How to avoid neighbourly disputes

Keep it down

Noisy neighbours disturb our peace and disrupt our sleep. In NSW, loud music or even a noisy television is not allowed between 10pm to 8am weekdays and midnight to 8am on Friday and Saturday and before public holidays. Power tools and leaf blowers aren’t allowed before 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends, and the evening deadline is 8pm seven days a week.

If your neighbour violates these rules only occasionally, it’s probably a good idea to let it go. However, if they’re driving you insane on a regular basis, speak to them. Remember to stay cool, calm and respectful.

Barking mad

Dogs bark mainly when their owner isn’t home, so your neighbour may not even be aware their dog is barking excessively. Dogs usually bark from boredom, separation anxiety or fear, so even if the dog’s owner doesn’t care about your peace of mind, they are likely to want a happy pet.

The RSPCA has an informative page that can help your neighbours – and you – with the barking problem.

Overhanging greenery

It is generally acceptable for you to prune tree branches and bushes overhanging your property. But as with anything, talk about it first. The garden waste you create belongs to your neighbour – although they may not want it back.

If it is a large branch you might need to use a professional tree lopper, probably at your own expense, unless your neighbour has agreed to share the cost. If next door’s tall wall-like hedge is a problem for you, your neighbour might need to trim it.

Trouble with fences

The fence dividing two properties is the joint responsibility of the owners on either side. Should the fence need rebuilding, talk to your neighbour about what needs to be done. Get three quotes, make sure you both agree on the height and type of fence, the colour and its position. It’s a good idea to get it all down in writing and sign it.

Failing that…

You’ve done all the right things and you’ve been decent about it, but your problems persist. You could call a Community Justice Centre, which is a government-funded centre that mediates between neighbours without going through a complicated legal process. Otherwise, you can call your local council or the police station.

Respecting your neighbours and using common sense and decency should help you stay on their right side. If you do fall out and the situation appears to be irredeemable, you can always seek mediation, go to your local council or talk to the police.