Keeping the neighbours onside
Last year we asked Kiwis if they thought they were good neighbours*.
Just 41 per cent of respondents put themselves in that category.
But fortunately it doesn’t take much to improve your rating on the neighbourly scale.
We’ve pulled together 10 simple ways to get on the right side of the fence with the people next door:
1. Power tools. Mowing lawns, weedeating and using any sort of power tool or machinery at 7am on weekend mornings simply isn’t appreciated – 10am-5pm is a much safer bet.
If in doubt, ask your neighbours if they mind you getting the power tools cranking a little earlier.
Always give them a headsup (and maybe a box of choccies in the letterbox to show your gratitude) if you’re planning any serious renovation work that’s likely to start early in the morning.
2. Animals. Incessant dog barking and cat ‘droppings’ all over the garden will test most people’s patience.
Make sure your dog gets enough regular exercise and attention and train it to stop barking.
Train your cat to do
its business in a litter box that you look after.
Invest in a spray bottle or water pistol (cats hate water) if your neighbour’s cat has been using your lawn as a toilet.
Spray vinegar around the garden or smear VapoRub on rocks (cats hate the smell of both) might also help.
Or you could buy a sprayable cat repellent.
3. Feeding pets. Don’t feed your neighbours’ pets, unless they’re happy for you to. There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a pet and seeing it leave you for your neighbour.
And chubby pets can have a raft of health issues that can end up costing a considerable amount in vet’s fees.
4. Noise carries. Remember that episode of Friends when the gang got annoyed at the guy who lived right above Monica and Rachel because they could hear him walking around?
Be aware carries.
That includes vacuuming, running up and down the stairs, walking around in heels on wooden floors and loudly bidding farewell to dinner guests at 11.30pm.
5. Smoking. Apartmentdwellers especially: Be aware
that
noise outside that your cigarette smoke could be wafting straight into your neighbour’s windows.
Check with them that it’s OK. If in doubt, choose a smoking spot that’s well away from windows.
And don’t leave your butts lying around – be a tidy Kiwi.
6. It’s all about the bass. Be respectful of your neighbours music.
The issue isn’t always volume – it’s the bass. Elderly neighbours or families with babies don’t appreciate a constant thud of your bass through the walls.
7. Borrowing bins. It costs to dispose of your rubbish in most regions. Your neighbour’s bin may look empty
when
playing but you should still ask if you can fill it before going ahead and doing it.
Offer to take it to the roadside or bring it up the drive every now and again if you do use it regularly.
8. Fruit-picking. A fruit tree or vine on your neighbour’s side of the fence does not belong to you. But you can eat any fruit that hangs over on to your side.
That does not mean you can go on to their property and take more produce without permission.
9. Raves and late-night boozing. Give your neighbours plenty of warning when you’re having a party so they can choose if they’ll stay home or go out that night. But remember, just because you give them warning, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want.
Consider the noise levels – from the music to your guests ‘merry’ chatter in the early hours. Loud alcohol-fuelled partygoers singing along to loud music at 3.30am is not OK.
10. Give them space. You might be great friends with your neighbours, but that doesn’t mean you should drop in all the time to say hi. Give them plenty of space. * Neighbourly’s 2014 Good Neighbours survey