To address problems with neighbors, most residents choose to speak directly with the individual involved, according to a study.
Families living in houses or apartments often encounter issues with their neighbors. Among the main complaints identified by resident associations in Portugal are neighborhood noise, non-payment of fees, and renovations. To resolve these issues, most people prefer to speak directly with the neighbor or bring up the topic during resident association meetings.
The study “Domestic Accidents and Resident Associations,” conducted by Liberty Mutual with Kantar and Red C for Liberty in Europe (Portugal, Spain, and Ireland), highlighted the primary issues discussed in resident associations:
– Neighborhood noise (40%)
– Non-payment of condominium fees (38%)
– Renovations to be carried out in the association (32%)
– Organization cleaning (26%)
– Malfunctions affecting more than one residence (22%)
– Use of common areas (20%)
So, how do residents resolve these issues with their neighbors? The same study, carried out between September and October 2023, which included 500 Portuguese respondents, reveals that most opt to speak directly with the neighbor in question or address the issue in resident association meetings. Only 1% of respondents admit to using the legal assistance service of their home insurance or the association’s insurance. Around 18% of troubled residents take no action or even avoid encountering their neighbors.
“Both individual homes and communities are exposed to numerous unforeseen events arising from their use, the impact of weather, aging, or new needs,” explains José Luis García Camiñas, Executive Director of Product at Liberty Seguros in Europe, in a statement. He emphasizes that “each community is different, which is why having a personalized insurance policy with the necessary coverage for each case can be crucial to maintaining the habitability and comfort of homes and common areas.”
The study also revealed that almost half of Portuguese people (about 45%) are part of a resident association, whether in a detached house, semi-detached house, or apartment. Only 28% describe their relationship with their neighbors as a friendship.
