Lew Geffen has been in the real estate industry since 1972, is recognised as one of the leading experts in property in South Africa and holds many directorships in associated real estate and allied industries.
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Dealing with bad neighbours
Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty | Published: October 10th, 2011
Having bad neighbours can be a nightmare. Whether they are merely a noisy nuisance or are engaged in questionable activities, they can ruin the peace and sanctity of your home. Nipping such behaviour in the bud is a must, not only for your own sanity, but for the future sale of your property. Bad apples in your backyard will inevitably bring a neighbourhood into ill repute and lower property value. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty provides you with a guide to dealing with neighbour troubles.
Report Questionable Behaviour
If you suspect individuals in your community of being involved in criminal activities, it’s your duty to report your suspicions to the authorities. As CEO of Sotheby's International Realty South Africa, Jason Rohde notes, “You have the good of your neighbourhood to consider. Rotten residents and their unsavoury, criminal practices affect the safety, security and reputation of your neighbourhood. All of these can negatively affect the value of your property. After all, nobody wants to live next door to a criminal.”
Not only do you have the future value of your property to consider, but also an essential moral obligation. As Rohde points out, “The police rely on the information they receive from the public to assist them in their investigations and build up evidence to make arrests. Your tip off could lead the arrest of criminals on the police wanted list.”
If you have neighbours who you are convinced are engaged in unlawful activity, the best course of action is to either phone the SAPS Crime Stop Hotline 08600 10111 or SMS an anonymous tip-off to the Primedia CrimeLine on 32211. Do not attempt to take matters into your own hands.
Know Your Rights
Should your concerns about your neighbours be slightly less serious – barking dogs and overhanging trees rather than drug dealers and chop shops – you still have the right to pursue the matter with local authorities should a friendly chat prove ineffectual. Laws and regulations vary from province to province, and processes from municipality to municipality, but persistent problems from neighbours, particularly noise complaints, can be dealt with formally.
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty suggests that property-owners contact their local authorities for advice on what they can do to put an end to nuisances like these. Again, bad neighbours can have an adverse effect on future property sales, as well as your emotional well-being.
Report Questionable Behaviour
If you suspect individuals in your community of being involved in criminal activities, it’s your duty to report your suspicions to the authorities. As CEO of Sotheby's International Realty South Africa, Jason Rohde notes, “You have the good of your neighbourhood to consider. Rotten residents and their unsavoury, criminal practices affect the safety, security and reputation of your neighbourhood. All of these can negatively affect the value of your property. After all, nobody wants to live next door to a criminal.”
Not only do you have the future value of your property to consider, but also an essential moral obligation. As Rohde points out, “The police rely on the information they receive from the public to assist them in their investigations and build up evidence to make arrests. Your tip off could lead the arrest of criminals on the police wanted list.”
If you have neighbours who you are convinced are engaged in unlawful activity, the best course of action is to either phone the SAPS Crime Stop Hotline 08600 10111 or SMS an anonymous tip-off to the Primedia CrimeLine on 32211. Do not attempt to take matters into your own hands.
Know Your Rights
Should your concerns about your neighbours be slightly less serious – barking dogs and overhanging trees rather than drug dealers and chop shops – you still have the right to pursue the matter with local authorities should a friendly chat prove ineffectual. Laws and regulations vary from province to province, and processes from municipality to municipality, but persistent problems from neighbours, particularly noise complaints, can be dealt with formally.
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty suggests that property-owners contact their local authorities for advice on what they can do to put an end to nuisances like these. Again, bad neighbours can have an adverse effect on future property sales, as well as your emotional well-being.
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