Managing Conflicts Among Condo Residents
Life in a condo offers a special living arrangement. After all, many inhabitants are primarily strangers to each other and live under the same roof. In a perfect world, all people from every walk of life would coexist harmoniously. Nonetheless, disagreements and altercations are bound to occur at some point. These problems arise for several different reasons. In this post, experts from our HOA Service Request Management App list common sources of contention between neighbors and how to manage them as property managers or board members.
Regulation Violations
The rules drawn up to govern the condos are accessible to each resident, and anyone living in the building should be aware of and understand the regulations. Individuals that violate the rules are accountable for their actions. The rules are ordinarily easy to understand, and if anyone has questions, the property manager or board members can answer them. The regulations should contain most of the problems relating to the building and residents' conduct, like problems involving pets, smoking, guests, etc.
Noise Violations
Living very close to one another, noise problems are the most common issues in any community. The great news is that most circumstances involving excessive noise are resolved by letting the inhabitants know that the noise level exceeds what is permitted. The best solution for any resident dealing with excessive noise from neighbors is to mention it to the property manager or a board member. It is imperative to inform residents that this is the most acceptable way to deal with excessive noise. Leaving things in the hands of residents often causes minor issues to escalate into more significant problems quickly.
Issues Involving Common Areas
Another pervasive source of conflicts arises from areas that all of the residents share, common areas. By definition, common areas belong to all residents. Nevertheless, when someone can utilize them varies depending on the area. For example, installations like BBQ pits or party rooms generally require reservations in advance. On the other hand, pools or gyms can be utilized by all residents any time they are open. In all of these circumstances, conflicts commonly arise when a resident mistreats the facility or uses it excessively. Again, as with noise problems, the best way to address this is to convey the issue to the property manager or a board member.
Resolving Disputes
Despite the necessary precautions, there are times when situations escalate. In those circumstances, you need a plan to settle the conflicts. Here is what we suggest:
- Understand the Issue- Many conflicts come from a resident's ignorance of a restriction. These problems are usually solved by talking to neighbors. This requires compromise and a collective longing to maintain a pleasant living experience. The corporation's involvement might be necessary if problems cannot be solved at this juncture.
- Legal Considerations- The next phase requires reviewing the rule and the regulations controlling condos in your jurisdiction. The rules are generally obvious. It is essential to let individuals involved in the dispute know the rules and allow them to digest them.
- Solutions- If issues persist or cannot be solved, then it is time to contact a board member or property manager. After that, the property manager will generally speak with the other party to either give them a warning or propose a solution to the problem. It is best to ask for communication in writing, either by letter or email, so things are appropriately documented.
If your condo experiences numerous conflicts, know that technology is a great way to set safeguards and precautions to avoid them. Contact us to see if our HOA Service Request Management App can help you manage disputes in your community.