How to avoid condominium disputes

How to avoid them quarrels of condominium? How can we stop clogging up the courtrooms with those two million pending judgments for condominium disputes? The disturbing noise, perhaps from some noisy child playing and screaming. The excessive curiosity of the man or woman next door. And again: parking spaces and car parking in general, the bad smells that come from the kitchen, the pets.

It is within this perimeter of feelings-bad mood-anger that one of the most serious wastes we commit as individuals, as families and as communities materializes, throughout Europe, and therefore also in Italy: the brawl, the argument which follows long discussions, with the neighbor.

Disputes between neighbors are a double waste. On one hand, there are the costs (and endless times) of litigation: Italians spend, on average, 250 million euros a year on this type of cause. Then there is the most serious waste, that of human relationships, in times of great loneliness and lives that lengthenOnly one in three Italians over 65 considers their neighbor a friend or even just a good acquaintance. But let's get back to the question we started with: how can we avoid condominium disputes? What are the simple and effective ways to prevent them?

Index of topics

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.