Memphis Apartments

Just about everyone has at least one nosey neighbor. Perhaps you work an odd shift and your neighbor is trying to figure out what you do for a living. Maybe your neighbor wonders why you have no visitors. Or, possibly she is attempting to get a good look at your face to compare it to the “Most Wanted” flyer she has hanging on her refrigerator door.

Whatever the reason, nosey neighbors can become rather bothersome. While their behavior is generally more annoying than anything, there are some things you can do to try to address the situation, particularly if it is becoming unbearable for you.

Most of us have had it ingrained into our unconscious responses to be polite to others. This response almost automatically kicks into high gear when someone becomes overly personal with questions or gets in our personal space. It is almost like we believe if we become too polite, the person will realize what they are doing and stop. Of course, this rarely works.

Sometimes you just have to tell people the answer to their question is not their concern. Keep in mind, this may have the adverse affect and cause them to become even more curious. If a neighbor asks a question you do not want to answer, deflect their question with a question of your own. Keep your question impersonal. Talk about the weather or some other general topic. Begin to walk away as you talk. When you are far enough away, excuse yourself from the conversation and continue on your way.

If you find that your nosey neighbor is going through your garbage or trying to pry information from your guests or visitors, you probably need to report your neighbor to management. They are now intruding on your privacy by going through your trash. Your guests may feel harassed by having a stranger approach them with questions about you.

Your landlord will likely address the situation informally at first. He will approach your neighbor and let her know there has been a verbal complaint made against her. As a result, he is bringing the issue to her attention so she has the opportunity to change her behavior.

If her intrusive behavior continues and you complain to management a second time, you may be asked to put your complaint in writing. Management may or may not share a copy of your complaint with the neighbor. Your landlord my send your neighbor a type of “cease and desist” written warning. This gives your neighbor a second chance to change her behavior and stop her harassing actions.

A third complaint may result in management offering to move you to another Memphis apartment or, if you insist, allowing you out of your lease. Management could decide to give your neighbor an eviction notice. Many leases contain a clause about not being a nuisance to neighbors and other people in the Memphis apartment building. While you do not want to see this happen, you do not have to tolerate someone’s nosiness becoming intrusive.

When you rent a Memphis apartment, there are many choices you make before coming to a decision. Who your neighbors are is not one of those choices. You are not likely to meet neighbors before you move into your Memphis apartment. In many ways, it is a crapshoot on whether you will get along with your fellow renters or not. The best you can do is mind your own business and hope everyone else does the same. If they do not, take the high ground and ignore them. If that is not possible, do what you have to do, including filing formal nuisance or harassment complaints against them.

Share This