The party season is upon us again, and with the worst of the Covid pandemic behind us, we can expect things to be a little more social this summer. The warmer months in Australia, particularly leading up to Christmas and the New Year, are usually times for festive gatherings. However, in a strata environment, noise needs to be even more of a consideration than it would in other properties.
Here are some tips to ensure all residents enjoy a happy party season.
Check your by-laws
The first thing you need to check before planning any sort of gathering is your by-laws. The by-laws are a set of rules that you have agreed to before buying into (or renting) a strata property, and they will almost certainly contain some regulations regarding noise levels.
Every set of by-laws is different, but most of them will have limits on the number of people you can have visiting your property, as well as noise restrictions that may change depending on the time of day. Understanding your responsibilities according to the strata by-laws gives you the best chance of staying compliant.
Abide by local noise regulations
While most strata by-laws will probably be more prohibitive around noise than your local council regulations, it’s still a good reference point if you’re unsure about anything. All local governments or councils have specific rules about noise, which should be followed at all times.
Generally, there are rules about noise levels at certain times of day, such as after 10pm or before 9am. Every area is different, so make sure you check before planning a party. With that said, your by-laws may override these regulations if they are more restrictive.
Courtesy when planning gatherings
The best way to keep the noise down if you’re having friends and family over is to keep numbers to a minimum. The more people, the more noise you’ll make, even if you don’t consider that you’re being too rowdy. In addition, music should be kept to an acceptable level at all times. As a tip, if you can hear the music outside your front door, it’s likely that your neighbours can too.
Also, as a courtesy, you should notify nearby neighbours if you are going to host a gathering. In an apartment building, avoid having your guests gather on balconies, because this is more likely to irritate other residents.
The other major thing to be aware of is noise in your common spaces. If you have visitors, ensure they understand the need to be quiet when entering or exiting the property. The same goes for any use of shared facilities.
Don’t be a pest and park in someone else’s parking either. Tell your guests to stick to the visitor car spaces, street parking or arrange to get dropped off.
Christmas is a time for celebration and to show kindness. So a little bit more understanding and respect will no dobut pave way for harmoneous neighbourly relations.
Need help with strata management?
If you’re looking for the easiest way to stay on top of everything in your strata property, More Than Strata is here to help. We take the burden away from committees and Owners Corporations to ensure that everybody gets the most out of their living situation. For more information about how we can help your strata scheme, contact us today, and we’d be happy to discuss your needs.
