Nightmare neighbours and how to deal with them

There’s nothing worse than getting settled in your new home only to find that the neighbours aren’t as ideal as your property.  Unfortunately it does happen and there can be numerous reasons why your neighbours are a nuisance.  So how do you deal with it? 

Common Complaints

Problems with neighbours can range from playing loud music, unhygienic disposal of rubbish, children playing loudly at all hours, undertaking DIY or maintenance while you’re trying to sleep, anti-social parking habits – the list is endless!.  Issues you may encounter include:

·         Pets – it could be dogs barking constantly or at unreasonable times of the day and night or even people not cleaning up after their pets and leaving a mess outside your property.

·         Undesirable people – While rare in the UAE, there have been reports of tenants complaining about people coming and going who don’t appear to live in neighbouring properties and who may also be engaging in illegal activity.

·         Noise – as mentioned above, it could be neighbours playing loud music, having parties or undertaking maintenance at unreasonable hours.

How to deal with problems

Whatever the issue the following advice should help you resolve any problems and get back to enjoying living in your home:

·         In the first instance try to talk to the neighbour, calmly and rationally.  If you don’t feel that you can talk to them face-to-face you could explain the issue in a letter.

·         In some cases you may find that the neighbour didn’t realise that their activities were causing problems.  If so, try to negotiate with them and come to an agreement to alleviate the issue.

·         Sometimes it can help to talk to other neighbours to find out if they are experiencing the same problems as you.  It could be beneficial to gather information as a group.

·         Building security or community management personnel – you could approach them and explain the problem.  They may be able to talk to the neighbours for you and you could also ask to remain anonymous.

·         If the problem is ongoing then it can be very useful to keep a record of what is happening and when.  This can help to back up your argument and shows that you are being rational and organised.

Having nightmare neighbours can be an ordeal and there is nothing worse than not feeling comfortable in your own home, however, in all situations remember to stay calm and reasonable and on the right side of the law!