Argue like cats and dogs? No, it seems that German neighbors are more peaceful with one another than expected. Photo: Gothaer
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Finance, insurance,: –
Cologne, November 9th, 2020 – Only those who live in the open fields have no neighbors. Most of the others live in close proximity to other households – and almost every resident has something to say about their neighbors. One plays the piano all day, the other lets his children frolic around on Sunday mornings, never cuts his trees, smokes on the balcony, always has friends over, separates the rubbish incorrectly, parks too expansively or decorates the hallway in a hideous way. There are many exciters. But complain? Very few take this step, as this year’s Gothaer neighborhood survey in cooperation with forsa shows.
The wall facing the neighbor is one of the thinnest. Or so it seems, because most of the respondents (53 percent) give noise pollution as the most likely reason for complaining to their neighbors. Too loud music, a blaring television, piercing conversations, footstep noises, children’s games or even the drill – all causes of noise that can quickly echo into your own apartment. If the background noise then lasts longer or even disturbs the night’s sleep, the annoyance is great. But there are other reasons to complain: cars parked incorrectly, for example (31 percent information) or nuisance from smoke (29 percent) complete the top three of the biggest annoyances from neighbors. There are other reasons such as annoying pets (16 percent) or non-compliance with house rules or neighborhood obligations (15 percent).
What are you most likely to complain to your neighbors about? Three answers possible
1. Noise pollution – 53%
2. Trouble with a car (wrong parking space, blockade of the sidewalk) – 32%
3. Smoke annoyance (cigarette smoke drawing into the stairwell) – 29%
4. Disturb pets (smells, dirt, noise) – 16%
5. House rules / neighborhood duties are not observed (pushing snow, cleaning the hallway) – 15%
6. Unfriendliness (does not say hello, no willingness to help) – 13%
7. Common rooms delivered – 11%
8. Hallway blocked – 10%
9. Disturb visitors (strange acquaintances, late visits) – 7%
10. Disturbing, flashy decoration – 1%
11. None of this – 19%
“My lawyer will be in touch!”
Much more surprising, however: the Germans seem to have become more peaceful. In this year’s short survey by Gothaer – carried out by forsa research – only 32 percent of the approximately 1,000 respondents said they had already complained to their neighbors about their behavior. In the last short study in 2017, 46 percent said yes. The Germans also seem peaceful on this point: Nine percent of the study participants alone have already had a neighborhood dispute that went beyond a complaint, such as legal action. And who now thinks that those who complain are the older ones, who are at home a lot anyway: In 2017 and 2020, the 30 to 44 year olds were the most complacent.
More trouble from home office?
One thing in particular has changed with regard to the living situation since 2017: In 2020, the corona pandemic will mean that many employees will be working from home. Do they become more aware of their neighbors as a result and are annoyed, for example, by noise that they otherwise would not have heard? Apparently no, because only nine percent of those surveyed who currently work in the home office are now more bothered by their neighbors than before.
Gothaer offers customers legal advice over the phone in the event of disputes
What is the best way to proceed if there is a complaint? “In the event of a dispute with the neighbor, a friendly but clarifying conversation is generally recommended. Often the other person is not even aware that his behavior is bothering the other, ”says Gotha expert Bettina Zoidl-Ammen. “However, if the difficulties cannot be resolved through a conversation, you should seek legal advice.” For customers of the Gothaer home and apartment protection letter, there is a specially set up telephone number in these cases. “Even in the event of disputes with neighbors, our legal experts give a quick and uncomplicated initial assessment of the legal situation via telephone legal advice,” says Bettina Zoidl-Ammen.
The Gotha neighborhood study
On behalf of Gothaer Versicherung, forsa Political and Social Research carried out a survey from October 26 to 29, 2020 as part of its online representative survey panel. 1,015 German citizens aged 18 and over who live in private households took part. We are happy to provide precise study results on request, for example on demographic or local distribution.
About Gothaer
With premium income of 4.5 billion euros and around 4.1 million insured members, the Gothaer Group is one of the largest German insurance companies. All types of insurance are offered. Gothaer relies on high-quality personal advice for customers. For more information, visit our website! click here.
A press release from Gothaer Finanzholding AG Gothaer Versicherung.
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