Most common reasons for conflicts between neighbours:
- Misunderstandings
- Inappropriate conduct
- Damage done to property
- Vandalism or harassment
- Disturbances related to children
- Racism
- Power dynamics in a property company or a tenant committee
- Disturbances related to pets
- Violent information
- Insults
- Property boundaries and road use
- Untidy surroundings
- Unpleasant smells
- Treatment of children
- Exercise of power by children in the yard areas
Typical features of communal conflicts:
- Something is said that is taken as an insult by another party
- Something is done that for a reason or another is not accepted
- A problem is discussed with others but not with the party involved
- Reporting to authorities/teacher/employer
- Reporting to property manager/housing adviser
- Reporting to child welfare authorities
- Writing anonymous notes or “official” announcements
- Development of atmosphere of suspicion, feelings of fear and guilt
- The need to explain and justify one’s own thoughts and actions
- Gathering evidence against someone and seeking allies
- Events start to have very different interpretations