Being a good neighbour means different things to different people. One thing we’re sure we can all agree on is that having respect and being thoughtful to those around us plays a huge part in harmonious living.
We all enjoy different lifestyles and part of being a good neighbour means acknowledging this, considering others in our everyday activities and taking into account the seasonal, religious, cultural or lifestyle celebrations that happen in our community.
Taking small actions to minimise noise or showing leeway with one off events and celebrations, can make big difference to our neighbours and community.
David is a DJ so plays music often, to compose set lists for his gigs.
Things David can do to reduce the nuisance to his neighbours:
- Wear headphones
- Reposition speakers
- Turn the bass down
Anna follows her team with passion and hosts barbeques in her garden for international tournaments.
Things Anna can do to reduce the nuisance to her neighbours:
- Return inside at a reasonable time or once the game has finished
- Keep noisy celebrations/commiserations to a minimum
- Ensure numbers are manageable for her events
- Be flexible and make adjustments if neighbours flag noise annoyance
Things Anna’s neighbours can do:
- Understand that the tournament is a one off and the extra noise won’t be a permanent annoyance
- Have a polite chat with Anna if they feel the noise is excessive or going on too late in the evening
Derek lives on the second floor of an apartment block and is a bit of a night owl.
Things Derek can do to reduce the nuisance to his neighbours:
- Take off his shoes each time he returns home
- Put a rug down to soften his footsteps
- Keep noisier activities, like DIY or using the washing machine, to the early evening
Armanpreet celebrates Diwali and other significant cultural festivals with her family and friends.
Things Armanpreet can do to reduce the nuisance to her neighbours:
- Keep any firework celebrations to earlier on in the evening
- Return inside once firework displays have ended
- Have a chat to her neighbours to tell them of upcoming festivals and traditional ways of celebrating, so they know what to expect
Things Armanpreet’s neighbours can do:
- Understand and respect Armanpreet’s culture and realise the celebrations and any extra noise won’t last forever
- Have a polite chat with Armanpreet if they feel the noise is excessive or going on too late in the evening
The Martin’s have young children, who love gaming and playing in the garden with their new puppy.
Things the Martin’s can do to reduce the nuisance to their neighbours:
- Keep noisy garden games to after school and weekends only
- Bring the dog indoors if he gets over excited
- Use headphones when playing video games
Phillipe and Ian take part in the annual gay pride parade and have friends round before the event.
Things Phillipe and Ian can do to reduce the nuisance to their neighbours:
- Have a chat to their immediate neighbours a few days before the event so they know there may be a bit more noise than usual
- Be mindful of neighbours when the pre-party is in full flow and take steps like turning the music down if necessary
Things Phillipe and Ian’s neighbours can do:
- Be respectful, understand that pride celebrations are a big part of the LBGTQ+ calendar and realise that any extra noise is a one off
- Have a polite chat with Phillipe and Ian if they feel the noise is excessive
