How to be a good neighbour

Once you have moved into your new place, make an effort to introduce yourself to your neighbours. Being friendly helps you to build a trusting and respectful relationship. Greet your neighbours whenever you see them, drop by to talk with them, offer to help with raking leaves or shovelling snow, offer a ride to school – these friendly actions will be greatly appreciated and reciprocated. Make sure to give them your phone number in case of an emergency. 

Your relationship with your neighbours can be affected by how your home looks, inside and outside. Do not let the grass grow too long, make sure to rake the leaves, and shovel the snow off the driveway and sidewalk. Also be sure to keep furniture inside, clean up outside litter, follow garbage & recycling collection schedules, and keep beer bottles out of sight. Your neighbours will notice how you maintain your property and belongings.

Neighbours may be offended by inappropriate language, drinking alcoholic beverages outside, or displaying too much physical closeness in plain view. Consider what you would expect as appropriate behaviour from your neighbours. Note that you can be charged/fined for possession of open alcohol outside your home or in apartment stairwells.

Make sure to stay under the speed limit when driving through residential areas. Ensure that you have appropriate room in the driveway to park your car and your roommates' cars. Do not block the sidewalk, bus stops, or fire hydrants when parking your car and do not park on your neighbour's lawn.  When parking on the street, look for posted signs indicating regulated parking zones or times. During winter snowfalls, avoid parking along the curb as it can hinder the efforts of snowplows trying to clear the streets of snow.

Waterloo bylaw

Neighbours can get easily irritated from constant loud noises from fellow neighbours. Imagine how you would like it if you were awoken at night to loud music being played next door. You can be fined for excessive noise such as singing, yelling, playing loud music, slamming doors, and honking your car horn, at any hour of the day. Keep noise to a considerate level and close your doors and windows so that others around you will not be bothered.

Waterloo noise bylaw [PDF]

If you plan on having a party at your place, let your neighbours know of your plans beforehand. If your neighbours know the reason for the increased noise level, they might understand and tolerate it more. Keep the party inside so as not to disturb neighbours trying to sleep. Inform your neighbours that should the noise become intolerable, to come by and let you know before they contact a bylaw officer. Ensure there is enough space for your friends to park their cars and do not block driveways or sidewalks. Handle those who have had too much to drink with great attention, so they do not disturb neighbours with their inebriated actions.  

If you have a problem with your neighbours, bring up the situation with them in a mature manner. Do not get involved in heated arguments with neighbours; it will not help the situation. Take the middle ground when trying to resolve issues; it will help build your relationship with neighbours.