What makes a good neighbour?
At Jigsaw Homes we pride ourselves on providing high quality homes and services. However, thriving communities are built on more than just bricks and mortar. What makes our communities great places to live are our residents. A neighbourhood is most successful when neighbours are respectful, connected and good to each other.
We understand that in any neighbourhood not everyone is perfect and disputes and complaints do arise. In our experience many anti-social behaviour (ASB) complaints start life as minor issues that eventually escalate. In order to prevent these disputes from arising, there a few simple things everyone can do to be a good neighbour.
In our experience our neighbourhoods are most successful when neighbours are connected, kind and respectful of each other. Get to know your neighbours. If you’re new to the area, introduce yourself to other people on your street. Or if you see someone new move onto your street, make a point of saying hello. Join the street WhatsApp group if there is one, or if there isn’t, why not set one up?
It’s easier to discuss any issues you have with your neighbours if you’re already on first name terms with them, and you’re more likely to come to a resolution if you approach them from a place of respect.
Our neighbourhoods and communities are safer places to live when neighbours look out for each other. Join your local neighbourhood watch scheme, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Many ASB disputes start life as noise complaints. When playing music, keep the volume at a reasonable level, even during the day. Your neighbour might have just come off a night shift and need to get some sleep during the day. Excessive noise levels are also a breach of your tenancy agreement.
We all need to let off some steam from time to time and enjoy socialising with friends and family. If you are going to have a gathering at your property, you’re much less likely to receive any complaints if you let your neighbours know in advance.
Keep noise levels at a respectful level, especially if the gathering continues after 9pm.
Check your local council website to find out when your bins are due and make sure you put them out in time. This will prevent a build up of rubbish in the street, which can attract rats and other pests. Don’t forget to bring them back in once they’ve been emptied – wheelie bins can cause obstructions on the pavement making it difficult for people with prams or wheelchairs to get past.
Not everyone has an allocated parking spot or driveway. If you need to park on the street, try and park outside your own property. If this isn’t possible, be mindful of permit holder or disabled parking spots, and never block access to someone else’s driveway.
If someone does park in front of your home, avoid leaving notes on their vehicle and where possible, address the issue politely and respectfully in order to reach a solution.
Our neighbourhoods are much more pleasant places to live when gardens and communal areas are well kept and free from litter or hazardous material. Avoid letting the grass get overgrown, put rubbish in the bin and if you have pets, pick up their foul.
If you share a space with your neighbour(s), communicate with them to ensure that responsibility is shared fairly.
