Being a good neighbour

Good neighbours are considerate, tolerant and understanding of others and their lifestyles. Make sure your children and visitors are also considerate of your neighbours.

Noise
As part of everyday living, and the fact that no home is totally soundproof, we all have to expect some noise from the people living around us.  Common everyday living noise includes TVs, music, DIY, dogs barking, slamming doors or simply walking around the property.

• Recognise that your neighbours do not want to hear noise from your home, particularly late at night, nor for long periods.
• Keep noise (for example from the TV, stereo, radio) at a reasonable level at all times of day.
• It is courtesy to warn your neighbours if you are going to do anything noisy (like having a party or doing DIY)
• Co-operate with your neighbours if they ask you to reduce noise, e.g. re-position your TV or stereo away from the walls you share with your neighbours

Being a responsible dog owner
We know that dogs are a considerable benefit and contribute towards a sense of wellbeing for some people. However owning a dog means that you are responsible for it and ensuring that it does not cause a nuisance to other people.

• Make sure your dog doesn’t whine or bark for long periods of time
• If your dog fouls in a public space, you should clean it up
• Keep your dog under control at all times. Use a lead when walking the dog
• Get your dog micro-chipped so it can be traced back to you if it ever goes missing.

Rubbish
Always put your rubbish in the bins provided.  Food rubbish is the biggest attraction for rats to come to the area.

• If you have a communal bin area, dispose of your rubbish correctly in the bins, and make sure the area around the bins is kept tidy.
• If you have any bulky household items that you no longer want, your local authority can usually take them away for you. In some boroughs they provide this service for free.

Parking
We know that most people like to park their cars on the road outside their own home for convenience.  However, as there are so many cars now and parking is limited, it isn’t always possible to park outside your home.  Parking is generally not allocated at Keniston properties.

• Show consideration and regard to other residents when parking your vehicle
• Recognise that no one has an automatic right to park directly outside their home.
• Do not block entrances, or park at dropped kerbs, or outside garages, or in a way that prevents wheelchair users and prams from using the pavement. Also, do not block access for emergency services.

Children playing
No one wants to stop children playing outside – that’s what green communal spaces are for.  Neighbours can become concerned about their cars getting damaged when children are playing ball games nearby.

• Consider if there is a safer place to play.
• Consider how the noise of children playing outside may affect your neighbours
• Only soft balls are allowed on Keniston estates.

Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in any indoor communal areas.

Different lifestyles and one-off incidents
There are different behaviours that can cause problems for neighbours and some are more serious than others.  We are all different and you should respect that other people may not live their lives in the same way as you live yours.

One off incidents can be annoying at the time, such as a loud party or BBQ.  But if they are part of every-day living, and not frequent, then you should try to tolerate it.  If they occur on a regular basis, and the disturbance causes you a problem, it is often a matter of making your neighbour aware in a friendly manner and seeking to work out a solution together.

Try and resolve issues with our neighbours directly first.  They may not be aware of the problem.  Often people do not realise they may be disturbing others and are not doing it on purpose. For example, someone vacuuming late at night may not be aware it can be heard by their neighbours and is disturbing them.

Mediation
If after listening to each other’s views, you are unable to reach an agreement and need help in resolving the situation, we can refer you to mediation.  Mediation is an informal, confidential and independent service available to help neighbours resolve their differences and reach an agreement.  Please contact your Housing Officer if you would like to know more about mediation.