Diplomacy is better to Resolve Neighbor Disputes

Staying on good terms with neighbors guarantees stress-free coexistence. Disputes, however, do arise. The best approach is to resolve these amicably. A tactful warning letter can be a good way to express thoughts and ensure a paper trail in case the issue escalates and the police or the courts need to be involved.

Writing a Warning Letter

Problems that arise within the community can be addressed in a variety of ways. Noise or nuisance issues can initially be handled verbally, but if the situation fails to resolve itself, writing a warning letter to document the complaint may be a good idea. Instances of harassment, assault or abuse require police involvement, but everyday issues can be handled directly. If the neighbor in question is renting their home, a letter can also be sent to the landlord, since bad behavior could be a breach of the rental agreement. A warning letter should include any relevant background information related to the incident, a chronological history of what has happened and a reference to steps taken prior to sending the letter. The document should also state how the writer would like to amicably resolve the issue and should be signed and dated.

Next Steps After Delivery of Letter

Following delivery of the letter, it is important to give the neighbor time to respond. A maximum of fourteen days should suffice. If the situation is amicably resolved, then the letter can be considered a success. However, there may be instances when a letter is either ignored or a request fails to change a neighbor‘s behavior. In this case, the warning letter will be a good legal recourse if the decision is made to involve the police or the courts. It may also be useful to discuss the issue with other neighbors to see if they have similar complaints. If the situation fails to be resolved, legal action is a possible next step that can be discussed with an expert.

Disputes with neighbors can be distressing since they can affect the ability to enjoy one’s living environment. The key to finding an amicable solution is to approach the issue first in a polite and straightforward manner, which can be in person or by letter. If all else fails, know that writing a letter was the right thing to do, and do not hesitate to involve the police if necessary.