Conflicts are extremely common when multiple people live together in a shared accommodation. Disputes between neighbours often happen due to differences in personalities and opinions, and they’re not always easily resolved. This is why you need to have a proper dispute resolution process in place to maintain a harmonious living environment.
As an RMC director, you may occasionally have to step in to resolve arguments between residents that could be disturbing neighbours. Regardless of the situation, it’s your job to remain impartial and offer a clear resolution that’s acceptable to everyone.
Disputes could occur for any number of reasons, from an argument over parking spots, noise levels, pets, or the obstruction of common areas. RMC directors and property managers need to be impartial and non-judgemental when they’re following the dispute resolution process.
If you need assistance with resident communication, resolving disagreements, and maintaining amicable living conditions, contact us at Habitare. We offer complete property management solutions, including property inspections, upkeep, and conflict resolution.
Common Disputes Among Neighbours in Apartment Blocks
In an apartment block, conflicts can occur among neighbours between the landlord and tenants, and with the resident management company.
Here are some common reasons for conflicts in apartment blocks:
Service Charge Rate
Many residents, owners, and tenants might feel they’re overpaying for their service charge without getting the desired level of service. A block property manager or RMC director can help explain costs and expenses, providing a breakdown for peace of mind to show how their money is being spent.
Issues with Repair and Maintenance
The most common type of conflicts between tenants and landlords relate to repair and maintenance. Property-related issues, from a blocked gutter to plumbing problems or broken window panes in the common area, may lead to arguments and disputes. As a property manager, you need to make sure every issue is immediately addressed and that regular inspections and proactive maintenance work is done.
Communal Area Dispute
In a standard block property, the communal area consists of the hallways, lifts, parking spaces, and staircases. Neighbourly disputes can happen when one resident blocks or misuses the common space, leading to arguments. During the dispute resolution process, it’s important to explain the rules for the use of common areas to help avoid future conflicts of a similar nature.
Parking Spaces
Arguments over parking spots are extremely common among apartment block residents. To avoid these arguments, make sure each resident has their own clearly demarked individual space. Landlords who rent their flats in your building should mention whether parking space is included as part of the tenancy agreement. You can also create a handbook or send out emails informing owners and tenants about parking policies.
Noise Levels
Noise disputes between neighbours are also a regular occurrence in shared blocks. These can result from repeated exposure to loud noise, including playing music loudly or watching TV at a loud volume, hosting a party, or leaving dogs to bark during the day or night. The dispute resolution process for noise complaints can be extremely tricky, and it’s important that you take a neutral and fair standpoint.
How to Resolve Neighbour Disputes in Apartment Blocks
Let’s look at some of the best dispute resolution processes for common complaints in an apartment block:
Open Communication
The most effective way to resolve issues among tenants, without disturbing neighbours who are unaffected by the argument, is to have open communication. This can help you avoid disputes in the first place, which is what you should be aiming for. As an RMC director, you should create a written charter of rules that every resident must follow. This can include rules regarding parking spaces, noise levels, pet policies and usage of common areas.
Instead of avoiding addressing issues, be proactive and prompt in communicating the problem. Transparent and honest communication can help your residents feel at ease, especially when it comes to financial matters like service charges and repair costs.
Having the rules in writing can also help you better enforce them, especially when it comes to new residents moving in. You may also decide to have regular meetings with your residents to get feedback and communicate any policy changes.