Tidy neighbors make for tighter neighborhoods

A well-maintained neighborhood contributes to the overall quality of life by presenting a sense of discipline, community, and concern for neighbors. Dealing with a neighbor whose property is unkempt and in need of cleaning is not too uncommon, unfortunately. There are many steps you can take to address the situation, but the best thing to do is focus on this as an opportunity to encourage your neighbor to clean up their property rather than trying to punish them.

The most important step has to have already happened: a friendly relationship. A positive and friendly relationship with your neighbor is crucial to success when addressing sensitive matters like property cleanliness. Take the initiative to introduce yourself and engage in casual conversations, however infrequently, with your neighbors as you go about your daily travels. Building this positive rapport will make future discussions regarding their property more comfortable and increase the likelihood of them being receptive to your concerns. Nobody wants to feel like they are being judged, but people are willing to listen to a friend.

Once the concern is present and needing addressed, approach them politely and express your concerns. Choose a calm and non-confrontational moment to discuss the matter. Don’t scream, don’t let your anger take control, avoid sounding like you are judging them or preaching to them. Nobody wants to be told they are a bad neighbor. Instead, focus on yourself. Share how the situation affects you and the community, highlighting things like decreased property values and attracting pests. After all, knowing they might unintentionally bring a bear near a bus stop might be enough to make the situation clear to them that it is about more than themselves. If you are able to and feel comfortable doing so, offer your assistance. You can also suggest resources or services that may help them with the cleanup (it helps to have a list together before you go over).

If it becomes obvious that they won’t clean it up for the neighborhood, it’s time to make it about the law. Share the local regulations and ordinances related to property maintenance and cleanliness. Politely inform your neighbor about these regulations and provide them with copies of any relevant documents or links to online resources. Highlighting these guidelines can help them understand their responsibilities and the importance of adhering to community standards.

If they are willing to allow you to help, consider organizing a community cleanup event that involves multiple neighbors. Sometimes, individuals may have physical or logistical challenges preventing them from maintaining their property. In such cases, offering assistance can make a significant difference. By bringing people together to enhance the overall appearance of the neighborhood, you create a positive atmosphere and demonstrate the collective commitment to cleanliness. You are fostering a positive environment that may motivates your neighbor to take action.

If your neighbor remains unresponsive despite your efforts, consider involving your community. This may mean calling your local municipality, your community council, or homeowner association. These organizations often have established guidelines and protocols for addressing such issues. Present your concerns and provide any documentation or evidence you have collected. Take photographs or videos as evidence, noting the dates and times of each occurrence. They may be able to send reminders, issue warnings, or take further action if necessary, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and attractive neighborhood.

When it’s time to get the government involved, which should always be the last resort, you can call the City of Wasilla (907-373-9034), City of Palmer (907-745-3709 ext 1), City of Houston (907-892-6869) for the code compliance divisions in their city limits. These agencies can provide guidance or assistance if it cannot be solved at the neighborhood level. Outside of the cities, the Mat-Su Borough Code Compliance division can be reached at 907-861-7822. The Alaska State Troopers do not enforce local ordinances about property junk accumulation unless ordered by a court, which can only be done through the local process first.

The code enforcement agencies can also refer extraordinary situations to state or federal agencies as necessary, but the local process has to be done first. They will assess the situation and take appropriate action if the property violates local regulations. Be prepared to provide detailed information and evidence to support your case. Do not expect immediate response as they have huge jurisdictions to respond to and manage.

When everything else fails, there is civil action, which is long, arduous, and costly. Consult with a legal professional familiar with local laws and regulations. They can advise you on the legal options available to you, such as filing a complaint or taking civil action against your neighbors. Remember that legal measures should be considered as a last resort, as they can strain neighborly relationships and involve additional costs.

Encouraging neighbors to clean up their property requires a proactive and tactful approach. By fostering positive relationships, communicating concerns, offering help, and, if necessary, seeking assistance from local authorities, you can motivate your neighbor to take responsibility for their property’s condition.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.