Being A Bad Neighbor Can Cost You Money
Are your neighbors excited that you're a part of the neighborhood or do they wait patiently every day for you to put a for sale sign in the yard? If you're better in line with the latter, not only are you creating unnecessary tension, you could eventually cause yourself some undue expenses. Here are just some of the ways being a bad neighbor can cost you money:
Poor Landscaping
It's your responsibility to stay on top of your landscaping. Not only does this make your home look better, but it can also keep everyone, and their property, safe. Take a tree with dead limbs that you've been ignoring.
If the tree rests on your property line, but some of the limbs hang over towards your neighbor's home, in the event of a storm, if the limbs fall and cause damage to their home – you could be held responsible for the repair cost. Always remove dead limbs in a timely manner to keep everyone protected.
Pet Attacks
Even the friendliest of dogs can attack. If you're the owner of a dog, it's important to keep this in the back of your mind, which is one of the reasons having a fence is so important.
If you don't have a fence and let your dog out in the backyard and they attack someone in the neighborhood, even if the attack was somewhat promoted by the victim, you could still be held liable because you are responsible for your own dog. Ensure you have a suitable fence surrounding your property that can keep your dog contained.
Appliance Failure
Staying on top of maintenance is a good idea for many reasons, but if you live in a condo, it is especially important to your neighbors. Take your washing machine, for example. Most washing machines need to have their hoses replaced every so many years. If you don't, the hose can fail.
When this happens, instead of the water going into the machine it will spill out onto the floor and possibly the neighbor below you. Once again, you may be responsible. Check the hoses from time to time and whenever any of your appliances are in need of service, make sure you take action.
These represent just some of the scenarios in which a neighbor can come after you and your homeowner's insurance company. Either way, you could be left to cover some of the costs. Be a good neighbor, get an insurance quote, keep everyone happy, and most importantly, keep more money in your wallet.
