Living close to other people has a way of magnifying the little things. Every strata scheme has by-laws that all residents must follow, and they can cover everything from noise and parking to pets, balconies and renovations. These are the written rules. But the things that actually lead to a successful strata community aren’t always fully set in stone. They’re the unspoken but commonly accepted rules, founded on consideration for the fact that homes, entrances, walls and common areas are in close proximity.

At All Suburbs Strata Management, we have provided premier strata management services across Greater Sydney, the Nepean and the Central Coast for over 40 years. Minor annoyances are part of life in general, but the closer the quarters, the more aware we need to be of the people around us. There are some easy, practical habits that most strata residents understand and abide by. They may not be formal requirements, but they can be extremely helpful.

Strata neighbours are physically much closer than neighbours living on a street of standalone houses. Everyday activities that are completely normal and reasonable can sometimes affect someone living above, below or next door. Like sound. Noise travels beyond your personal lot, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you go about your day.

There are some official rules around this. In NSW, guidance says people can have different ideas about what level of noise is acceptable. Scheme by-laws can regulate it. Local council restrictions may also apply, as they would in a non-strata setting. But generally, there’s a common understanding within a strata community that everyone should behave in a way that allows others to enjoy their homes and their peace.

It’s also expected that you’ll extend this one to guests and contractors. NSW model by-laws address the behaviour of invitees, so anyone you bring onto the property needs to be mindful of other residents too.

There’s a lot of shared space. Hallways, entrances, lifts, gardens and driveways can all be used by different residents, depending on the property. There are generally actual rules around how these areas are used, but if we take it into the unwritten, the considerate thing is to remember that your use shouldn’t make things harder for someone else. Holding the lift while you finish getting everything together, for example, might seem harmless or convenient from your perspective, but if it could cause frustration for others, it’s best just not to.

It can also be more than a case of common courtesy. NSW model by-laws include provisions around obstructing another person’s use of common property. Even where something falls short of that, leaving belongings in shared areas or treating an unused corner as your own can still inconvenience others.

Parking is a good example where there are formal restrictions. Residents should use their allocated spaces, not visitor or emergency parking. Even if a visitor space is usually empty, it isn’t up for grabs. When it comes to common property, availability doesn’t equal entitlement.

Closeness means sometimes things will get on your nerves. It’s the same in workplaces and families, and communities are no different. But not every irritation needs to become a massive strata issue. Your neighbour probably has no idea that you can hear their TV late at night or that their dog barks every time they leave home. Where possible, a friendly conversation is the best next step.

How you raise the issue matters. There’s a difference between politely letting someone know about a specific problem and the impact it’s having on you, and approaching them with hostility while assuming they’ve deliberately done something wrong. Of course, there are times when talking things through won’t work, and there are proper channels available. But giving your neighbour the benefit of the doubt is a good rule to live by.

There’s a difference between what you’re allowed to do and choosing to be someone who positively contributes to their strata community. By-laws set formal boundaries, but they’ll never cover every interaction or situation. Something might be permissible but still not go down well with your neighbours. That’s why the unspoken rules can be just as important as the formal ones.

For example, giving notice beyond any formal notification requirements. If you know you’re going to be moving house, having furniture delivered, carrying out approved renovations or doing anything else that could disrupt your neighbours, a quick heads-up can be extremely helpful and much appreciated. It allows them to avoid the area at certain times, plan around anticipated noise or just mentally prepare for it.

The same thinking applies when you have permission to do something. Being allowed to carry out work or use a shared facility at certain times doesn’t mean you need to make full use of every allowance. If there’s an easy way to minimise the impact on your neighbours, take it.

Good strata living doesn’t depend on everyone having the same habits, priorities or opinions. They won’t. What makes the difference is how people handle those differences when they inevitably happen. A little awareness of the people around you can help. It can also make a strata community a genuinely enjoyable thing to be part of, and create a place where neighbours look out for each other.

At All Suburbs Strata Management, we have more than 40 years of experience working with residential, community, commercial and industrial properties. We help owners corporations stay on top of their responsibilities and provide guidance when everyday matters need more formal attention.

If your current strata manager is not meeting expectations, contact our experienced team to discuss your options. We can assist with a smooth and straightforward handover.