The truth about (some) tenants
We were sorry to see the tenants next door move out. They were a group of recent immigrants in their early 20s – quiet, diligent and friendly. They didn’t have much concept of gardening but I didn’t mind running over their lawns when I did mine.
The new tenants were local youngsters about the same age and educated in ‘‘good’’ schools, most in jobs and with their own cars.
Because it was the Christmas holidays we tolerated their first gatherings.
Our neighbourhood is a mix of older, standalone homes and some more intensive housing. Neighbours enjoy music but it quietens down at night – until our new neighbours arrived.
I sat in my lounge late one evening waiting for the reverberating stereo bass to stop rocking my house.
It wasn’t going to. I had to go next door and try to negotiate with the largely drunk group.
Over the weeks I became tired of constantly asking them to turn the noise down. Sometimes they’d oblige when the property manager added the pressure.
I’m still gobsmacked at the entitlement these youngsters felt about their rights to party.
They were oblivious about the effect of their shouting and swearing from a front deck overlooking the street.
No, they weren’t tenants from hell who destroyed the place.
But they destroyed neighbours’ enjoyment of their own homes and a night’s sleep, creating tension within homes and between neighbours about how to deal with it.
I had to chuckle at the irony when one day discussing a loud all-nighter with one of the tenants – the youngster sympathised and said it was so loud he/she went home to sleep at Mum’s.
They were quieter during the week when they had to work.
I tried to stop the relationship turning septic, and talked with them occasionally.
Another neighbour tried the friendly approach, some were far less patient, and a few too afraid to speak up.
City council noise control proved hopeless when called on many occasions, and wouldn’t confiscate the stereo, which could have nipped things in the bud.
The confrontations accelerated to a scuffle with a neighbour at 2am and eventually police were called.
I’m sure these young adults will all turn out to be fine community members when they grow up.
Meantime, they may find it difficult to obtain rental accommodation.
Fortunately the property manager gave a short ‘‘trial’’ lease, no doubt anticipating the problems.
The landlord did his bit. He instructed the manager to end the lease, and contacted parents in a last ditch effort.
We’ve had many different tenants next door over the years, it’s a lottery.
But with urban living becoming more intensive, some tenants need to understand that ‘‘community’’ is a two-way street.