Throwing a Party Without Upsetting Your Neighbours: A Strata-Friendly Guide
We all enjoy celebrating life’s milestones with family and friends. But when you live in an apartment or townhouse, parties can quickly become a headache for your neighbours if they’re not handled thoughtfully.
Noise, rubbish and common area misuse are among the most common complaints in strata schemes and in some cases, they can even lead to formal complaints.
If you’re planning to host an event in your strata property, here are some practical tips to help you keep the peace, avoid problems, and ensure everyone enjoys the night.
1. Know the Rules: Check Your By-Laws First
Before sending out invitations, take a few minutes to review your strata scheme’s by-laws. These rules are designed to balance individual enjoyment with communal living and can cover things like:
Noise restrictions after certain hours (often 10pm on weeknights, 11pm on weekends).
Limits on how many guests you can have in shared spaces like rooftops or BBQ areas.
Rules about smoking on balconies or in common areas.
Keeping fire exits and hallways clear of furniture or decorations.
If you’re unsure, ask your strata manager or committee for a copy of the by-laws or guidance. Planning your party within these limits can save you stress and potential fines.
2. Give Your Neighbours a Heads-Up
One of the easiest ways to keep your neighbours onside is to communicate in advance.
Drop a friendly note under their doors or in the lobby a week or more before your party. Include the date, start and finish times, and let them know you’ll keep noise under control.
If you’re feeling neighbourly, invite them along! A personal invitation can go a long way in building goodwill.
Remind guests to be respectful when arriving and leaving – voices carry in corridors and stairwells, especially late at night.
In NSW for example, if you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider notifying the local police through their “Party Safe” program, especially if you’re expecting a crowd. Check in your State or Territory for similar scheme
3. Be Mindful of Noise and Music
Keep windows and balcony doors closed to minimise sound escaping.
Consider using a speaker with volume-limiting features or set up your music indoors rather than on the balcony.
Set a clear “wind-down time” when music will be lowered or turned off entirely.
Try the silent disco option!
4. Take Care with Rubbish and Common Areas
One of the biggest frustrations for neighbours and building managers is the mess left behind after a party. Avoid adding to the problem by:
Ensuring all rubbish is bagged and disposed of correctly in the garbage rooms. Don’t overload bins or leave bags on the floor this can lead to odours, pests and extra cleaning costs.
Avoid clogging garbage chutes with large items or excessive waste, if necessary, make a few smaller trips to the bin room.
Checking corridors, lifts, and entryways after the party for any spills, bottles or rubbish left behind.
If guests are using the pool or BBQ area, leave them as clean as you found them and remember, glassware is usually prohibited for safety reasons.
5. Considerate Hosting = Happy Neighbours
Being a thoughtful host doesn’t just protect you from complaints it builds stronger relationships with those living around you. A little preparation goes a long way towards ensuring your event is fun for your guests and stress-free for everyone else.
If you plan ahead, respect your by-laws, and clean up promptly, you’ll be able to throw a great party that leaves nothing behind but good memories.
Neighbour Notification Template
Here’s a quick note you can print or copy to let your neighbours know about your event:
Hi Neighbours,
Just a quick note to let you know I’ll be hosting a small gathering at my apartment on:
Date: [insert date]
Time: [start time] to [finish time]
We’ll do our best to keep noise to a minimum and ensure guests are respectful when arriving and leaving. If you have any concerns, please feel free to call or text me on [your phone number].
Thank you for your understanding, and I hope this won’t cause you any inconvenience.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Apartment number]
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
