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News Alert [CLOSE](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-neighbors/) [](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/) [](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-neighbors/) - [Topics](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-neighbors/#0) - [HOA Basics](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/hoa-basics/) - [Advocacy](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/advocacy/) - [Amenities](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/amenities/) - [Board Roles & Responsibilities](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/board-roles-responsibilities/) - [Budgets & Reserves](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/budgets-reserves/) - [Community Management](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/community-management/) - [Financial Planning](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/financial-planning/) - [Housing Trends](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/housing-trends/) - [Maintenance & Landscaping](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/maintenance-landscaping/) - [Meetings & Elections](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/meetings-elections/) - [Parking](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/parking/) - [Pets](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/pets/) - [Rules & Governing Documents](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/rules-governing-documents/) - [Security & Safety](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/security-safety/) - [Most Popular](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/most-popular/) - [Subscribe](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/subscribe/) - [Become a Member](https://www.caionline.org/become-a-member/) - [Video](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/category/video/) # Tips for Dealing with Difficult Neighbors By Nate Falger  We all *can* just get along. The key? Communication. It’s often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it reaches the legal system. You don’t have to be friends or spend time together to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor and follow these tips: **Say hello.** At the mailbox, while walking the dog or when you see a moving van arrive, introduce yourself. Learn your neighbors’ names and regularly offer a friendly greeting. **Provide a heads up.** If you’re planning a construction project, altering your landscaping or hosting a big party, contact your neighbors beforehand. **Do unto others.** Treat neighbors as you would like to be treated. Be considerate about noise from vehicles, stereos, pets, etc. **Know your differences.** Make an effort to understand each other. Differences in age, ethnic background and years in the neighborhood can lead to different expectations or misunderstandings.  **Consider the view.** Keep areas of your property that others can see presentable. **Appreciate them.** If the neighbors do something you like, let them know. They’ll be pleased you noticed, and it’ll be easier to talk later if they do something you don’t like. **Stay positive.** Most people don’t try to create problems. If a neighbor does something that irritates you, don’t assume it was deliberate. **Talk honestly.** Tolerance is important, but don’t let a real irritation go because it seems unimportant or hard to discuss. Let your neighbors know if something they do annoys.  **Be respectful.** Talk directly to your neighbors if there’s a problem. Gossiping with others can damage relationships and create trouble. **Remain calm.** If a neighbor mentions a problem they have with you, thank them for the input. You don’t have to agree or justify any behavior. Wait for any anger to subside before responding. **Listen carefully.** When discussing a problem, try to understand your neighbor’s position and why he or she feels that way. **Take your time.** Take a break to think about what you and your neighbor have discussed. Arrange to finish the conversation at another time. *HOAresources.com explores questions and comments from community association members living in condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives. We then assemble trusted experts to provide practical solutions to your most commonly asked, timely questions. We never use real names, but we always tackle real issues. Have a question or comment about your community association? Submit here for consideration:* [← Back](https://hoaresources.caionline.org/tips-for-dealing-with-difficult-neighbors/) #### Thank you for your response. ✨ ![]()  Get More Expert Advice Join CAI’s online community for access to the industry’s most in-demand community association resources. Thousands of your peers are sharing advice. [JOIN NOW](https://www.caionline.org/JoinNow/Pages/default.aspx)  Nate Falger ## Subscribe Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. ## You have Successfully Subscribed\! Your email will never be shared with another person or place. 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We all *can* just get along. The key? Communication. It’s often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it reaches the legal system. You don’t have to be friends or spend time together to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor and follow these tips: **Say hello.** At the mailbox, while walking the dog or when you see a moving van arrive, introduce yourself. Learn your neighbors’ names and regularly offer a friendly greeting. **Provide a heads up.** If you’re planning a construction project, altering your landscaping or hosting a big party, contact your neighbors beforehand. **Do unto others.** Treat neighbors as you would like to be treated. Be considerate about noise from vehicles, stereos, pets, etc. **Know your differences.** Make an effort to understand each other. Differences in age, ethnic background and years in the neighborhood can lead to different expectations or misunderstandings.  **Consider the view.** Keep areas of your property that others can see presentable. **Appreciate them.** If the neighbors do something you like, let them know. They’ll be pleased you noticed, and it’ll be easier to talk later if they do something you don’t like. **Stay positive.** Most people don’t try to create problems. If a neighbor does something that irritates you, don’t assume it was deliberate. **Talk honestly.** Tolerance is important, but don’t let a real irritation go because it seems unimportant or hard to discuss. Let your neighbors know if something they do annoys.  **Be respectful.** Talk directly to your neighbors if there’s a problem. Gossiping with others can damage relationships and create trouble. **Remain calm.** If a neighbor mentions a problem they have with you, thank them for the input. You don’t have to agree or justify any behavior. Wait for any anger to subside before responding. **Listen carefully.** When discussing a problem, try to understand your neighbor’s position and why he or she feels that way. **Take your time.** Take a break to think about what you and your neighbor have discussed. Arrange to finish the conversation at another time. *HOAresources.com explores questions and comments from community association members living in condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives. We then assemble trusted experts to provide practical solutions to your most commonly asked, timely questions. We never use real names, but we always tackle real issues. Have a question or comment about your community association? Submit here for consideration:* Get More Expert Advice Join CAI’s online community for access to the industry’s most in-demand community association resources. Thousands of your peers are sharing advice.