🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 131 (from laksa143)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa131.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/dealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564","crawl_time":1776154914,"first_indexed_time":1555395552,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,huffpost!www,\/entry\/dealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564 s443","src_root_hash":"7163340351271652531","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell | HuffPost Post 50","meta_descriptions":["8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Call it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of\n\"Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home.\"\nNeighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor.\nLiving next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety.\nThe good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, \"before a dispute arises.”\nThink about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out.\nIntroduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say \"hi\" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!)\nTiming—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack.\nDon’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read #5.\nKnow the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights.\nGather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants.\nAnd speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor).\nConsider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the\nNational Association of Community Mediation\nfor a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously.\nDefend Truth.\nDefend\nDemocracy.\nYour Support\nFuels\nOur Mission\nYour Support\nFuels\nOur Mission\nSupport HuffPost\nWith the administration challenging the Court and Congress, independent reporting is the only thing standing between you and the noise. Your membership funds the courage to ask the hard questions. Don't let the truth be sidelined.\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever.\nWe hope you will join us once again\n.\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever.\nWe hope you will join us once again\n.\n“Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.”\nSupport $5\n\/month\nSilver\nMonthly recurring supporter-only email\nFewer requests for financial support\nSupport $10\n\/month\nGold\nEverything in the Silver Tier\nAd-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps\nSay goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. 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See today’s top stories [here.](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/)\n\n# 8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell\n8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell\n\nSally Stich— Grandparents.com\n\nSep 27, 2014, 07:52 AM EDT\n\nLeave a Comment\n\n![](https:\/\/img.huffingtonpost.com\/asset\/5c9a8bb42300003200af4992.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)\n\n**SPECIAL FROM** *[Grandparents.com](http:\/\/www.grandparents.com\/)*\n\nCall it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of [\"Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home.\"](http:\/\/amzn.to\/1nLPOor) Neighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor.\n\nLiving next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety.\n\nAdvertisement\n\nThe good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, \"before a dispute arises.”\n\n1. Think about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out.\n2. Introduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say \"hi\" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!)\n3. Timing—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack.\n4. Don’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read \\#5.\n5. Know the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights.\n6. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants.\n7. And speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor).\n8. Consider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the [National Association of Community Mediation](http:\/\/www.nafcm.org\/) for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously.\n\n**Read more from Grandparents.com:**[10 ways to get white clothes whiter](http:\/\/www.grandparents.com\/food-and-leisure\/home-and-garden\/how-to-wash-white-clothes)[8 easy ways to make your kitchen look brand new](http:\/\/www.grandparents.com\/food-and-leisure\/home-and-garden\/diy-ways-remodel-your-kitchen)[7 low-tech gadgets you really need](http:\/\/www.grandparents.com\/food-and-leisure\/home-and-garden\/low-tech-gadgets)\n\nDefend Truth.DefendDemocracy.\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nSupport HuffPost\n\nWith the administration challenging the Court and Congress, independent reporting is the only thing standing between you and the noise. Your membership funds the courage to ask the hard questions. Don't let the truth be sidelined.\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support).\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. 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[Log in to hide these messages.](https:\/\/login.huffpost.com\/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fdealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1)\n\nRelated\n\n[bad neighbors](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/topic\/bad-neighbors)[neighborhoods](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/topic\/neighborhoods)[fifty](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/topic\/fifty)[Real Estate](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/impact\/topic\/real-estate)[neighborhood](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/topic\/neighborhood)\n\n[Go to Homepage](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/)\n\nLeave a Comment\n\nSuggest a correction\n\n\\|\n\n[Submit a tip](https:\/\/tips.huffpost.com\/)\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## From Our Partner\n\n## From Our Partner\nHuffPost Shopping's  \nBest Finds\n\nON THIS DAY IN  \nHUFFINGTON POST HISTORY\n\nApril 14\n\nPolitics\n\n[Doctor Faust in 2008](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/doctor-faust-in-2008_b_96627)\n\n2008\n\nWorld News\n\n[Russia's Moskva Warship Sinks Into Black Sea After Ukrainian Attack](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/russia-moskva-flagship-damaged-black-sea-ukraine_n_6258101de4b052d2bd5f0ea9)\n\n2022\n\nEnvironment\n\n[Germany Shuts Down Its Last Nuclear Power Reactors](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/germany-last-nuclear-power-reactor-shutdown_n_6439dfbce4b0a75926262811)\n\n2023\n\nFAIR, FEARLESS REPORTING  \nSINCE 2005\n\n[Support HuffPost](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support)\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nThe Morning Email\n\nWake up to the day's most important news. Sign up for HuffPost's Morning Email.\n\nSuccessfully Signed Up\\!\n\nRealness delivered to your inbox\n\nBy entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/user-agreement) and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/privacy-policy).\n\nClose\n\nTrending In Post 50\n\nMore In Post 50\n\n[NEWS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/)[POLITICS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/news\/politics)[ENTERTAINMENT](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entertainment\/)[LIFE](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/)[VOICES](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/voices\/)[HUFFPOST PERSONAL](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/section\/huffpost-personal)[SHOPPING](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/life\/huffpost-shopping)[NEWSLETTERS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/newsletters)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/about-us)[Advertise](https:\/\/advertise.buzzfeed.com\/)[Contact Us](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/contact-us)[RSS](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/syndication)[FAQ](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/faq)[Careers](https:\/\/www.buzzfeed.com\/about\/jobs)[User Agreement](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/user-agreement)[Comment Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/comment-policy)[DMCA Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/huffpost-dmca-copyright-policy)[Accessibility Statement](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/accessibility-statement)[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/privacy-policy)[Consent Preferences](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/static\/consent-preferences)\n\nPrivacy Settings\n\nPart of HuffPost News. ©2026 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.\n\nThe Huffington Post\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=6723616&c3=&c4=&c5=&c6=&c15=&cj=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Call it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of [\"Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home.\"](http:\/\/amzn.to\/1nLPOor) Neighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor.\n\nLiving next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety.\n\nThe good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, \"before a dispute arises.”\n\n1. Think about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out.\n2. Introduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say \"hi\" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!)\n3. Timing—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack.\n4. Don’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read \\#5.\n5. Know the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights.\n6. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants.\n7. And speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor).\n8. Consider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the [National Association of Community Mediation](http:\/\/www.nafcm.org\/) for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously.\n\nDefend Truth.DefendDemocracy.\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nYour SupportFuelsOur Mission\n\nSupport HuffPost\n\nWith the administration challenging the Court and Congress, independent reporting is the only thing standing between you and the noise. Your membership funds the courage to ask the hard questions. Don't let the truth be sidelined.\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/support).\n\nWe remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves.\n\nThank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. 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Boilerpipe Text	Call it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of "Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home." Neighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor. Living next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety. The good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, "before a dispute arises.” Think about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out. Introduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say "hi" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!) Timing—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack. Don’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read #5. Know the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants. And speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor). Consider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the National Association of Community Mediation for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously. Defend Truth. Defend Democracy. Your Support Fuels Our Mission Your Support Fuels Our Mission Support HuffPost With the administration challenging the Court and Congress, independent reporting is the only thing standing between you and the noise. Your membership funds the courage to ask the hard questions. Don't let the truth be sidelined. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again . We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. We hope you will join us once again . “Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.” Support $5 /month Silver Monthly recurring supporter-only email Fewer requests for financial support Support $10 /month Gold Everything in the Silver Tier Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps Say goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. No more autoplay videos. Support $20 /month Platinum Everything in the Gold Tier Ad-free access on the HuffPost website AND HuffPost apps Early access to new features Membership to Platinum Club focus group Make a One Time Contribution Join HuffPost Already a member? Log in to hide these messages. 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[Join HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/support?utm_campaign=banner-web) Already a member? [Log in to hide these messages.](https://login.huffpost.com/login?dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffpost.com%2Fentry%2Fdealing-with-bad-neighbor_n_5844564%3Fhp_auth_done%3D1) This article is more than 12 years old. See today’s top stories [here.](https://www.huffpost.com/) # 8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell 8 Ways To Deal With The Neighbor From Hell Sally Stich— Grandparents.com Sep 27, 2014, 07:52 AM EDT Leave a Comment ![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/5c9a8bb42300003200af4992.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale) SPECIAL FROM [Grandparents.com](http://www.grandparents.com/) Call it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of ["Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home."](http://amzn.to/1nLPOor) Neighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor. Living next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety. Advertisement The good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, "before a dispute arises.” 1. Think about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out. 2. Introduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say "hi" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!) 3. Timing—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack. 4. Don’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read \#5. 5. Know the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights. 6. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants. 7. And speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor). 8. Consider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the [National Association of Community Mediation](http://www.nafcm.org/) for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously. Read more from Grandparents.com:[10 ways to get white clothes whiter](http://www.grandparents.com/food-and-leisure/home-and-garden/how-to-wash-white-clothes)[8 easy ways to make your kitchen look brand new](http://www.grandparents.com/food-and-leisure/home-and-garden/diy-ways-remodel-your-kitchen)[7 low-tech gadgets you really need](http://www.grandparents.com/food-and-leisure/home-and-garden/low-tech-gadgets) Defend Truth.DefendDemocracy. Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Your SupportFuelsOur Mission Support HuffPost With the administration challenging the Court and Congress, independent reporting is the only thing standing between you and the noise. Your membership funds the courage to ask the hard questions. Don't let the truth be sidelined. We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https://www.huffpost.com/support). We remain committed to providing you with the unflinching, fact-based journalism everyone deserves. Thank you again for your support along the way. We’re truly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support helped get us here and bolstered our newsroom, which kept us strong during uncertain times. Now as we continue, we need your help more than ever. [We hope you will join us once again](https://www.huffpost.com/support). “Our fierce, independent reporting and unvarnished perspective hold power to account and inform millions of readers. Please support this hard-hitting journalism.” ![Whitney Snyder](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/691c87541700009d2b9c5f37.jpg?ops=300_300) Whitney SnyderEditor-in-Chief HuffPost Monthly AnnuallySAVE 16% Support \$5/month Silver - Monthly recurring supporter-only email - Fewer requests for financial support Support \$10/month Gold - Everything in the Silver Tier - Ad-free access on the HuffPost website OR HuffPost apps - Say goodbye to annoying video interruptions while you read. No more autoplay videos. 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Readable Markdown	Call it a social issue on steroids, says Bob Borzotta, author of ["Neighbors From Hell: Managing Today’s Brand of Conflict Close to Home."](http://amzn.to/1nLPOor) Neighbor disputes have become a major problem in the last two decades, and people’s ways of making others miserable in their own homes can be practically sadistic. “I heard of a family who moved because of a neighbor from hell (NFH),” says Borzotta, “but on moving day, the NFH followed the moving van and subsequently started harassing the former neighbors in their new digs.” Eventually, they stopped, but it proved Borzotta’s contention that it’s probably easier to leave a bad spouse than a bad neighbor. Living next to an uncooperative neighbor is awful on many levels. Financially, it can affect the property value of your home (think unkempt lawn and shrubs, old cars everywhere.) Emotionally, it can threaten your sense of well-being and safety. The good news is: There are many actions you can take short of declaring war. “These actions all start,” says Borzotta, "before a dispute arises.” 1. Think about where you're living. Since this time of life is often about downsizing and moving, really assess the area around your new house or apartment. If the noise of kids playing irritates you, you‘ll probably be unhappy in a neighborhood of young families. If having cars in front of your house bugs you, don’t live near a popular park. Bottom line, think about your needs before diving into a neighborhood where you’re odd man out. 2. Introduce yourself. If you’re new to a neighborhood or have lived there 35 years and have seen turnover with new families, introduce yourself and then say "hi" to everyone by name, even the young kids, whenever you see them. Familiarity can go a long way in defusing future problems. (And the kids won’t think you’re the old crank who won’t let them retrieve fly balls from the backyard!) 3. Timing—and empathy—are everything. Never try to reason with a neighbor while their dog is howling at the moon after midnight. Rather, try the “I care about you, so I hope you care about me” approach once the irritating situation is past. Example: “I usually leave for work around 5:30 A.M. I know my car rattles a little, but I hope I’m not disturbing you when I pull out of my driveway.” This leaves the door open for the neighbor to say, ”No problem. And we hope Fido isn’t bothering you at night.” If your neighbor does open the door for conversation, state your concern. If they don’t, politely ask if they can take the dog in by 10 P.M. when you hit the sack. 4. Don’t make assumptions. The overgrown yard next door may be the result of sloppy neighbors. Or it may be because someone is ill or recently widowed. Visit your neighbor to ascertain why the lawn is untended. (You’ll quickly know if it’s the former or latter.) If it’s someone who needs help, offer to mow for them. Or suggest getting a kid in the neighborhood who’s started his own mowing business. If it’s sloppy neighbors, read \#5. 5. Know the governing laws in your neighborhood. What are the regulations for noise, junk cars, unmowed lawns, and trash in your municipality or homeowners’ association? (You can go to your local city or county homepage or try a site like MuniCode.com.) Knowledge is power. If talking about your concerns in person with your neighbor doesn’t work (always the first step), call the authorities and file a complaint with your local police, homeowners association, or county office. The neighbor can be fined for non-compliance and probably won’t appreciate your interference. But you are within your rights. 6. Gather evidence. If a problem persists, keep a journal of dates and times of ongoing offenses. It may sound extreme, but you may want to consider installing a surveillance camera. The neighbor with hard evidence of harassment or infractions is always in a better position with authorities (the homeowner's association or the municipality), than the out-of-control nut who rants. 7. And speaking of authorities.... If calling the police is your idea of a good solution, think again—unless the neighbor is using your windows for target practice or you feel personally in danger. You probably will not get the long-term solution you seek (a cooperative neighbor) and you may even make matters worse (a more pissed-off neighbor). 8. Consider mediation. Assuming your neighbor isn’t a sociopath, consider using a mediator to help resolve your differences. (Consult the [National Association of Community Mediation](http://www.nafcm.org/) for a mediator near you.) Mediation won’t assign blame; it will try to help you find a win-win so each of you gets what you need to live more harmoniously. Defend Truth.DefendDemocracy. 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