Patio Etiquette: Essential Do's and Don'ts for a Harmonious Outdoor Experience

With nice weather comes more time outside. For those with a patio, this migration is seamless. However, make sure to consider these do’s and don’ts as you enjoy some much needed relaxation time while staying friendly with your neighbours.

Do keep the area clean

At the end of the night, it’s easy to use the excuse of being tired to go straight to bed and avoid cleaning until the next day. While this may be okay sometimes, it is important to go back and clean up your patio – ideally within 24 hours. Make sure to pick up any garbage, compost any leftover food and wipe down all surfaces. This will make sure to keep away any unwanted pests and odours. It is also important to keep your furniture clean and in good condition. If you start to see it falling apart, make sure to replace it. Using outdoor-specific furniture will help minimize the frequency of these repeated purchases as well as reduce exposure to health hazards like mold and rust. Keeping the space clean will help your patio stay nice and cozy. 

Don’t make excessive noise

Parties, family nights and other gatherings can get loud, so make sure to keep your music and conversations at a respectful level. Some people work from home during the day or have children they need to care for, so they require minimal distractions in order to be productive. As it gets later into the night, no one wants to hear yelling or loud music when they are trying to sleep. While your backyard space may be private, sound will still carry. Keeping the noise down will avoid conflicts with neighbours and create a more enjoyable living environment for everyone.

Do follow local bylaws and rules

No matter where you live, there are bylaws in place that ensure order and maintain the safety and wellness of everyone living within these communities. Each city, town and village across Canada have their own set of rules in place. While the general premise of these rules are consistent across the provinces, the specifics change depending on where you are. Make sure to take note of the bylaws in your area surrounding noise control, open flames and other activities that could affect what you can and can’t do while on your patio. If you live in a complex or something similar, make sure to also take into consideration the community rules. Breaking any of these regulations could lead to warnings, tickets and even hefty fines.

Don’t have bright lights

Lighting can help create the perfect ambience within your patio space. However, it can also be a distraction for those outside of it. In order to be respectful of your neighbours, avoid flashing, bright lights. Also, make sure that any lamps and such are not facing your neighbours windows and shining directly into them. Replace intense floodlights with warm-toned spotlights and lamps and use dimmers and timers to reduce the brightness as needed.

Do be respectful of your neighbours

There will be moments when you and your neighbours are outside at the same time, enjoying the privacy of your own patios. It is essential that you are respectful of them during this time. This means no eavesdropping and no staring at them from either across the yard or over the fence. Avoid smoke flying in their direction, specifically from a grill or a tobacco or cannabis product, as your neighbour could inhale the smoke and irritate their lungs and other potential health conditions. As mentioned above, lower the volume of music and conversations to be considerate and avoid shouting. Lastly, it is essential to communicate with your neighbours. If you are planning a gathering, wanting to work with them on an event or having any concerns or issues, make sure to speak to them directly out of courtesy.

Don’t let animals roam unsupervised

Animals enjoy their patio time just as much as humans do, but things can take a turn very quickly. Make sure to keep an eye on them while they are roaming the area to prevent any accidents. These mishaps could include making a lot of noise, digging up plants or even escaping. These incidents are especially unpleasant when the space isn’t yours. Supervising your pet will ensure that they do not leave your neighbours any unwanted ‘presents’ or destroy their property, therefore keeping a harmonious and happy community.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your time outside on the patio while being a respectful neighbour and tenant. If you’re searching for a rental condo with the patio of your dreams, contact us and we’d be more than happy to help you out.