Sometimes neighbors can be a nuisance.Whether they party all night, seem standoffish, make noise, or have strange personality, these issues can be very troublesome to deal with.Problems can escalate into more serious issues such as property damage, domestic disturbances, dangerous pet problems, and property maintenance problems.Before lodging an official complaint, you should consider your own behavior as a neighbor, and try to work out any problems with your neighbors.
Step 1: Determine what is bothering you.
The neighbors are noisy.Is their property a hazard or a nuisance?Have they damaged your property?How much action you take should be determined by the level of annoyance.The baby who cries at 4 A.M. isn't doing anything bad on purpose.You might not be able to prevent or control some things.Talk to your neighbors if you want to solve the problem on your own.Don't hesitate to speak up if your neighbor's behavior puts you at risk.
Step 2: Take into account your behavior and lifestyle.
Some behaviors cause issues for your neighbors.Quiet down or clean up if you tend to be messy.If you complain about your annoying habits your neighbors will be less accommodating.If your neighbors follow suit, then make sure you are on your best behavior.
Step 3: Talk to your neighbors.
If they are having problems with the people you find annoying, you should look into it.If other people are having the same issues with the offending neighbors, this is justification for your complaint.You can talk to the offending neighbors if you have the same problem.There's strength in numbers.If you need to make a formal complaint, you should do it together.
Step 4: Talk to your neighbors in a nice way.
Hard feelings can be caused by being mean to your neighbors.When dealing with them, use reason and kindness.You should be clear about what's bothering you.You can't say they are bothering you.It is reasonable to be straightforward.Don't shout at your neighbor as that will cause the situation to get out of hand.If you can't get your neighbors to agree to sit down and talk, you should write a letter.
Step 5: Suggest other options.
It is possible to allow the neighbors to do what they do, but in a less annoying manner.If they want to have noisy parties, ask them to end them earlier or have them only on the weekend.If their property is a problem with tall weeds, garbage or other issues, they should offer to clean it up.If they have a problem with their pet, suggest how they can keep it under control.You can suggest how they can fix the damage.
Step 6: Take matters into your own hands.
If the neighbors can't fix the situation, do what you can.Soundproof your walls if your baby is crying at night.If there are animals in your yard, build a fence.Before lodging a complaint try to resolve the situation yourself.
Step 7: Take notes.
You should document every incident involving your complaint.The date, time, and nature of the complaint should be written down.For example, unkempt property.If it's a constant problem, you're more likely to get help from your landlord, neighborhood association or the police.Try to clear this up with the neighbors.They use returned calls, emails, and letters to respond to your request.It is possible to deter further violations by simply letting your neighbor know that you are watching them.
Step 8: If you rent, make sure you check your lease.
There could be rules regarding noise, property maintenance, visitors, or pets.If you notice that your neighbor is breaking the lease in your building, you can let them know.If they are breaking established rules in their lease, you can make a complaint to your landlord.You can still complain to the landlord if they are not violating the lease.
Step 9: You can file a complaint with your landlord.
Give them documentation about the incident with the offending neighbors and any attempts to get the neighbors to clean up their act.The landlord might not want to hear about small amounts of noise or a crying baby.The landlord or management company will want to act quickly on your complaint about property damage or illegal activity.You should give them evidence that you have solved the issue.Someone who is a constant complainer will not be accepted by landlords.
Step 10: Check the local laws.
There are local laws regarding noise and disturbance, property maintenance, and pet control.If your neighbors are violating any of these, you should see it.If they are, make a complaint to a condo association.If these violations get out of hand, you can call the police.
Step 11: Go to the authorities.
You should call the police if you feel threatened.The police can respond to noise complaints.It is possible to save someone's life if you call about a domestic dispute.If a violation is taking place, the police can visit the property.The police can write a citation if they find that they are violating a noise level law.The neighbors won't know who made the complaint if the police keep your identity anonymous.For less immediate concerns, make a complaint to your local precinct.Too many complaints will be a nuisance to the police and may distract them from their job.The police can't help you if you have a dangerous tree limb or overgrown property.
Step 12: If your neighbors have caused you financial losses, consider taking them to court.
This can be used for many different issues.Property destruction is one of the most common reasons people take their neighbors to court.You can take a neighbor to court for noise violations.Unless you have lost money due to your neighbors, don't expect financial reimbursements.If your neighbors have a dangerous tree limb or overgrown property, the court can order them to remedy the issue and/or pay a fine.
Step 13: If you have doubts about filing a court case, talk to a lawyer.
How to file a suit and what to expect from your complaint can be given to you by your lawyer.All details, documentation, and evidence of a formal complaint should be given to your attorney.Tell your attorney about any attempts to remedy the situation outside of court.Any documents relevant to these attempts should be given.If you have suffered property damage or financial losses due to your neighbors, you should provide any receipts, photos, insurance claims, and other documentation.
Step 14: You can file a small claims court case.
Small claims courts can only process small amounts of money in certain cases.There is a damages request limit for most small claims cases.You will need to provide documentation for your complaint.How you arrived at the amount of your requested damages can be provided.If you have a complaint against your neighbors, provide any other documentation such as letters, voicemails, text messages, or emails.You can provide photos of damage to the property.If you have called the police, you should provide any police reports.You have to pay the court fee.
Step 15: Understand how a small claims court case works.
There are many stages to a small claims suit.You will have to pay a fee and provide documentation to file the application.The court will have to tell your neighbors about the suit.The court will schedule the court date in a few weeks.The judge will make a judgement in the court case.It may take several weeks or even months to receive your settlement if damages are awarded to you.You may get it in installments.