Tips to be a good neighbour

Tips to be a good neighbour

Stereos, TV's, radios and games consoles

• Keep the volume down, particularly the bass, especially at night. If you must turn it up use headphones
• Be careful not to disturb your neighbours if you are playing music and your windows are open
• Avoid putting speakers on shared walls (or on the floor in flats)

Parties

• Consider inviting your neighbours or let them know well in advance
• If the party spreads outside, ensure any music doesn't disturb neighbours
• Keep the volume of the music down, with windows and doors closed

In the garden

• Don’t sit in your garden with music playing inside which can be heard outside
• Consider inviting your neighbours to an outdoor party or barbecue and keep noise levels down

Communal areas

• If you need to walk through communal areas late at night or early in the day, make sure you do so quietly; remember your neighbours might be sleeping

In the street

• Keep noise down and avoid shouting, especially at night when other people will be sleeping
• Try to avoid using radios in the street, unless you can use headphones

Pets

• Make sure your pets are happy and quiet
• Keep dogs indoors if they bark when left alone or disturbed
• Try leaving a radio on at a low level to help keep your dog calm when you are out
• If your dog barks when alone, try to find someone to look after it, or visit when you are out

Cars

• Keep the music volume down and windows closed
• Don't over-rev the engine
• Use horns only in an emergency
• Close doors quietly, especially at night
• Keep cars regularly maintained to avoid unnecessary noise from faulty exhausts, fan belts and brakes

Home improvements

• Let neighbours know beforehand if you are doing noisy jobs, using power tools or working on shared walls
• Carry out noisy work during the day and try to agree times with your neighbours
• Complete work as quickly as possible
• You need written permission before you lay laminate or wooden flooring if you live in a house. Permission will not be given if you live in a flat. If your neighbour is disturbed as a result of you having a laminate or wooden floor, you will need to lay carpet