It’s not uncommon for differences to arise between neighbors and townhome and condo living is no different.
If you find yourself in a situation where you feel you must speak up about a neighbor’s behavior or treatment of property, there are several ways to start the process and even resolve it without involving your Community Manager.
Some of the steps we recommend you start with include:
1. Talk to your neighbor. Sometimes people aren’t aware that they’re doing something to bother you. Starting a face-to-face conversation to express your concerns can many times clear it up before it goes any further. Your approach to the situation can “make or break” the outcome. Some tips we suggest include:
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- Assume the other person is unaware of the problem.
- Use problem-solving phrases, such as “How do you suggest we approach this?” or “I think I have a solution.”
- Don’t let the issue fester. If you bring your concern to the table, try to come to a resolution before your leave. Situations tend to get worse when one or both parties overthink it.
- If possible, avoid discussing your issue with other HOA members. Getting too many people involved can make it harder to solve in the long run.
2. Check your HOA’s Bylaws
Be sure you know the bylaws of your HOA to ensure you have a valid complaint. This information can give you ground to take your issue further or put into perspective the validity of your complaint.
3. Mediation
Not all disputes between neighbors should involve your HOA board. Third-part mediators can provide a non-biased and safe table to for you and your neighbor to discuss the problems and find peaceful resolution.
4. Suspecting criminal activity. It is important to note, if your suspect criminal activity is occurring in your neighborhood, it should be reported to the local authorities. When involving the police, your written log of complaints and observations will be useful for the authorities.
5. Destruction of HOA common areas or property. If you witness a neighbor intentionally destroying HOA common property, bring it to the attention of your community manager or HOA board.
We hope you find this information helped. Our HOA communities are wonderful places to live and we strive to keep them that way!