Just Being Neighbourly

Just Being Neighbourly

Let's chat about something that hits close to home—literally. It's all about keeping our little slices of paradise, aka our properties and boundaries, in tip-top shape.

While the specifics might vary from place to place, and we might not have the lowdown on every nook and cranny of Mandurah, we've gathered some universal truths based on legal know-how that'll keep you in the loop.

Dividing Fences: A Team Effort

So, you know that fence that gives you and your neighbour a nice, clear divide between your veggie garden and their flower bed? You both share the responsibility for keeping it standing proud. Just a heads up, though—retaining walls are playing their own game and don't count as dividing fences. If that fence starts looking a bit shabby or stops doing its job, it could spark a bit of a neighbourly debate. Best to keep it in check!

The Saga of the Front Yard

Letting your front yard go on a vacation to sandy beach land might not be against the law, but it's not doing any favours for the neighbourhood vibe or property street cred. And if your neighbour's sandy escapade starts invading your space, you might find yourself in a bit of a gritty situation. A friendly chat over the fence might do the trick, but if the sands keep shifting, it might be time to call in the legal cavalry.

Air Conditioner Invasion

Picture this: your neighbour decides to beat the heat by installing an air conditioner that decides to peek over into your backyard. If it's getting a bit too cozy on your side, that could be a no-go zone called trespass. The big question is how much of an overhang we're talking about. Sometimes, a little neighbourly negotiation can cool things down, but if not, you might need to talk about taking it down a notch... literally.

When Trees Throw Shade on Solar Dreams

Now, onto trees versus solar panels—a modern-day showdown. If your neighbour's leafy giants are blocking the sun's VIP pass to your solar panels, it's a bummer for your green energy goals. The tricky part? There's no one-size-fits-all legal playbook for this. It might come down to proving that those towering timbers are cramping your style and your electricity bill.

Stepping on Each Other's Sonic Toes

Let's have a little heart-to-heart about something that brings us all together yet can sometimes push us apart - our beloved tunes. When every neighbour decides it's their turn to be the weekend DJ, blasting hip-hop, country, house, rock, and pop in a symphonic free-for-all, well, our collective backyard bash quickly turns into a cacophony of sounds. That chill weekend vibe we all cherish? Poof! It's drowned out in a sea of competing playlists. If the beats are bumping from next door, why not slide on those headphones for a bit? Dive into your personal concert until the airwaves clear. Think of it as taking turns at an epic block party where everyone gets a shot at being DJ.

Remember, folks, while we're dishing out some general advice with a sprinkle of enthusiasm, nothing beats a chat with a legal pro to get the scoop tailored to your unique situation. Laws are like a box of chocolates—varied and depending on where you are. So, let's keep our homes and hearts in harmony, and when in doubt, reach out (to a legal expert, that is). Here's to making our community the best place to live, one respectful conversation and shared fence at a time!

18 Apr 2024