Which acts are considered as vandalism in a Homeowners' Association?

Nowadays we hear a lot of information in the media about occupation, break-ins and trespassing. But beyond these serious situations, there are other complicated moments that are often experienced in different communities.
Unfortunately, vandalism and bad coexistence between neighbors are a reality in some areas. However, both things are different, how do they differ?

What is considered as vandalism?

Vandalism is destructive behavior that results in an unwarranted hostile act towards the possessions of others. It should be noted that acts of vandalism are usually carried out by people outside the Homeowners' Association, not among neighbors. 
If we analyze what vandalism is from the point of view of coexistence in a community there are certain actions that we can find:

● Breakage and misuse of common elements or furniture: by misuse we mean acts that may damage these elements or create serious damage.
● Damage to doors and windows: from the landing, the entrance or any other common area.
● Damage to mailboxes: that make imposible their use or require that they have to be replaced by new ones.
● Graffiti or damage to walls: they spoil the the building aesthetics, and can even create problems in the structure.
● Theft or breakage of light bulbs: Preventing the safe use of common areas.

As mentioned, these types of acts are often the work of people who do not live in that community, although sometimes they are also caused by bad relations between neighbors. But is everything your neighbor does to you vandalism?
Subtitle: What is not vandalism, although it prevents a good coexistence
The owners or neighbors sometimes do not have good relations, and cause the day to day to be complicated. These confrontations can lead to uncomfortable moments and problems in the day-to-day life.
Incredible as it may seem, there are still situations where mail is stolen from someone and even mats are stolen. And this is vandalism, because it affects your property in a destructive way.

What is not vandalism:

● Neighbors who turn on music or television at high volume, disturbing nearby apartments.
● Excessive noise at off hours with drills, hammers, furniture, etc.
● Waste thrown out of windows on clothes that are lying around.
● Aggressive notes left on mailboxes, mats or doors.

Both what are considered acts of vandalism and what are not problems that no one wants to face every day. That is why we always recommend trying to solve the situation and find a meeting point between neighbors. And, if this doesn't work, there is always the solution of raising the problem with the property manager so that he can advise on the next steps or serve as a support when it comes to making the relevant complaints.
If the problems are between two neighbors, the best thing is to try to solve it between them. If the problems are acts of vandalism suffered by the Community of Property Owners, it is best to seek effective solutions to curb the situation.

How can we stop vandalism?

Once you are clear about what vandalism is, if you are suffering in a community it is best to look for quick solutions. Of course, you should file a complaint and talk to your insurance company about fixing the damage.
But, in addition, it may be time to improve security in the Neighborhood Community by investing in systems such as:

● Security cameras: that besides recording everything that happens in the enclosure, serves as a deterrent.
● Automatic door openers: they are used in a personalized way by the neighbors to avoid that people outside the neighborhood can access without permission or authorization.
And, of course, what best guarantees a good coexistence is to know our neighbors. This way you will know what environment you are in, you will empathize with them and it will be easier to detect possible intruders before they can create problems.

For any doubt you can contact us.