When you buy a home, you are not just moving into a house; you are also moving into a neighborhood. This means that you will have neighbors who aren’t always the people you’d choose to live next to. Because of this, complications, arguments and even legal disputes can arise.
For instance, dispute over construction sparked an all-out war between actress Minnie Driver and her new neighbor. Now the two are evidently locked in a battle in an example of what not to do when it comes to residential real estate disputes.
Not surprisingly, there are two very different sides of this story. Driver’s 74-year-old neighbor claims the actress has blocked entrance to his property, delaying construction work. He also says she drives recklessly and has even thrown small jars of paint at the walls of his house.
On the other hand, Driver claims that she has been verbally harassed and threatened by her neighbor, and that she has had to slam on the brakes after he has jumped in front of her car repeatedly. She also claims that he has blocked her driveway with a delivery truck, which led to loud, screaming fight. Driver even had a restraining order against her neighbor at one point.
Recently, the neighbors filed a lawsuit against Driver citing emotional distress for all they have allegedly endured as a result of her actions. It will be interesting to see which side prevails in this situation.
In the meantime, homeowners across Florida would be wise to remember that restricting access, making threats and causing property damage are not recommended ways of dealing with a dispute or disagreement with a neighbor. If conversations prove to be futile, you can seek the help of an attorney who can help you protect your rights and take the appropriate actions to address and resolve a conflict.
Source: Vanity Fair, “Minnie Driver’s Neighbor Claims Driver Threw Baby-Food Jars Fall of Black Paint at His House,” Laura Bradley, May 10, 2016