Your New Neighbourhood
When you move into the community - usually this means into a student house - it won't just be students. You'll find yourself living amongst a wide range of people: families, elderly people, professionals. Whilst the vast majority of students live happily alongside other members of the community, there are times when conflict can occur. Most tension of this kind can be avoided and the information below will help you in being a good neighbour and getting to know your community.
Noise and Anti-Social Behaviour
It's important to remember that not everyone has the same schedule as you. Some people might be working from home when you've got free time. Children might be trying to sleep when you're getting ready to go out. If your actions, and in particular the levels of noise that you are making, are disturbing the lives of others that live around you, then this can be defined as noise nuisance.
Here are our top tips to avoid the consequences of noise nuisance:
- Remember, noise can be a statutory nuisance at any time, but complaints are more likely if the noise is happening between the hours of 10pm and 8am.
- Keep doors and windows closed to limit noise levels.
- Keep noise levels to a minimum when outside e.g. when having a BBQ or waiting for a taxi.
- Speak to your neighbours if you are considering having a gathering, or better still see if you can reserve an area at a local or city centre venue.
- Professional sound systems are not appropriate for house parties! Keep any other music equipment you use away from adjoining walls.
- If you play a musical instrument, agree times to practise with housemates and neighbours.
If you are having problems with a noisy neighbour, you should contact the Leeds City Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team:
- During office hours (9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday) - call 0113 222 4402
- Outside office hours (6pm - 5am and weekends) - call 0113 376 0337
Noise and anti-social behaviour isn’t just a problem in your home. There is a Public Space Protection Order in parts of the local area, sometimes referred to as the PSPO. This means that street parties, having music equipment in public places and drinking and taking drugs or psychoactive substances in the street are not allowed. Any breach of this is a criminal offence and consequences include fixed term penalty notices and criminal prosecution.
Find out more information about the PSPO in place in the local area.
Managing Your Waste
Using your bins properly and making sure they're where they need to be is an important part of being a good neighbour. Uncollected bins can smell bad and bins that haven't been put away make pavements hard to use. Leeds City Council collect your black general waste and green recycling bins weekly. Helpfully, the Leeds Bins App will tell you the collection day for your street and let you set up reminders so that you never forget to take the bins out again.
Use your green recycling bin for:
Your black bin is for general household waste only. Try to recycle as much as you can in your green recycling bin.
Your household waste should be placed inside the bin with the lid closed. Leeds City Council do not collect extra bags on top of or near your bin.
If you need some extra household stuff like pans, plates or even a clothes airer - don't buy new, pick up a bargain from the Kirkstall Revive reuse shop on Evanston Avenue LS4 2HR.
Connecting With Your Community
Get to know the area you live in. This could be through exploring what is on offer or through volunteering.
In Headingley, check out the Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre (HEART) which is run by the community and offers volunteer opportunities, an on-site café, a shared workspace and a varied programme of classes and events.
In Hyde Park, try Rainbow Junktion for volunteering opportunities and a pay-as-you-feel community café every Monday and Thursday for a delicious meal.
In Woodhouse, Bedford Fields is a community forest garden where all the plants are either edible, medicinal or useful in some other way! Nearby, Oblong is a community development charity which aims to help people and the local community flourish.