Rental Unit Neighbor Prodlems

[Luke Redford]

I turned my old home into a rental this year, and the neighbor has my phone number. He calls/texts pseudo frequently with complaints, sometimes not. Currently he keeps complaining about being able to see their clothes hanging in the window (telling me to tell the tenants to keep the blinds shut) and empty beer bottles on the deck occasionally. He says he can see them from their family room... Is there any legitimacy to his complaints and how do you deal with a grumpy neighbor? Thanks for any help

[Katrina M.]

@Luke Redford

I agree with @Rosston Smith. In addition to that, I'd say the real problem is not the beer cans or washing, though it can get out of control.

What you need to address first is the neighbour's feelings. He feels wronged that he is now subjected to viewing underpants while having a rest. He might be truly suffering from it. I'd say he needs to be heard and his grievances recognized. 

Give him a call and say with empathy: "You feel upset that you have to see beer cans". Then let him do the talking. Let him get it off his heart. Don't argue that three beer cans is a negligible wrongdoing. All he needs is empathy. He also may need to be recognised as the one who is "right", and the tenants are "wrong", that he is a "good man" and has been one all his life. 

He may not have the right to critisize you or your tenants but relationships between neighbours aren't business relationships. You can handle it with grace and strengthen your relationship with the neighbour. 

I suggest you read a book "Non-Violent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg. It will be a great help to you not only as a landlord but in other spheres of life too.