Has the teenager in the apartment above taken up the drums recently? Struggling to find parking again? Has the dog next door been barking all day while you’re trying to work from home? Dealing with difficult neighbours can be challenging in suburban estates, but it’s even more so in strata communities where people live in super close proximity. Resolving disputes quickly and efficiently is essential for maintaining a peaceful environment.

At All Suburbs Strata Management, our team has over 40 years of experience in residential strata management in Greater Sydney, Nepean, and the Central Coast. Over the years, we’ve heard countless neighbourly grievances and feel like we’ve probably encountered it all. If you’re struggling to deal with a difficult neighbour, here are some steps you can take.

Noise is one of the most common issues faced by residents in strata communities, whether it’s drums, barking dogs, kids banging on doors or walls, or parties that go on longer than socially acceptable. Noise disrupts the peace and can affect your sense of safety and comfort at home. The first step in resolving a noise complaint is to approach your neighbour directly. Often, a polite conversation can raise their awareness of the issue, and they may be willing to adjust their behaviour to maintain harmony.

If speaking with your neighbour doesn’t resolve the situation, you can escalate the issue to the strata manager or the owners corporation. Most strata schemes have specific by-laws related to noise levels, and your strata manager can issue warnings and if the problem persists apply for NCAT to issue a Notice to Comply if your neighbour is in breach of these regulations.

In the event that the noise persists despite these actions, further mediation may be required, or escalation to NCAT for penalties to be imposed for non compliance with the Notice to Comply. In the majority of disputes, our strata managers have the experience and industry knowledge to facilitate successful resolutions. If dialogue fails, you can request independent mediation. The Office of Fair Trading NSW provides free mediation services, and our strata managers can assist in coordinating this independent dispute resolution process.

Parking is another source of frustration in strata communities, especially when spaces are limited. There’s nothing worse than returning home after a long day at work only to find that you can’t park your car. Disputes often arise when residents park in spots that don’t belong to them or block driveways and access points. The best approach is to start by leaving a polite note on the vehicle, requesting that they park in their designated space. If the issue persists, a face-to-face conversation may be necessary.

As with noise, if direct communication fails, it’s time to involve your strata manager. Parking by-laws are typically strict in strata schemes, and your manager can help enforce these rules by issuing formal warnings or Notices to Comply. In some cases, the owners corporation may choose to introduce additional measures, such as signage or barriers, to prevent ongoing parking issues.

For persistent problems, more significant actions may be necessary. Installing security cameras or implementing parking permits can help in larger schemes where parking conflicts are common or where non-residents occupy spaces. However, these measures must first be added to the agenda and discussed at the next annual general meeting.

Pets are family, and everyone deserves the love of their chosen furry or scaly companion. However, they can occasionally cause issues in the neighbourhood, such as constant barking, roaming in common areas, fighting, killing native birds, damaging gardens and unruly toileting. If you’re facing these problems, start by reviewing the by-laws governing pet ownership in your strata scheme. These by-laws outline pet owner responsibilities and offer guidance on addressing any breaches.

Speaking to your neighbour about the problem is often the most effective way to resolve the situation. Many pet owners may not be aware that their animal is causing a disturbance, and a friendly conversation can prompt them to take corrective action, such as keeping their dog indoors during certain hours or cleaning up after their pet in shared areas.

If the issue persists, contact your strata manager to intervene and enforce the by-laws. While the by-laws cannot prohibit your neighbour from having a pet, they must ensure it doesn’t become a nuisance to other residents. In some cases, formal action may be necessary, including the potential removal of the pet.

When it comes to disputes that don’t fall into specific categories like noise or parking, understanding the general concepts of dispute resolution and enforcing by-laws is crucial. By-laws are designed to regulate behaviour within strata communities and ensure that all residents can enjoy their homes without interference. Common by-law breaches include things like hanging laundry on balconies, improperly disposing of rubbish or making unapproved alterations to common property.

As with the examples above, if you notice a breach of by-laws, your first step should be to discuss the issue with the responsible resident. In many cases, simple communication can resolve the matter. However, if the behaviour continues, report it to the owners corporation or strata manager. Your strata manager will then issue warnings, which could ultimately lead to a Notice to Comply being issued by NCAT if the resident is found to be in breach of the by-laws.

At ASSM, we adopt a proactive approach to by-law management. Clear communication and a solid understanding of the rules help prevent disputes from escalating. By collaborating with residents and owners corporations, we ensure consistent application of the by-laws and fair treatment for all.

Are you dealing with difficult neighbours in your strata community? Don’t let the issues fester. Follow the appropriate processes to resolve them. Everyone deserves to live in peace and harmony.

At ASSM, we have over 35 years of experience in strata management for residential, community, commercial and industrial properties. If you need assistance with rubbish management in strata living, our experienced team can provide guidance.

Additionally, we offer developer assistance for registration preparation, along with comprehensive strata reports and inspections.

Our team can ensure your scheme runs smoothly. If you are considering buying into a strata scheme or want to secure a professional and qualified team, contact ASSM today.