How to Deal With a Rude Neighbor

There may be some things we can pick and choose in life, but, unfortunately, being able to decide who our neighbors are is not one of them. There are countless horror stories from people who have suffered much abuse and aggravation from those who live closest to their residence. There are possible solutions to handle matters, however, before they escalate and create a worse situation.

Things You'll Need

• Perseverance
• Determination
• A strong will
• Support from other neighbors

Instructions

Handling Your Rude Neighbor

1. Try communicating directly with your neighbor, if he is, otherwise, civil and if the infraction was relatively minor. If you are really concerned about something annoying that person has done, then you need to address it immediately, before things get too out-of-control. Approach the individual in a non-confrontational, friendly manner and explain to him the specific nature of your complaint. Often, some people are unaware that their actions were disturbing and they may be more than willing to accommodate you in the future. This method seems to work best for neighbors you already get along with.

2. Keep a record of repeated offenses. If, for example, the same neighbor continues to keep his music turned up into the wee hours or has loud parties or has kids that run into your yard, log each time these incidents occur. This information may very well come in handy in the future.

3. If you live in a house, protect your privacy should the issue be nosy neighbors. If you don't already have one, build a privacy fence, but make certain it is built along the lines of your own property to avoid conflict. It's well worth the investment and labor just to put a lid on your neighbor's voyeurism.

4. If you live in an apartment, report constantl negative behavior to your apartment manager. Check the terms of your lease as it may have stipulations regarding noise and other conduct issues. The best way to make your complaint effective is to go speak directly with the apartment manager. Carry along the log you've kept about the incidents that have occurred, with specific dates, times, and the apartment number of the tenant. While, at first, the manager might not be as quick to respond as you prefer, continual perseverance on your part usually forces the management to confront the offending tenant with your concerns.

5. Call the proper authorities, if your neighbor gets more defiant in his behavior and, particularly, if you feel that a situation could erupt into something dangerous. As the police routinely get such calls, they generally try to diffuse the situation. You may risk being labeled as a serial "worry wart," if you call in complaints too often, especially if your neighbor denies that he has done anything wrong. A good way to bolster your defense is to possibly videotape the incidents occurring, as this will prove that you are telling the truth.

6. Take legal action. There may be some circumstances in which a neighbor has been so rude and harassing that the only thing left is to try remedy matters in small claims court. This should only be a last resort, and it will help, if you can get other neighbors who will testify as witnesses to back up your accusations. You could be taking a big chance by handling matters this way. You may not win your case and you risk getting countersued.

7. Either learn to live with things as they are or consider making a move. Sadly, some rude neighbors are not going to change, no matter what you try. You may just have to endure the irritation and get used to the fact that this is the way life is going to be. If you don't believe you can bear "the neighbor from hell" any longer, then it may be necessary to take steps to move elsewhere.