Love good neighbors. They’re an essential element of a happy home. But sometimes that’s easier said than done.
The worst problems between neighbors often involve personal behavior like noise, criminal activity, trash, and pets. Luckily, physical problems with the properties are easier to address like tree encroachment, boundary location, fence maintenance, parking and drainage flow.
And no matter what you do, refrain from taking drastic action like railroad baron Charles Crocker’s infamous Nob Hill spite fence that he had built around his neighbor Nicholas Yung. On a smaller scale, don’t chop down the offending tree, move the fence, or roast a chicken that wanders into your yard.
If you are a prospective buyer or renter, give some attention to the neighboring properties. Meet some of the neighbors and ask questions, but don’t assume the information is always correct. Gossip is a dynamic in any neighborhood.
If you are an owner, make some effort to have friendly relations while maintaining respectful boundaries. Holding your home as a castle ultimately doesn’t work. Try to resolve any festering problems both for resale value, and simply to enhance your enjoyment of your home while you live there.
You can get a basic understanding of your problem in books and online articles from local publisher Nolo Press. From there your next step should usually be with the neighbors themselves, but here are some suggestions for third party assistance if needed:
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The landlord or property manager for renters
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The homeowners association or the management company for condos
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A neighborhood association if there is one
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Our East Bay conflict resolution center SEEDS
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City or county authorities if there are health, safety, or zoning issues
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Police sheriff for immediate law enforcement problems
Do you have a problem neighbor or a neighborhood problem? It can help to talk through it, and your sympathetic Realtor is ready to listen. Just call and feel free to ask for referrals to specific service providers including arborists, surveyors, contractors and attorneys to fully understand your rights.
