When you have neighbors a variety of issues can arise ranging from disagreements over fences or trees, to noise, construction, dogs, etc. How you handle issues or potential issues can make the difference between friend and foe. So, where do you begin?
- Be proactive – A lot of would-be issues don’t become so, if you are already friendly with your neighbor, as this promotes open communication. So, if new neighbors move in, introduce yourself.
- Attend or organize community events (e.g., street potluck or community BBQ).
- If you are planning a loud construction project, let them know ahead of time.
- Talk it out – Nonetheless, issues can still arise, and the best thing to do is to talk to them about it. Don’t assume their actions are malicious or disrespectful without first talking to them calmly.
- Think about what you are trying to solve, actions you would like to see, and the compromises you would be willing to make before speaking with them.
- If they come to you with an issue, listen calmly, avoid being defensive, and focus on a solution.
- Try to find common ground.
- Consider a third party – If talking it out isn’t working, consider involving a property manager if you are in a condo, a mediator (look into free community programs that offer mediation for neighbor disputes in your area), a bylaw officer, or a lawyer.
Most differences can be alleviated with the right approach. Taking the time to really think about how you want the issue to be resolved is a great first step in the right direction.