Addressing Noise and Privacy Concerns in Shared Living
Strategies for managing common issues related to noise and privacy
Living in strata and other types of community title schemes offers many advantages, including shared amenities, reduced maintenance responsibilities, and a sense of community. However, close proximity to neighbours can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to noise and privacy. These are two of the most common complaints in shared living environments across Australia.
There are simple practical strategies for addressing noise and privacy issues, highlights the role of by-laws and communication, and offers guidance on maintaining harmony in a shared space.
Understanding the Common Issues
In strata and other shared housing communities, whether it's apartment buildings, townhouses, or duplexes, residents live much closer to each other than in standalone houses. Everyday activities like walking across a timber floor, using a washing machine late at night, or hosting a dinner party can inadvertently affect neighbours. Remember that the neighbours are through wall or in the apartment below rather than separated by a garden fence.
Some of the most common sources of concern include:
Loud conversations, TVs or music through walls or ceilings
Hard flooring without acoustic insulation
Parties or gatherings that extend late into the night
Children or pets making noise
Privacy concerns around balconies, windows, or shared entrances
These issues can vary depending on the design and age of the building, the number of residents, and the general expectations of the community.
Noise: What’s Reasonable?
Under Australian law, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of "reasonable noise." What’s acceptable in one building might not be in another. However, every state and territory does require residents to avoid creating a nuisance for their neighbours.
In most strata and community title schemes, the by-laws will include a specific clause stating that occupants must not create noise that unreasonably interferes with the peaceful enjoyment of another lot or common property. This provides a starting point for addressing problems.
Some general noise guidelines include:
Quiet hours: Many schemes adopt quiet hours from 10pm to 7am. During these hours, louder activities like music or vacuuming should be avoided.
Hard flooring rules: Some strata schemes prohibit timber or laminate flooring in upper-floor apartments unless soundproof underlay is installed.
Acoustic treatments: Carpets, rugs, curtains, and soft furnishings can help absorb sound and reduce echo.
Appliance scheduling: Avoid using noisy appliances like washing machines or dishwashers late at night.
Enhancing Privacy
Privacy concerns often arise when windows or balconies overlook neighbouring lots or when sound easily travels between units. While it’s difficult to eliminate all privacy issues in shared buildings, there are several ways to reduce their impact.
Practical Measures:
Install privacy screens or frosted film on windows or balcony railings (check your building’s rules and by-laws if this is permissible).
Use indoor plants or outdoor screens to block direct lines of sight without breaching building regulations.
Close windows during conversations if sound travels easily between units.
Use curtains or blinds to prevent visual intrusions, especially at night.
Design Considerations (for new builds or renovations):
Sound insulation between walls and floors should meet or exceed the minimum Building Code of Australia standards.
Window placement and orientation should minimise direct views into neighbouring lots.
Entry doors and corridors should be designed to reduce echo and foot traffic noise.
Communication is Key
Most noise and privacy issues can be resolved—or at least improved—through respectful communication. Approaching a neighbour directly (but politely) is often more effective than jumping straight to formal complaints.
Tips for constructive conversations:
Choose a calm time to raise the issue.
Focus on how the issue affects you, rather than making accusations.
Offer potential solutions (“Would you mind turning the volume down after 9pm?”).
Listen to their perspective it may be unintentional or something they’re willing to fix.
In many cases, neighbours simply aren’t aware that their actions are affecting others.
The Role of the Owners Corporation and Strata Committee
If informal discussions don’t resolve the issue, the next step is to contact the strata managing agent or owners corporation. Most strata schemes have formal processes for managing breaches of by-laws.
Here’s what that may involve:
Submit a written complaint to the strata committee or strata manager.
Owners corporation issues a notice to the offending party, reminding them of the relevant by-law.
If the problem persists, the scheme may issue a formal Notice to Comply.
Continued breaches may lead to penalties, including fines under relevant state legislation (such as the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 in NSW).
Mediation services are also available in all Australian states and territories to help resolve disputes without escalation.
Preventative Strategies for Strata Communities
Proactively managing noise and privacy issues starts with education and clear expectations:
Adopt or review by-laws to address noise and privacy comprehensively.
Provide welcome packs to new residents outlining community expectations.
Use community noticeboards or newsletters to remind residents about courtesy and quiet hours.
Encourage community connection people are more likely to be respectful when they know their neighbours.
Final Thoughts
Noise and privacy concerns are a natural part of shared living, but they don’t have to lead to conflict. With a mix of practical solutions, clear communication, and fair enforcement of by-laws, strata residents across Australia can enjoy peaceful, respectful communities.
Educating residents about their rights and responsibilities and fostering a cooperative culture goes a long way toward making shared living a positive experience for everyone involved.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction
