Living near others is part and parcel of owning or renting a home. You could live in a bustling complex, a suburban street, or a peaceful cul-de-sac - wherever you are, you’re going to have neighbours. Most of us want to enjoy our space in peace, but good neighbourly relationships are cultivated through respect, communication, and consideration.
According to Michelle Cohen, Principal at Leapfrog Johannesburg North East, “Healthy relationships with neighbours make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. It’s not about being best friends but creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.”
Be friendly, not intrusive
You don’t have to host braais together or exchange life stories. However, acknowledging your neighbours with a smile, a wave, or a brief greeting can go a long way to building good neighbourly relations. A little friendliness can help foster mutual respect, and you never know when you might need a favour, from borrowing a ladder to keeping an eye on your property while you’re away.
If you’re new to the area, take a walk around the neighbourhood if it’s a walkable area. Greet those you meet, familiarise yourself with faces, and learn who lives where. Even if you don’t exchange numbers right away, knowing your immediate neighbours builds a sense of trust and community.
Keep your space tidy
A clean, well-kept property is good for your own enjoyment, yes, but it is also a courtesy to those who live nearby. Overgrown lawns, litter lying around outside, or clutter spilling into driveways can quickly cause tension. “Mess and neglect can often attract complaints from other neighbours,” says Cohen. “Additionally, they can lower property values and create an unpleasant environment for everyone.”
Simple habits like keeping bins secure, maintaining your garden, and promptly fixing broken fences or noisy gates show that you care about the shared environment.
Considerate communication is key
If you’re planning a big event or renovation that might cause extra noise or parking congestion, give your neighbours a heads-up. A short note, WhatsApp message, or quick conversation can make all the difference.
Weekends are generally the best time for social gatherings, and if your celebration is likely to stretch into the night, manage expectations upfront. Mention the start and end times, and remind guests not to block driveways or park inconsiderately. If you’re on particularly good terms, your neighbours might even lend you a driveway or help you manage overflow parking.
When problems arise
Even with the best intentions, issues do crop up. Barking dogs, loud music, overhanging trees, or blocked driveways. Stay calm and approach the situation with empathy before escalating it.
Start with a friendly conversation. Assume the problem was an honest mistake rather than deliberate inconsideration. For example, instead of saying, “Your dog keeps me up every night!”, try, “I’ve noticed your dog has been barking quite a bit lately. Is there maybe something that’s upsetting him/her?"
If that doesn’t help, put your concerns in writing so there’s a record of communication. For sectional title or estate living, your next step would be to contact the body corporate or homeowners’ association, which often has formal dispute-resolution procedures.
For stand-alone properties, you can consult a community mediator or, as a last resort, contact your local municipality if noise or nuisance bylaws are being broken.
Know your rights
South African law protects residents from “unreasonable interference” with the enjoyment of their property. This includes excessive noise, illegal parking, or poorly controlled pets. But those protections go both ways and your neighbour has the same rights you do.
For example, noise complaints are typically governed by municipal bylaws, which outline acceptable decibel levels and quiet hours (often between 10pm and 6am). Similarly, pets must be kept under control and cannot cause a nuisance to others.
“Knowing your rights helps you navigate issues fairly and confidently,” says Cohen.“But rights come with responsibilities such as being reasonable, polite and willing to compromise.”
Ultimately, harmonious neighbourhood living is about balance and not about following a strict set of rules. Show consideration, communicate openly, and deal with issues promptly. In most cases, a bit of understanding is all it takes to maintain peace.
“Think of good neighbourly relationships as an investment,” says Coehn. “They pay off in the form of a safer, friendlier, and more enjoyable place to live.”
