6 tips for good neighbourly relations
We know that cohabiting with other condominium members in a horizontal property requires common sense and patience. We must always put ourselves in each other's shoes to avoid serious conflicts.
It is essential that everyone respects the rules of the condominium regulations, so that the environment in the building is always the best possible. Knowing that cohabitation in a building is conducive to some problems, we leave some tips for you to solve them, always avoiding the judicial route.
- Being tolerant
Cohabiting with people that don’t have the same habits that we are used to, could be hard to manage. We must be able to remain calm in the face of conflict situations or even be tolerant with that less sociable neighbour. If we follow these simple steps, it is halfway to avoiding conflicts that could lead to lawsuits.
- Dialogue
In the event of a conflict, it is always easier for both parties involved to try to put themselves in the other's place. Quantify the damage that is being done to you, if this isn't happening. For example, in the case of leaks into your home where the owner of another apartment is to blame, try to demonstrate the amount you have already spent in trying to solve the leak. If you have problems with excessive noise during the night, clarify with your neighbour how many hours you have slept.
Sometimes people may be unaware of certain laws, or that they are bothering others. With any luck, a small dialogue will solve the problem.
- Do not foster a conflict
When possible, always solve a problem without having to go into conflict. The best solution is to ignore or avoid some conflicts with those who seek the opposite.
- Pieces of evidence
Whenever possible, try to gather evidence of what you will claim. Such evidence may serve for direct negotiations, or later as evidence in legal proceedings, if they exist. The evidence can be photographs, videos, audio, witnesses (as long as it is someone neutral to the subject), documents (it can be emails or warning letters).
- Have solutions
In the face of conflict, it will be much more pleasant if, by presenting the problem, you can also present a solution. Never forgetting, that you will have to give room for negotiations on this solution or others, always try to be flexible and tolerant.
- Formalize the agreement
In the case of high-value repairs, or if the situation is recurrent, try to reach an agreement. Never forget to leave this agreement in writing and signed by both parties involved. Only in this way, will you have any guarantee that the agreement will be fulfilled.
If these tips don't work, you'll have to take further action. You should always alert the condominium manager to the problem so that he is the one to talk to the other party. If the administrator's warning has no effect, proceed to the next step and send a registered letter to the other condominium member. Finally, if nothing else works, report it to the responsible authorities.
If the problem is abusive building works, or lack of building works, you should contact your city council. In the case of noise, smoke or smell you must contact the police first. If the problem persists, you can always go to court at a peace trial or in court.