Being on bad terms with your neighbour can make your life frustrating, day after day. But taking the time to establish good terms with your neighbours has numerous benefits. The community will be friendlier, the neighbourhood safer, and the area a nicer and more comfortable place to live.
Tips
- Send them a bouquet of flowers, invite them over for dinner, offer to babysit or petsit, something like that. They will be very happy.
- Really good neighbours watch out for each other. They ask each other for advice, and offer to help, especially on matters that impact the larger neighbourhood. They respect each others' boundaries but are quick to assist in a crisis. They look for opportunities to collaborate and to socialize. - Great neighbours make for great neighbourhoods, and it is well worth the effort.
- Check local regulations regarding fires in your backyard and noise levels. There are laws in most jurisdictions regulating such things.
- If you are experiencing problems with an anti-social neighbour and you are unable to resolve them yourself, then see if your local government has website information on dispute resolution. For example, look for a website with information on how to tackle anti-social behaviour in your community. Law Enforcement 021 554 8005.

Introduce yourself. Whether you're new in the neighborhood or new residents have just moved in on your block, introduce yourself. Say hello, offer a welcoming gift (the classic homemade pie never fails) and share or ask about the local area: "Where's the nearest pizzeria?" or "The garbage truck comes by on Mondays, usually around 10 in the morning, but sometimes he sneaks in at 8."

Be aware of shared walls. If you're in a terrace, condominium, semi-detached house or any structure where you and your neighbors share adjacent living spaces, position noisy household appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers - even TVs and speakers - away from partition walls. If you live above someone, consider putting linoleum or rubber matting underneath your appliances to deaden or muffle the noise, and remember that someone downstairs can hear you walking around (so minimize how often you wear high heels indoors, for example).
Control your dog. Keep your dog on a leash if it has a habit of running rampant on your neighbors' lawns, especially if they have a cat or a dog of their own, and make sure to clean up after it. If you have a particularly noisy dog, this may also become a source of contention for your neighbor. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how upset you'd be if you or perhaps your newborn was woken from a much-needed nap by the sudden yapping of a nearby dog. If you have problems controlling your dog's barking or whining, consider seeking advice from your local vet or a local animal organisation.
Practice parking etiquette. When you park your vehicle, be sure not to block anyone's access, or make them have to pull out of a very tight spot. Don't over-rev the engine of your car or motorcycle early in the morning or late at night. Park in front of your home, not theirs. Avoid slamming your doors or shining your headlights into your neighbor's windows late at night.

Keep your yard and garden tidy. Weed your garden regularly, because the presence of weeds in your yard is not only unsightly but can also spread to your neighbor's yard. Mow your lawn regularly and keep your flowers, trees and bushes trimmed appropriately. Put equipment away as soon as you're finished with it. Ask if your neighbor has chemical sensitivities, small children or pets before applying pesticides.
Put rubbish/garbage out on the right day. Only put your rubbish/garbage out on the day it's due for collection. If you accidentally miss the collection, bring it back onto your property immediately and try to contain it well. Garbage can attract vermin, insects, and other pests, and is also unsightly. Keep your trash area clean and debris free. Wash your garbage cans if they begin to smell.
Communicate with your neighbor. Above all, touch base with your neighbors regularly and keep them in the loop. Remember the golden rule and if anything you are planning to do may affect them, minimize it and let them know in advance. Keep the channels of communication open by reminding them that if you're doing anything which disturbs them, they should feel comfortable approaching you about it.
Be aware of your surroundings, as well as theirs. Even if you're not in a "neighborhood watch" community, keep your eye on anyone you don't know acting suspiciously around your neighbor's property. When in doubt, call the police so they can quickly curtail any criminal activity.
Invite them to contribute to your garage sales, have them over for tea, or offer to babysit their kids/pets while they're away. They'll do the same for you.
If you hear of any neighborhood news (events, crimes, special garbage pickups, special event parking restrictions, etc.) give them a heads-up by e-mail, or share on the Community Forum
Be nice to your new neighbors - When someone new is moving next to you,welcome them. They will be thankful to you for a tea or coffee.