A Silent Night: Here’s how to keep the noise level low over the holidays
Peace on earth and goodwill to all during the holiday season, right? Maybe not if you’re a unit-dweller.
More complaints are made about unit owners or tenants during the Christmas season than any other time of the year, says Archers the Strata Professionals partner Grant Mifsud — and they’re most commonly due to “less than thoughtful acts”.
While this year may be “more peaceful” considering the travel restrictions to deal with COVID-19, here’s how you can keep the noise level low over the holidays:
1. Go easy on the Christmas decorations
You may be tempted to light up everyone’s life, but when you live in close proximity to your neighbours, then both discretion and consideration are called for.
Make sure you only decorate on your own property or common property with prior approval and turn your Christmas lights off after 10 pm if close to neighbouring bedrooms.
2. Remind your visitors to park thoughtfully
If you have some people over, don’t block access for other tenants and visitors. If there are time limits on visitor parking, remind your visitor/s when their time is up to move their vehicle.
Better still, encourage them to park on the street or in a safe spot nearby. If your property’s body corporate wants to deal with parking issues and particular towing options, it should first carefully review the relevant laws.
Also, always remember to keep your masks on and practice physical distancing.
3. Be considerate when using shared facilities
You and your (hopefully few) visitors may be having a barbecue, picnic or a pool party in a common area. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the rules for using the area beforehand and clear away any evidence of your event afterwards.
You should also be aware of how your guests conduct themselves while drinking and ensure you minimise their risk of injuring themselves or others. Don’t let drunk guests disturb the peace.
4. Watch the noise levels
Whether you are outside, on a balcony or even inside your apartment, loud noises will carry. There will be property bylaws to be observed, requiring any noise able to be heard by the neighbours ending by a certain time, usually before 10 pm, and not starting until after a decent hour.
If you do adjourn inside to keep partying, be aware that heavy foot traffic on floors above other units will carry quite loudly. Avoid any clatter and stomping from dancing or party shenanigans disturbing the occupants of the unit below and neighbouring.
You can also check our range of noise control products to protect the peace.
5. Take the garbage out or to the tip
Don’t be the person who tosses the prawn shells into the garbage chute late on Christmas night, knowing that the bins won’t be collected for days.
Make sure to wrap any leftover seafood scraps in newspaper and freeze them until the night before collection.
Then put them in the bin in the common area or drop them at the tip. If you have a tonne of Christmas wrapping and gift boxes, drop them at the tip while you’re there, rather than clog up the shared bins.