Disputes with neighbours

There are plenty of examples of disputes between neighbours. There are those, for example, that do not respect the house rules, are inconsiderate, put rubbish in the communal areas, do not keep to the laundry schedule, or even insult and threaten you. Then there are the ones who disregard the quiet hours and regularly make a lot of noise late at night. Others again tend to overreact every time you so much as sneeze in your home. They might also complain about the slightest noise, or if any of your children ever cry or run around the apartment.

What to do when in a dispute with a neighbour

Regardless of which type of dispute you find yourself in, remember to keep a cool head and an open mind.

Talk to your neighbour

It is best to speak directly to the neighbour concerned at an early stage. Try to resolve the situation by approaching the neighbour with an open-minded and understanding attitude. In addition to the above, you can also inform the property management company. In this case, a phone call or an e-mail will suffice to let them know.

Write a letter

If talking to your neighbour does not work, we recommend writing to the property management company using our sample letter. This is because the above examples indicate a problem with your rented property, and you might be able to claim a rent reduction in some cases. You should therefore let the management company know the circumstances at an early stage. You can also cite evidence to support your argument. However, caution is advised here. To avoid making hasty and unfounded accusations, you should always stick to the facts. You might also be able to provide written statements from other neighbours or mention any police involvement.

No improvement in sight

If there is no improvement in sight, we recommend using our second sample letter. In this letter, you will state again that there is a problem with the rented property and that you will demand a rent reduction if no concrete measures are taken within a set period.

Legal action as a last resort

If the property management company still takes no action after your second letter, or even terminates your tenancy wrongfully, then a judge will have to rule on the matter. If the facts are proven, you can get a rent reduction and, if applicable, have the termination reversed or the notice period extended.