Managing holiday guests and noise levels in residential strata this Christmas

Do you know what can ruin Christmas in a heartbeat? After a long week of holiday prep, you finally sit down for a quiet family dinner, only to be interrupted by thumping music and a rowdy crowd next door. Stories of Christmases disrupted by inconsiderate behaviour are all too common, and in residential strata, holiday courtesy is more important than ever. With a little planning and empathy, you can ensure a merry time for yourself, your family, guests and neighbours.

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. We love Christmastime as much as anyone, and we have some practical tips for navigating the season in a way that fosters goodwill and ensures compliance with noise rules in NSW.

In NSW, standard neighbourhood noise rules also apply to strata schemes, along with additional strata-specific by-laws that can vary between schemes. Quiet hours are often set between 10 PM and 7 AM, but your strata by-laws may include stricter guidelines. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with these rules to ensure your gatherings respect the community’s expectations.

Both owners and tenants in strata schemes have a responsibility to minimise noise disturbances, particularly during the festive season when gatherings are frequent. Excessive noise can lead to complaints, potential fines and strained relationships with neighbours. Simple steps, such as keeping music at a moderate level and limiting outdoor activities during quiet hours, can go a long way in maintaining harmony.

If you encounter noisy neighbours over the holiday season, help is available. Start by politely approaching your neighbour to make them aware of the issue. Most people will adjust their behaviour to maintain positive relations. If this doesn’t work, you can escalate the matter to the strata manager or the owners corporation.

Start by ensuring all your guests are aware of the specific rules and by-laws regarding noise, parking and shared spaces. There’s nothing more infuriating for the frazzled single parent next door than coming home to find your grandma unknowingly parked in their space.

When hosting holiday guests, consider using private spaces like balconies or courtyards for gatherings. These areas offer a more contained environment, reducing noise that may travel to neighbouring units. Ensure activities remain respectful by keeping noise levels low and avoiding overcrowding.

Pre-planning guest arrivals can help avoid disruptions to common property access, such as shared driveways or entrances. Coordinate parking arrangements in advance and inform your guests of designated areas or restrictions. Clear communication will result in smoother access for everyone and prevent unnecessary inconvenience to neighbours.

The best way to build goodwill is to act for the right reasons. While rules and regulations exist for a purpose, being a considerate neighbour out of respect for your fellow residents is more effective. To create a community where everyone feels valued and respected, always prioritise consideration, not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Clear communication helps maintain a positive community atmosphere. A friendly note in shared spaces to inform neighbours about holiday plans or gatherings shows respect and helps set expectations. Small gestures like this can prevent misunderstandings and keep things running smoothly.

Fostering holiday spirit through community activities, like shared decorations or a communal tree, can bring neighbours together and create a sense of unity. Just ensure these initiatives comply with your strata by-laws to maintain harmony and avoid any unintended issues.

If a neighbour approaches you with a noise or courtesy concern, acknowledge their frustration, apologise and make adjustments to rectify the situation. Even if your gathering was a bit loud and the neighbours said nothing, consider thanking them for their understanding. However, if an issue presents that cannot be resolved directly, involve your strata manager to mediate and ensure a fair outcome without hostility.

Diffusing tension early is key to preserving positive neighbourly relations. Handling issues calmly can prevent minor disagreements from turning into larger disputes, making it easier to navigate future challenges together.

A professional strata manager can act as a neutral party to ensure disputes are handled efficiently. With their expertise in by-laws and conflict resolution, they can mediate issues, provide clear guidance, and implement appropriate solutions that keep the community running smoothly.

The carols are playing, and everyone is embracing the festive spirit while busily preparing for the silly season. It’s a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also test everyone’s patience. This Christmas, take a moment to remember you’re part of a community. Show consideration for your strata neighbours—not just because the by-laws require it, but because it reflects the true spirit of the season.

Celebrate the season with your loved ones, but take a moment to prepare all guests for a mindful and considerate visit.

At ASSM, we have over 40 years of experience in strata management for residential, community, commercial and industrial properties.

Are you looking for a reliable strata manager? 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.