In 2007 there were 7,191,000 households in the Netherlands and the highest population density was found in The Hague with 5,749 inhabitants per square kilometer. The Netherlands is a small country where people mainly live close together in the city. This often causes tensions that can disrupt the enjoyment of living. This often causes nuisance to neighbors.
The causes
Neighborhood nuisance can have various causes, from loud music to litter.
Below are a number of examples of causes.
Pets
Dogs and cats can be a cause of dispute between neighbors. For example, due to barking or cats coming into the garden. But pigeons or other insects can also be a cause, as feeding birds can attract vermin and bird droppings end up on balconies and in gardens.
Stacked construction
A home in an apartment building has neighbors above and/or below it. Because several people live in one building, and often families and elderly people live together, nuisance can occur.
Noise
In old houses, sound insulation was not yet taken into account. Nowadays the requirements for this are a lot stricter than before. But noise is still a common cause of nuisance to neighbors, even in new-build homes.
Hard floor covering
Hard flooring includes wooden floors, parquet, laminate and tiles, but also tarpaulin. These floors easily transfer contact sounds to the house below your home.
Differences in lifestyle
One lives at night, the other during the day or has varying shifts. Too much difference in ‘lifestyles’ causes clashes.
Public spaces
Sometimes residents of apartment buildings use stairwells, elevators, galleries, storage corridors and central access halls incorrectly. For example as a storage or workshop. Many people are quickly annoyed by this.
Music and household appliances
Stereo systems or musical instruments often cause noise pollution. But vacuum cleaners, washing machines, televisions and drills are also the source of conflict.
Drain and sewer blockage
Cooking fat, shortening and cat litter cannot simply be flushed down the sink or toilet. If this does happen, there is a good chance that the drain will become clogged. This can cause a flood that can cause a lot of damage and inconvenience.
Garbage and bulky waste
Household waste may only be placed on the street at certain times. When people do not adhere to this, the neighborhood becomes polluted. The dirt also attracts vermin and this causes a lot of nuisance.
How can you prevent nuisance?
Neighborhood nuisance is often caused without residents being aware of it. Below are a few simple tips that can help maintain a pleasant atmosphere.
- Don’t turn your music up louder than necessary. Your neighbors may like completely different music or even silence. You wouldn’t like it if you were disturbed by music you didn’t like.
- A sound-absorbing floor covering is a good tip. You can also apply a layer of felt or rubber under equipment that makes a lot of noise.
- Make agreements about the times when you can produce sound. This includes drilling, carpentry, making music, etc.
- If you are planning to have a party, let your neighbors know in advance.
- Do not let your children run, play ball, shout or throw doors indoors.
- Agree with your neighbors that common areas cannot be used as storage space; this is even prohibited according to the rental contract.
- Do not park your means of transport in places that prevent passage.
- When everyone contributes to keeping the living environment clean, this promotes hygiene and prevents fire hazards.
How can you solve it?
If you are experiencing nuisance from your neighbors, it is best to talk to them first. It’s not always easy, but talking can solve a lot.
Try to find a solution to the problem together in a calm conversation. Below are 10 tips for a pleasant conversation .
- As neighbors you have to rely on each other. Both parties will suffer if it turns into a long-term conflict.
- Do not collect multiple complaints, but contact your neighbors immediately.
- Don’t talk if you are still very angry, this is usually how arguments start.
- First ask your neighbors if the conversation is convenient and otherwise make an appointment.
- Make sure you have your story ready. You can tell exactly where and when you suffered.
- Don’t just complain about your neighbors, but also try to find a solution together.
- If the conversation turns into an argument, stop talking. Otherwise it will only make the situation worse.
- Also ask your neighbors if anything bothers them.
- Try to make concrete agreements.
- Always remains reasonable.
If the conversation still does not lead to a solution, you can do the following.
Call the police
This usually only makes sense if there are violations or criminal offenses.
You can also make an official report to the police, but always ask for a report.
Engage the Working Youth Housing Foundation
If your neighbors react aggressively, the Working Youth Housing Foundation can sometimes mediate. He then tries to make agreements with the person causing the nuisance. The agreements are put on paper and both parties receive a copy of it.
Hire a lawyer
As a citizen, you can always initiate legal proceedings against another citizen who is causing you a nuisance.