Before scheduling a face-to-face meeting, you need to assess whether or not the situation is safe. Not everyone is neighbourly and sometimes having a face-to-face conversation is not prudent. It could even be dangerous. It is particularly unwise to just show up on a person’s property uninvited. You may decide to handle the situation with anonymity to avoid physical harm or any type of retaliation. If you decide to move forward with a meeting, be prepared to say exactly what the problem is and provide a reasonable date by which you think the issue should be resolved. Here are a couple of examples: “I have always appreciated you as a neighbor, but I am concerned about the current condition of your property,” and “I think 30 days is a reasonable amount of time to resolve the problem. What do you think?” There is an old saying that “good fences make good neighbours. ” If you would prefer to avoid interacting with your neighbour about this situation and future matters, consider putting up a fence that blocks your view of your neighbour’s property. Not having to look at your neighbours unsightly property could resolve the problem from your perspective and keep the peace altogether. If the neighbours are renters, contact the homeowner directly. You can find the homeowner’s information through the county assessor’s office.
Consider telling them that you want prospective buyers to know that they are good neighbours and then offer assistance to expedite the resolution so that it does not affect the sale of your property (this could mean actually helping to clean up the litter).
Prepare yourself for a counterattack and reconcile in your mind that you will remain diplomatic and calm if your neighbour becomes angry. If the situation escalates, walk away and plan to discuss the matter at a later date. Being cordial prior to a problem arising will sometimes go a long way towards resolving conflict down the road. A kind “hello” over the years can make a big difference.
Refrain from threatening your neighbour. Most people do not respond kindly to threats and it is best to remain respectful. [3] X Research source
Whether taking pictures or filming video, you may find it beneficial to subtly use your smartphone since it is usually readily available. Be sure that all photos and videos are date stamped.
If you plan to follow-up on your conversation in writing, you may consider telling your neighbour to expect a confirmation letter in the mail so that they are not caught off guard upon receipt of the letter. Be sure that all letters are dated and copied for your records. You may consider sending the letters via certified mail to confirm receipt.
Think about whether or not this is a recent problem that may be soon resolved or if this has been a long-standing issue. The situation may be the result of a health problem that your neighbour is experiencing and they may be unable to do anything about it at this time. This is particularly important when you have elderly neighbours with limited mobility.
It may be worth your time to research affordable services that will help your neighbour with cleaning up their property. While you should not be expected to pay for the services, your due diligence in providing a useful resource may be well received.
If you decide to handle the situation with anonymity, contact the homeowner’s association before speaking with your neighbor and ask to remain anonymous.
You will need to read the local regulations to ascertain the procedures more clearly in your jurisdiction. In addition to the homeowner’s association and municipalities, you may also find assistance and direction through the fire department or police department, depending on the nature of the problem. [12] X Research source
Some homeowners have found this type of issue to be so disruptive, that they chose instead to sale their home (when they were not otherwise planning to do so) and move on with their lives. While this may be a last ditch solution, it may be something worthy of your consideration depending on the complexity of the situation and your ability and willingness to relocate.
