Living in harmony with the people with whom we share a street, a lot or a neighbourhood is not always easy. Some disputes between neighbours can even ruin those people’s lives. In your opinion, which are the most common issues people argue about?
1- Lot Boundaries
Issues related to fences and dividing walls are the most common. You have to understand that lots are often small, mainly in the cities and suburbs. Losing an inch of land because the neighbour erected his fence in the wrong place can be annoying, but moving it creates costs and work for that neighbour. Sometimes it is better to reach an amicable agreement than allow the relationship to break down.
2- Barking Dog
Does Fido bark every time a pedestrian passes by his or her house? This can be irritating to people in the area. In fact, several municipalities have introduced “zero tolerance” bylaws and owners may be subject to hefty fines. This is a situation that can easily lead to animosity between neighbours!
3- Animal Excrement
Blackie, the neighbour’s black cat, wears a collar with her information tag and walks around the neighbourhood as she sees fit. It’s all perfectly legal. What is less so is when she “does her business” in your vegetable garden while passing through your yard. Some people will say that birds also relieve themselves where they please and that no one cares. That may be so! The best thing to do is to talk to the owner to explain why you are fed up.
4- Smells
Smoke from cigarettes, marijuana or from burning waste, odours from nearby homes can be annoying. Some people even have a sensitivity to the smell of cooking BBQ. Because air is a gaseous element, it is difficult to control them. If you are affected by an odour, check with your city to find out if there is a bylaw. But the first step is to respectfully let the parties concerned know of your discomfort. Who knows, there may be a solution.
5- Blasting Music
Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most common reasons for disputes! If a neighbour hosts a party once during the summer with music that can be heard all the way down the street, the unwritten rule is to suck it up and be patient. However, if this is a recurring situation, many choose to call the police to lodge a complaint, and they have the right to do so.
6- Neglected Yard Work
In a residential neighbourhood where everyone takes care of their property, it can be unpleasant to live near a careless homeowner: trash all over the yard, long grass filled with weeds, chipping paint, etc. Some people are afraid that the presence of this neglected house will diminish the value of their own … and do not hesitate to make a show of their anger to the offender!
7- Clashing Personalities
Sometimes, residents just can’t see eye to eye. Their personalities are just not compatible and a form of hatred takes hold. Consequently, anything can become a pretext to make life harder for the other.
8- Misunderstandings
According to the experts, a lack of communication is often what lies at the heart of a conflict. In fact, when authorities take charge of a dispute, they often realize that the neighbour everyone is pointing a finger at is not aware of the inconvenience they are causing. Sometimes, communication is the key.
Every year, the Regroupement des organismes de justice alternative du Québec receives hundreds of complaints. They can provide a mediator to help neighbours find common ground. If you have a problem, don’t hesitate to contact them!