Living in an apartment complex or condominium community can be an incredibly rewarding experience--you get to enjoy all the perks of homeownership, without the hassle of managing a house or yard. But, like any living situation, shared spaces can often create disputes, conflicts, and tension. Few things are as frustrating as dealing with a rude neighbor. Whether you're experiencing noise pollution, parking spot stealing or sheer lack of etiquette, here are some ways you can attempt to keep the peace.
While it can be tempting to let anger simmer inside of you, it's much more productive to speak directly with your neighbor. Try to avoid accusatory language and instead state the issue you're having using "I statements". For example: "I've noticed that there's been a lot of noise coming from your apartment during the nights, and it's been keeping me up." By framing the issue like this, it's less likely for your neighbor to feel attacked or defensive, which could escalate the situation.
If direct communication doesn't solve the issue, consider seeking a mediator to help facilitate the conversation. Many communities have Resident Services or Homeowner Associations that offer mediation services to help resolve conflicts. You can even hire a professional mediator if you feel that none of your previous attempts to communicate have helped the situation.
In the event your neighbor is continuously rude or breaking complex rules, it's important to keep a record of the incidents. This will help you build a timeline of occurrences, especially if you ever decide to escalate the issue to management, a community board or legal action.
Many apartments and condos have rules and regulations in place to handle neighbor disputes. Check with your complex or associations to see what their policy is for handling complaints. Usually, the management office will handle it.
If your neighbor continues to be rude and/or breaks the law, it might be necessary to contact the police. For example, if your neighbor is consistently having loud parties that go on later than local noise ordinances permit, it's not only rude but it's also illegal. Obviously, the call to law enforcement should be the last resort, but it's important to keep safety in mind.
Dealing with a rude neighbor can be incredibly frustrating, but it's important to attempt to keep the peace first. Speak with your neighbor directly, seek mediation or community resources, keep proper records, and enlist the help of your apartment complex or condo association before considering law enforcement. With these strategies in mind, you'll be able to create a more harmonious living environment for yourself and your neighbors. For those looking for apartments for rent in Ft Myers, FL, consider contacting Millennium Apartments.