What to Do When Your Neighbor’s Home is an Eyesore 

The house next door…what’s up with that place? Although you love your new home, the sight of your neighbor’s house or yard makes you want to cringe every time you look out the window.  

Neighborhood eyesores are a common problem. However, even though it’s not your own home, there are some ways to deal with this issue. Here are a few steps that you can take when faced with a neighborhood eyesore. 

Know Before You Knock 

First, make sure there’s nothing seriously amiss with the people next door. Are they elderly, infirm or in the midst of a crisis? There could be a lot of reasons for them not maintaining their property. As you get to know the people in your neighborhood better, gently broach the topic. And if you do decide to reach out to your neighbor, be friendly and offer to help come up with a plan to tackle basic mowing, weeding, and pruning. 

Spruce Up ― and Define ― Your Own Space 

Enhancements to your own yard will go a long way toward distracting you from the unpleasant view next door. While it may require an initial investment of money and time, gaining privacy and peace of mind in your own outdoor space will make it worthwhile. 

Putting up privacy fences along the property line is an easy fix. For the best coverage, go with a fence that’s 6 to 8 feet high. These higher fences will hide even the messiest yards from sight. Worried that a fence might make your yard look like a prison? A hedge “fence” provides great screening and will soften the “barricaded” look you’re trying to avoid.  

Plant Visual Barriers 

New plantings are another way to block the offending view. If your neighbor’s yard is within direct sight, consider planting some shrubs, trees or trellises along the property line to create a visual barrier. If the eyesore property is between the two backyards, another quick fix is to plant a wildflower garden. Packages of pre-mixed seeds can be easily bought online or at the local garden center and they not only screen out the offending views but create a backdrop of beauty with minimal effort. 

Add Outdoor Lighting 

Strategically placing path lighting or spotlights can help make your home’s exterior more inviting after dark while also distracting from the neighbor’s dark, unlit yard. Upward or down-facing spotlights highlight the best features of your home.  

Check for Health and Safety Issues 

Poorly maintained properties can potentially harbor health and safety hazards like rodents, insects, or unstable structures. Take note of any obvious issues that could threaten public health or safety, including standing water, exposed wires, collapsed outbuildings, or other dangerous conditions. Report significant health and safety risks to the HOA or local authorities right away. 

Make the Best of It 

Don’t allow what you can’t change to frustrate you. Instead, look for small ways to improve your outlook. Staying positive and proactively addressing what you can do will help make the unpleasant view more bearable until the situation improves. 

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