Nobody actively tries to annoy their neighbors, yet somehow, everyone seems to complain about theirs. The reason for this is that you’re probably doing things that annoy them without even realizing it. So you can avoid being that annoying neighbor, here are a few things you really should stop doing.
Hosting Frequent Parties
Another thing you’re doing that annoys your neighbors is having frequent parties, which can lead to noise, litter, and parking issues. While social gatherings are undeniably enjoyable, they can become a nuisance for those living nearby, especially if they’re frequent. So, make sure you inform your neighbors in advance about any upcoming parties, get their permission, and try to keep the noise to a minimum, especially late at night.
Letting Pets Roam Free
It’s really not cool to allow your pets to wander around unsupervised, as this can lead to all sorts of problems, such as messes in your neighbors’ yards, aggressive encounters with other animals, or even dangers for children. So, keep your pets on a leash or within your property boundaries to ensure they don’t cause upset to your neighbors.
Smoking in Common Areas
If you’re smoking in shared spaces like hallways, patios, or balconies, your neighbor is quite right to get annoyed. This doesn’t just negatively impact your neighbors’ comfort, but it also messes with their health through secondhand smoke. That’s a serious health hazard, so refrain from smoking in common areas and find designated smoking spots to avoid disturbing others.
Loud Music at Inconvenient Times
If you’re playing music at high volumes, especially late at night or early in the morning, you should probably be more self-aware of how this is annoying your neighbors. Sound travels easily through walls and floors, causing unwanted noise pollution for your neighbors, so consider using headphones. If you don’t change your behavior, be warned because Nolo suggests that your neighbors have the right to take legal action.
Inconsiderate Parking
When you park in spaces that are designated for your neighbors, or you block driveways and sidewalks, you’re inevitably going to cause your neighbors significant inconvenience. They might struggle to park their own vehicles or have difficulty accessing their property, so try to be less inconsiderate and park in your designated area.
Ignoring Yard Maintenance
While you may not have a legal responsibility to do so (unless you live within an HOA), it’s generally neighborly etiquette to keep your yard tidy. If you’re not doing this, your yard can quickly become an eyesore for the entire neighborhood. Overgrown grass, untrimmed hedges, and scattered debris can diminish the overall appearance of the area, so consider sorting this out, and your neighbors will no doubt thank you.
Ignoring Quiet Hours
Many communities have designated quiet hours to ensure a peaceful environment for residents. Ignoring these hours by making loud noises, playing music, or using noisy equipment can disturb your neighbors’ rest and relaxation time. It’s just plain inconsiderate, so make sure you’re respecting quiet hours to maintain a harmonious living situation on your street.
Blocking Shared Driveways
It should go without saying that if you share a driveway with your neighbor, you need to cooperate with them to be considerate of all parties involved. Blocking access to these driveways can cause frustration and inconvenience, so make sure your vehicle is parked in a way that allows others to come and go freely, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Leaving Trash Out Too Early
A lot of people put their garbage out days before collection in an attempt to be proactive, but in reality, this just attracts pests and creates unpleasant odors. It also makes the neighborhood look unkempt, so do your neighbors a favor and only put your trash out on the designated day to keep the area clean and tidy.
Playing Instruments Loudly
There’s no denying that practicing a musical instrument can be a rewarding hobby, but try to be considerate about when you practice. Loud and frequent sessions can drive those living nearby crazy, especially if you practice at night. Consider using a practice mute, soundproofing your practice space, or limiting your practice times. If you can’t do any of that, it’s time you rent a dedicated practice space.
Not Controlling Children’s Noise
Kids will be kids, but when you let them play loudly, especially early in the morning or late at night, it’s going to disrupt your neighbors’ peace. You’re their parent, so it’s your job to encourage them to play quietly during these times, preferably indoors if the noise becomes too much. Doing so not only helps your neighbors but it teaches your children the value of being considerate to others.
Excessive Outdoor Lighting
A classic way that people accidentally annoy their neighbors is by having excessively bright outdoor lights, which can invade your neighbors’ privacy through light pollution and disturb their sleep. To be more considerate, consider installing motion sensors so that they only turn on when they’re really necessary. Your neighbors will thank you, and you’ll be saving both your electricity bill and the environment too.
Ignoring Property Boundaries
It’s not fair on your neighbors if you encroach on their property boundaries–after all, they exist for a reason. Planting trees, placing structures, or even walking on their property can lead to disputes, and they’d be right to get annoyed. So, always be aware of property lines and respect your neighbors’ space. If you’re unsure about boundaries, discuss this with your neighbors for clarification.
Playing Pranks
When you’re a kid, pranks are pretty hilarious, but you probably shouldn’t be pulling them on your neighbor as an adult. They will quickly become annoying or even harmful and will only create tension and damage relationships. It might be worth teaching this lesson to your children, too, although your neighbor might let them off once in a while.
Being Unfriendly
It should be pretty obvious that being an unfriendly neighbor is going to annoy your neighbors, but you might not realize you’re acting this way. To prevent any misunderstandings, remember that simple gestures like saying hello, smiling, or offering help can go a long way in building a friendly community. This will open a dialogue so if you’re ever annoying your neighbor, they’ll feel comfortable to let you know.
Rearranging Furniture
While it can be liberating to rearrange furniture from time to time to mix up your environment, make sure you’re only doing this at reasonable hours. The vibrations and bangs from moving heavy items could resonate through the walls into your neighbor’s property, driving them crazy. The same goes for cleaning, such as hoovering; be considerate because it’s likely to annoy them.
Ignoring Security Measures
If your neighborhood has security measures installed, such as communal gates or doors, don’t ignore them because that will quickly annoy your neighbors. They’re likely installed for a reason, so ignoring them can impact the safety of the entire neighborhood. Follow common security practices, even if you deem them to be unnecessary, because your neighbors might disagree.
Not Cleaning Up After Pets
Perhaps the most famous inconsiderate habit that drives neighbors crazy is failing to clean up after your pets. This will create unpleasant, stinky, and messy conditions for your neighbors, and it’s not their responsibility to clean up after you. So, always make sure you’re checking the areas surrounding your house at regular intervals, ensuring nobody has to deal with unpleasant surprises.