case, there’s no other way but to say no. Again, that doesn’t mean that you have to be hostile about it.
You can simply say “Sorry, but I have none that I could spare.” You’re not going to be lying. The truth is there’s no more you could spare because you’re not willing to lend anymore. Using this line or similar statements will keep a good relationship with your neighbor and might make them become aware that they need to be more self-sufficient. You can be a good neighbor without selling yourself short.
Smoking in Common Areas
Every tenant must understand that the hallway is not an extension of their unit. Smoking in the hallway is most likely prohibited. It’s also extremely unethical.
If you have a neighbor that does this, it not only disturb you but your fellow floor mates. Smoke can easily seep through doors and leave a smell in units that is hard to remove.
Before dealing with these neighbors, you must first be sure of the smoking rules of your condominium. Most will provide designated locations where their residents can smoke. Afterwards, kindly remind your troublesome neighbor that they are not smoking in the correct place the next time you catch them.
Key Takeaway
While these just scratch the surface of the long list of neighbor problems, they all hold something in common: the solution. All you really need to do with dealing with a problematic neighbor is be polite but truthful at the same time.
Every one of your next-door neighbors just want to live peacefully and they will appreciate your honesty as long as you don’t talk down on them. By being able to confront them kindly, you both could work towards a happy coexistence.