How to avoid condominium disputes

In Italy, 45 million people live in condominiums, and of these, one in three, according to an Ipsos survey, has had at least one condominium dispute. And the cost of condominium disputes, including lawyers and legal fees, incurred by Italians, amounting to approximately half a million lawsuits per year, is around €250 million. A huge waste: of time, money, and, above all, health. Avoiding condominium disputes isn't easy, but by using common sense and offering a few reassuring gestures to all tenants, it's possible to at least lower the risk threshold.

Index of topics

Knowing and applying the condominium

The condominium rules, if you have the patience to read them, should cover everything: the use of common areas, terraces, and gardens; the various quorums required to make decisions at the meeting; the administrator's powers; and quiet hours. In a condominium, it's first and foremost a matter of starting off on the right foot, knowing and respecting the rules.

Avoid small annoyances

Any condominium dispute, even the most complex, always stems from a mistake at the outset. A small thing, which we may not consider serious, but which opens the door to resentment and then, in a chain reaction, to a fight. Among the most annoying things for a neighbor are a dog that barks all day and maybe even at night while you're sleeping; water for water the plants arriving on your terrace; the cigarette butt thrown out the window; unpleasant smells and noises wafting from your kitchen. Do these things seem so difficult to avoid?

Play early

Let's imagine the classic case of a party you want to throw in your house, which will cause noise for the entire building and especially for your neighbor. Make a move, a gesture of... courtesyBy planning ahead. Communicate your intentions and the appropriate date, perhaps invite a neighbor and warn them that they'll be annoyed by a noisier-than-usual evening. Try to commit to stopping the music at a certain time, and you'll see that your party won't become a condominium incident. Planning ahead also means creating a positive atmosphere within the condominium community, even through small shared experiences. Have you ever considered a drink with the neighbors? A small gesture can greatly deter the risk of a brawl, which is always around the corner.

Pay the condominium regularly

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone: unfortunately, in Italy, there's a nasty habit of paying condominium fees late. This puts building managers in difficulty and creates tension among neighbors, who are informed of the blacklist of those who don't pay by the agreed-upon deadlines. Moreover, late payments also become a convenient excuse for opaque condominium managers, another widespread category in Italy. So try to stay on the good side, pay your condominium fees regularly, and this will give you greater authority among your neighbors and make you look better.

Heating and air conditioning

If the climate in the condominium is not the best, it is better to avoid having shared heating and the air conditioningAnd focus on independent systems for each property unit. As for air conditioning, you need to consider the building's aesthetics, potential noise, size, and water leaks. These are all potential sources of condominium disputes.

Pets

Dogs and cats, but also birds, are among the main causes of fights and then brawls in apartment buildings. The important thing to avoid them is to respect others, for example, by not allowing the dog you bark too frequently and when he goes down the stairs to go out. Obviously, stairs and common areas must be completely cleaned of any "messes" our companions may have.

Disturbing noises

A condominium isn't a monastery, but it can't turn into a nightclub either. Especially at certain times, such as during the night or in the early hours of the morning. Listening to music and TV at low volume shouldn't be difficult for anyone, and in any case, there are ways to do it. headphonesThe important thing is not to cause a disturbance. Noise is one of the main causes of condominium disputes. This is also because the law (Article 844 of the Civil Code) permits it "if it does not exceed normal tolerability." Yes, but who sets this threshold? Here comes the tricky part, even if it can be easily resolved. To determine what constitutes "normal tolerability," you don't need a scale, just a pinch of common sense.

Recycle properly

Recycle properly It's in the best interest of the entire condominium and represents a gesture of good neighborliness. Therefore: respect the collection times and bins, and when there are bulky plastic or cardboard containers, it's a good idea to break them and flatten them. It only takes a few seconds.

Use kindness and common sense

Do you know of your neighbor's weaknesses at the table? Make them happy every now and then with a small gesture that indulges their pleasures. Do you stock up on special food and kitchen supplies? Do you travel often? Remember your fellow residents, and with a simple gesture of kindness, you'll have won them over. You just run the risk that one day they might ask you to become the building manager, a job to avoid at all costs.

Respect common spaces

Common spaces belong to everyone by definition. And you must never forget this, otherwise you give the impression, even unintentionally, of being arrogant and overbearing. A car, a motorcycle, a bike, or even just a simple water bucket, you can place them in a common area if permitted and if you're not causing damage or inconvenience to neighbors. Being able to share all the square footage you have together is a key to successful coexistence in a condominium.

Using the elevator

The elevator is not a freight elevator and must be used in compliance with regulations. These include the number of people it can carry and the fact that children under 12 may only use the elevator if accompanied. However, remember that: walk up the stairs It is still an excellent and healthy exercise.

If you own a B&B

I Bed and Breakfast they have become theobsession of many condominium ownersGrowing unchecked, with little oversight, they can create significant disruptions within a building. This is due to the comings and goings of guests, their noise, and the potential damage they cause to common areas. B&B managers simply have a duty to ensure that their guests do not disturb or damage other residents in the building.

The Law of Basil

It's a law written by the Non sprecare community, very easy to apply and tailored for lifestyles inspired by sustainability and sharing. It's called the law of basil And he says this: with your neighbor, however, you shouldn't argue simply because if you're running out of basil to season your pasta dish, you should be able to ask your neighbor for it. Knowing he'll deliver it to you with a smile, as is the custom among good neighbors.