Strain and tension will start if a disagreement takes place, hence the fact that it is not an easy task to live with a community of neighbours. Normally it is taken for granted that you will live with your neighbours in harmony. However, we must bear in mind that this is not always the case. A difficult relationship among neighbours can be very troublesome and disturbing. The art of living peacefully with your neighbours, is not within everybody´s reach. We will point out which are the common denominators concerning Spanish people.

6 FOCUS OF DISPUTES

The Horizontal Property Act regulates Resident´s Associations. In spite of this Act, there are often a great number of problems. The fist thing that should be done is to find a negotiated settlement and the president of the Association must intercede. If an agreement is not reached, the neighbourhood board would be asked to intercede too. As a last resort, the matter would be taken to court. On the other hand, the administrator plays an important role in the hope that the resolution will be adopted by consensus. The Colegio Profesional de Administradores de Fincas de Madrid (CAFMadrid), has recently published the main causes of disagreement. There are six.

1) FAILURE TO PAY: slow to pay neighbours are nowadays a major problem in a Resident´s Association. The worst part of this is that it is very complicated and difficult to find a quick solution in order to make them fulfil their obligation. It is recommended to go to the courts and avoid threats and coercion.

2) NOISE: it is very typical to have a noisy neighbour who does not respect other people´s rest. The first step is to call the police. The second one, is to complain to the competent authorities and file an application.

3) CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE BUILDING: the installation of a lift is one of the most regular building works carried out and very often it leads to disagreement among the neighbours. It is only normal that each neighbour contributes with the amount of money which depends on the usefulness that this building work has for him/her. Unfortunately, an agreement is not often reached.

4) PRIVATE BUILDING WORKS: the alterations in a private flat are usually a source of dispute because the rest of the neighbours regard them as annoying because they create noise and dirt. Every neighbour has the right to renovate his/her house. However, this should be done in the hours that least affect the neighbours. We must also stress that everything must be done with the utmost cleanliness.

5) DAMAGE CAUSED: the damage which may be caused by dampness or cracks as a consequence of private building works, usually leads to disputes. The Act states that the repair must be accepted by the person who has caused it. Nevertheless, a third-party insurance is very useful and convenient.

6) COMMON AREAS: sometimes a neighbour has appropriated a space which belongs to the whole community. For instance, a terrace. If you do not reach an agreement, the only solution is to go to the courts.