Dealing with unhappy neighbors can be one of the most frustrating parts of running a hostel. What advice can you give to hostels operators who are faced with this difficult situation?
I’ll start off with a brainstorm of suggestions:
Make friends. Show your neighbors that you are a real person just like them rather than the evil proprietor of the undesirable business next door. Say hello when you pass them. Make small talk. If you’re personable, approachable, and likeable, then it’s much less likely that they will vilify you and treat you and your hostel accordingly.
Educate your neighbors. Many times neighbors become agitated because they don’t understand what a hostel is or mistakenly believe that it is something else, such as a flophouse, homeless shelter or brothel. Invite them inside and show them around the hostel so that they understand what kind of business you’re actually running next door. If you can get some positive local press for your business it might help to convince the neighbor that the rest of the community supports your hostel.
Be considerate. If your neighbors have young children they are more likely to be disturbed by noise. Tell them that you want to be a considerate neighbor and ask what time their children normally go to bed or take naps. Set appropriate quiet hours and encourage activities for your guests at alternate times or in other locations to avoid conflicts. Post notices and ask guests to respect the neighbors during quiet times, and point out to them where the neighbors are so that they can appreciate the close proximity. (Be sure to tell your guests that you like your neighbors and want them to continue to like you, otherwise your guests may “help you out” by harassing the neighbors that cause you trouble.)
Diplomacy counts. When dealing with an upset neighbor, let them speak their mind and get their frustrations off their chest without interrupting or contradicting them. Apologize for the disturbance, and treat them with respect.
Include them in hostel activities Invite them to parties, dinners, outings, and special events. Even if there are not interested in participating, give your neighbors advance notice of such events so that they are not taken by surprise.
Work towards mutual benefit. Some people are just trying to get something out of you when they complain. It’s not unheard of for bars or other typically noisy businesses to pointedly ask neighbors what it will take to compensate them for the disturbance. Of course, we don’t recommend bribing anyone. As an acceptable alternative, perhaps you could offer to renovate and improve any communal areas in the building to make it nicer for everyone. What else will it take to make them happy?
Document unfounded noise complaints. If the police are called and find no noise upon their arrival, ask them to sign a declaration saying that they were called in for a complaint and found nothing wrong on site. Many areas have a maximum decibel level that is permitted, and it must be proven that you have surpassed this level in order to process a claim. In a worst case scenario when all else fails, you could claim that the neighbor is harassing you and use your documentation as evidence. You may be able to convince the police not to waste their time responding to that neighbor anymore.
Buy them out. If you really can’t come to a reasonable agreement, consider buying the neighbor’s property to avoid further conflicts. This is probably not a convenient or cost effective option, but sometimes you can’t afford NOT to pay this expense in the interest of peace and continued success.
What other suggestions can you give for dealing with upset neighbors so that your hostel can run smoothly?
Incidentally, sometimes the noise comes from outside the hostel and disturbs your guests. See Dealing with outside noise for some recommendations, and please leave your advice for that situation too!
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