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Getting to Know Your Neighbour and Managing Disputes

Tips on Being a Friendly Neighbour


Neighbours can be very important, especially when you intend to live in your home for a long time. Building positive relationships with your neighbours can enhance your sense of security, foster a sense of belonging and make your house and community feel more welcoming.

Despite these benefits research shows that more than a third of Australians don’t even know their neighbour’s names. To help, the City offers some tips on how to get to know your neighbours and how to manage issues should they arise.

Introduce Yourself

You may be new to the neighbourhood, or perhaps new neighbours may have just moved in, or you may have never had the chance to talk to your neighbours, so introduce yourself. Say hello and ask or share some information about the area by using our Let's Catch Up Card.

Consider Your Neighbours Lifestyle

Get to know your neighbours – such as what sort of work they do and the hours they work. For example, if your neighbours work night shift, quiet mornings may be important for them. If we are more aware of our neighbour’s lifestyles, problems can often be avoided before they are created.

Similarly, let them know if you have specific circumstances in your household. Maybe you are renovating your house or your teenager practices the drums regularly. Let people know in advance and ask your neighbours to let you know if things get too loud with our Letting You Know Card.

Communicate with Your Neighbours

Most importantly, take time to get in touch with your neighbours regularly and keep the lines of communication open. Maybe have an arrangement with them to keep an eye on each other’s homes while you’re away and pick up mail from the letterbox.

If there are new neighbours in the street, or perhaps an elderly person who lives alone that may need to call on you in an emergency, why not leave them your phone number. They may never need to use it, but many elderly people feel very vulnerable if they don’t have friends or family close by that they can call on in an emergency.

Visit your neighbour in person, or make contact using our Let's Catch Up Card.

When You Have a Great Neighbour

Has your neighbour done something thoughtful for you or are they just great to have as neighbours?

Why not let them know you appreciate having them as your neighbour by sending a Thank You Card.

Notifying Your Neighbours

Have you seen something at a neighbour’s home that they might not be aware of? This could be a broken reticulation nozzle, a light left on at the property, or perhaps vegetation that obstructs the view of local drivers.

If you are struggling to find a good time to talk your neighbour in person, you can make contact with them using our Are You Aware Card.

Common Concerns

Be Aware of Shared Walls
Council Policy - Neighbour Dispute Mediation PolicyIf you live in a townhouse, duplex, apartment block or any residence where you and your neighbours share adjacent living spaces, position noisy devices such as kitchen appliances, washing machines, tumble dryers and even TVs and speakers away from the shared walls where possible.
Air Conditioner Noise

Noise emissions from air conditioners must comply with the assigned levels set by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 at all times.

If you are planning to buy an air conditioner, the Fairair website will help you make sure the air conditioner you buy meets the noise regulations, saving you money and energy and helping to prevent potential noise issues.

Noisy Residential Equipment

Most households use noisy equipment from time to time, such as lawnmowers, power tools and musical instruments. Consider the time of day you’re using noisy equipment to minimise disturbing your neighbours.

The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 provide for reasonable use of this type of equipment and provide guidance regarding the hours of use. Specified equipment, other than musical instruments, may be used for up to two hours per day, and musical instruments may be used for up to one hour per day. All specified equipment may be used between the hours of 7.00am and 7.00pm Monday to Saturday, and 9.00am to 7.00pm on Sunday and Public Holidays.

The equipment should be used in a reasonable manner, which does not interfere with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort or amenity of surrounding neighbours.

If you’re regularly finding the noise from your neighbour’s air conditioner or other household equipment disturbing, it is a good idea to give them the heads up, as they may not be aware of this.

Having a friendly discussion with your neighbour to try and reach a satisfactory solution is the best approach, but if you are struggling to find a good time to talk to them in person, you can make contact with them using our Common Concerns Card.

Control Your Dog

Keep your dog on a leash when it is in a public place, or if it has a habit of exploring your neighbours lawn or garden; especially if they have pets of their own, and make sure you clean up after it. Even if it is your own back yard, it is important to clean up after animals, as apart from the horrible smell, animal faeces support breeding of stable flies; also known as filth flies. These flies feed on blood and inflict painful bites on dogs, cats and humans, making outdoor living a nightmare for you and your pets!

If you have a particularly noisy dog, this may annoy your neighbours. Consider their lifestyle and imagine how you might feel if perhaps you or your newborn was woken from a much-needed nap by the sudden yapping of a nearby dog. If you have problems controlling your dogs barking or whining, consider talking to your local vet or animal organisation for advice.

If you are regularly finding the noise from your neighbours’ dog disturbing, it is a good idea to give them the heads up as they may not be aware of this, especially if it happens while they are out.

Cat Considerations
Cats are nocturnal, meaning they will wander further at night and may explore your neighbour’s lawn or garden. We encourage you to keep your cat contained within your property boundaries, not only to reduce hunting but also to help protect your cat. Keeping your cat contained will help ensure harmony for everyone – you, your cat, neighbours, and local wildlife. For more information on the benefits of keeping cats contained, check out our Cat Ownership Rules and Management webpage.
Parking Etiquette

When you park your vehicle be careful not to obstruct footpaths, block anyone’s access, or make them have to pull out of a very tight spot. Please don’t park on your neighbour's verge without their permission, and avoid parking opposite their driveway as this can make it difficult when leaving property.

If you leave home in the early hours of the morning or arrive home late at night, try not to over rev your engine.

Party Alert

If you’re planning a party, let your neighbours know in advance and advise them the expected start and finish times. Give them a contact number in case things get too loud. If you get on well with your neighbours why not invite them too?

Be sure to stick to the agreed times and ask your guests to be considerate when leaving. It is also good idea to notify the City’s Community Safety Service on 1300 653 643 and the local police on 131 444.

If you are struggling to find a good time to let your neighbours know of your party plans in person, you can contact with them using our Letting You Know Card.

Put Rubbish Out on the Right Day

Put your green and yellow topped bins out on the day it is due for collection or the night before if it is an early pick up. If you accidentally miss the collection, bring it back to your property immediately and try to contain it well. Refuse can attract vermin, insects and other pests and is unsightly.

For more information visit our Waste, Recycling and FOGO hub.

Dividing Fences

Fences between neighbours are a topic that often needs discussion and it is helpful to understand your rights and obligations.

If you are struggling to find a good time to talk your neighbour in person, you can make contact with them using our Common Concerns Card.

Trees on Private Property

Trees are frequently a source of concern, which can often be resolved through a friendly discussion.

The City of Melville does not become involved in most private tree issues, as this is a civil matter; which means that the issue needs to be resolved between the neighbours.

If you are struggling to find a good time to talk your neighbour in person, you can make contact with them using our Common Concerns Card.

What Requests are not managed by the City?

The City cannot resolve all issues, sometimes your request will fall under another jurisdiction. There are matters where the City does not have the power to resolve the issue.

Please contact the appropriate authority when your concern involves the below requests:
RequestContact
Loud Music and PartiesPolice - 131 444
Hoons, Burn outs, and Street RacingPolice - 131 444
Loud VehiclesPolice - 131 444
Aircraft NoiseAir Services Australia - 1800 802 584
Rail NoisePublic Transport Authority - 08 9326 2541
Road NoisePublic Transport Authority - 08 9326 2541
Domestic Noises, Children, Yelling, Swearing or ThumpingPolice - 131444
Damage Caused by Overhanging Trees or Tree RootsCivil Matter – talk with your neighbour at first. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may wish to proceed with mediation services or legal action (more information below).
If overhanging branches or encroaching roots have damaged your property, write a letter to your neighbour that includes:
  • the specific damage their tree’s branches or roots have caused to your property
  • several quotes for the cost of repairing the damage
  • a request for your neighbour to pay those costs and how they’ll do that
  • a request that they fix the problem by removing parts of the tree if needed.
Send your neighbour the letter and keep a copy for yourself. Your neighbour has a legal obligation to respond to the letter within 21 days and fix the problem.
Dividing Fence Damage, Maintenance and ReplacementCivil Matter – talk with your neighbour at first. If that doesn't resolve the issue, you may wish to proceed with mediation services or legal action (more information below).
 
Security CamerasIf you believe that your property is being overlooked by security cameras, you can call the Police on 131 444 to investigate.
Unsatisfactory Building WorkIf you have a building dispute, contact the builder and try to come to an agreement or send a letter to the builder asking for a resolution.
If these attempts do not work, you may have to approach the Building and Energy Division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Audible Alarms (Security or Intruder)Police - 131 444







 

Tips on Talking to Your Neighbour about an Issue

Disputes between neighbours or community members can be stressful for all involved. Where parties are able, it is always advisable that they attempt to discuss matters directly with each other to try and reach a resolution. Talking to your neighbour can help you resolve problems before they become too serious.

Neighbourhood problems can be upsetting and generate emotion, so when talking to neighbours:
  1. Approach your neighbour, or person with whom you have a grievance, in a polite and respectful manner.
  2. Explain why the problem is created, and ask the person for their assistance in resolving the matter.
  3. Allow the person time to make changes to the way in which they do things.
  4. If the person was receptive to your concerns, however, the problem has not been resolved, approach them again, as they may think that they have resolved it. Allow them time to change their actions.
  5. If the problem hasn't been resolved, you may approach the City, your local police station, or a mediation services (see below).

Resolving Civil Matters

If your issue cannot be resolved by talking with your neighbour, you may wish to consider mediation or legal services to resolve civil matters:

What is mediation?

Mediation is where a neutral third party assists two or more people in dispute to identify concerns and investigate options with the aim of reaching an agreement. The mediator will not take sides or make decisions for you.

For more information on mediation, please refer to the City’s Neighbour Dispute Mediation Policy and Mediation Guide 
 

What are the benefits of mediation as opposed to litigation?

Mediation is less time consuming and less expensive than litigation. The outcomes are controlled by the people in the dispute so there is only agreement reached when you are satisfied with an outcome. Mediation also assists in future communication between the people involved, so it is helpful in improving future relations.

What types of disputes can be mediated?

Any dispute can go to mediation provided both people want to resolve the dispute. You can choose mediation at any stage in the dispute, including when you have undertaken court proceedings.
Mediation is useful in:
  1. neighbourhood disputes
  2. property settlements
  3. child access issues
  4. interfamily conflict
  5. conflicts in workplaces.

Where can I find mediation services?

Legal Aid WA

Legal Aid is a State Government organisation which provides legal help to Western Australians.
Visit the Legal Aid website  to find out what services are available.

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau  offers a mediation service to facilitate dispute resolutions.

You can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau directly to start the mediation process here Citizens Advice Bureau

If you’re having trouble reaching your neighbour or need assistance with the referral, the City can help facilitate the process. To begin this process, please complete the Mediation Referral form  as thoroughly as possible and send it to melinfo@melville.wa.gov.au. We will then contact your neighbour and forward the completed form to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

What happens if we cannot reach agreement in mediation?

If you cannot reach agreement in mediation, depending on the matter, you can seek legal advice and undertake court proceedings to have the dispute resolved legally.
The Perth Magistrates Court is available to resolve civil matters, for example, dividing fence matters.
 

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