When a neighbour is perceived as a nuisance, this is often due to a different perception of what constitutes a good neighbour. In reality, the “nuisance neighbour” may not be aware of the problem he or she is causing. They may also have already tried to resolve housing conflicts, but the problem has ended up being a nuisance for both neighbours. a conflict situation.
In situations where a neighbour is disturbing, you can talk about an inappropriate neighbourhood. Behaviour perceived as disruptive also often occurs use of common areas. On social conflicts in housing, for example, in situations between neighbours who have become friends and then quarreled.
An inappropriate neighbourhood
Situations where, for example, the sounds of children's play coming from upstairs through the structures disturb the downstairs resident, but the neighbours do not know each other any better, we call an inappropriate neighbourhood.
In these situations, it is perceived that the neighbour distracting: situations may include noisy dogs, children, walking on heels, musical or other loud hobbies, music or films, etc. It is more of a perceived problem than a conflict, where neighbours do not personally hold grudges against each other, but their perception of good neighbourly relations and on peace of mind are different from each other. One expects to be taken into account, while the other feels that a neighbour is interfering in their lives. Often behind this difference, one can find differences in life circumstances or personality differences, for example. In principle, it is a technical issue (often the difference between airborne and frame noise), but in reality it is not possible to increase sound insulation. In this situation, sounds are not carried more widely in the house, so it is often not treated as an actual disturbance.
When it comes to peace and quiet and good neighbourly relations, as well as respect for the neighbour in such situations, there is often no single right or wrong view, but subjective perceptions. When looking for solutions to such situations, it should first be possible to communicate these views in a dialogical and peaceful way. Often, this step may fail or be cut off altogether and go straight to proposing solutions. The tone of the discussion may also be demanding. These factors may eventually lead to a situation of conflict that disturbs both neighbours.
The mediation process can clarify and increase understanding of the course of events and then consider possible solutions to the perceived problem.
Shared spaces and social media
The common areas of housing associations are, as the name suggests, shared and the principles of their use can also cause schisms between neighbours. Such spaces include laundry, parking, clubhouse, staircase, sauna and courtyard. The users of these spaces often know each other and have some history of interaction, until a particularly disturbing event occurs and the situation escalates. For example, it may be the case of washing clothes on someone else's shift, which is pointed out on the public notice board instead of being discussed face to face, which is perceived as offensive. Other issues that are often discussed include gossip, the level of tidiness of the premises, the maintenance of planting, the use of the barbecue area, running in the carcass or children's behaviour in the yard. Often, comments about a disruptive neighbour are also shared on the building society's social media accounts, which tends to create a general bad atmosphere.
As in situations of inappropriate neighbourliness, there are often no hard and fast rules on the use of shared spaces, but rather differences of opinion and perceptions of what is ”normal”, i.e. on peace of mind. In addition to the two neighbours on the wall, another party may be a board or a residents' committee, which is responsible for the management of a particular space. For example, one of the aims of the mediation process may be to openly discuss how a particular space and its activities are to be run in the future and, if necessary, to clarify the principles for the community as a whole.
Social conflicts
Purely social conflicts in housing occur, for example, between neighbours who become friends and then fall out, between residents who are members of governing bodies, and in more communal housing where residents interact more with each other or know each other better, such as in senior or student housing. When people know each other better, they may end up hurting each other more deeply and situations become more complex. For example, a nuisance neighbour may be contacted by different authorities and several processes may be going on at the same time.
However, in social conflicts, residents tend to be more motivated to work on the issue than in cases where there are no unifying factors beyond basic neighbourliness. For example, if a board or residents' committee is dysfunctional because certain members do not get along with each other, the remaining members may support them in mediation or express their will to resolve the issue. Friendly neighbours, on the other hand, have a long history of interaction over the years and mediation can be about restoring the relationship or clearing the air and agreeing to continue more as good day acquaintances. At the heart of neighbourly mediation is ultimately the need for sufficient peace of mind recovery for all. Sometimes social conflicts escalate into alliances and it is necessary to include more parties in the mediation process. Sometimes the processes involve the whole house.
Debate is the best way to build common understanding. When everyone is heard, can participate in the process and can take personal responsibility, commitment to the decisions we make together is strengthened.
