How to Deal With A Rotten Neighbor

So you have a rotten neighbor. Unfortunately, in a society where mutual disrespect seems to be the norm, dealing with a rotten neighbor is fairly straightforward. Hopefully these steps will help you stop your neighbor from being rotten.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   In some cases, real estate agents can't tell you what you really want to know.

   You are not likely to avoid having a rotten neighbor if you are trying to discern the quality of the neighbors before you actually move in. These recon missions are essential to giving you a real impression of what the neighborhood is like. Real estate agents and rental agents are prevented under federal law from disclosing many important details about the residents and the schools in a particular neighborhood. It is best to check out a neighborhood you are thinking about moving into during the summertime on Fridays and Saturdays, both during the day and night. In most cases, you discover that your neighbor is rotten after you move in. Or, the bad neighbor moves in after you are already there.

2. Unruly children are not rotten neighbors. Their parents are not very good at raising them. You should make an effort to be friendly with the neighbor kids, unless they vandalize your property. There is no better way to make yourself the target of kid pranks by being the neighborhood crank.

3. 
    
   Accumulated junk is a violation of local codes. Report it.

   Research your local ordinances regulating the area you live in. There are laws on the books that address almost every aspect of our actions and property use. Local ordinances regulating noise, accumulation of junk, fireworks, barking dogs, trespassing etc. are totally ignored by nuisance neighbors. In most cases, the bad neighbor is aware that their behavior is bad, but they simply don't care.

4. Discreetly observe and document your rotten neighbor's offensive actions. Take pictures or video if you can. You want to gather evidence of the neighbor's behaviors or property conditions that are in violation of the law. If you observe the neighbor engaging in illegal activity, report it to the police immediately. Make your report anonymously.

5. Report chronic conditions such as accumulated garbage, uncut grass, abandoned junker vehicles, etc. to your local code enforcement officer. Ask to remain anonymous. Inevitably, your rotten neighbor will become tired of paying tickets and bailing out of jail. Eventually, the rotten behavior will stop.

6. In rare cases your rotten neighbor may attempt to confront you for whatever reason. If you feel threatened, go inside immediately and call the police. Do not engage your neighbor in any confrontation. If you get into a verbal and or physical altercation with your neighbor, the police think you are part of the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• You do not have a rotten neighbor if their kid's ball winds up in your yard.
• If you live in an apartment, most of your reporting procedure will be directed toward the property manager. Noise is a part of life in apartments. You likely will need to consider moving.
• Never ever confront bad neighbors.

Resources

• Getting What You Want (and Deserve) From Rotten Bosses, Demanding Spouses, Phony Friends, Prying Parents, Annoying Neighbors, And Other Irritating People

[tamron]

on 10/12/2009 Thanks for the info. 5* Great Article!

[nimawey]

on 9/14/2009 One point they should have also mentioned is that if you find out that your neighbor is in fact following the law and is not doing anything that would bother the average person, LEAVE THEM ALONE! Otherwise you risk becoming the rotten neighbor!

[lee-lee]

on 8/21/2009 Only takes one to ruin a neighborhood! Good tips.

[highcloud]

on 8/21/2009 Great tips!! 5* Gonna save this one in my favs for future ref. Thanks!!

[mattsaboy]

on 8/18/2009 Great article. 5 stars
We all have 1 at least. LOL