Neighbours after moving in: a good start in your new area

Being good neighbours means knowing each other well enough to talk about parcels, parking, noise and the tree growing over the boundary. You do not have to be close friends.

In brief

A good start could be to:

1. Say hello to your nearest neighbours
2. Find the house rules or the association's articles
3. Get to know the shared areas and local routines
4. Give notice in advance of noisy work
5. Make specific arrangements about helping each other
6. Deal with small problems early and calmly

You do not need to invite the whole neighbourhood round. The aim is simply to make contact feel natural.

The first hello

Introduce yourself when the moment feels right.

That could be:

• In the stairwell
• By the letterbox
• Over the hedge
• In the shared area
• While you are moving in

Briefly mention:

• Who has moved in
• When you moved in
• Whether tradespeople or a removal van will be coming
• How the neighbour can contact you about anything practical

Respect that people have different needs for contact. A friendly hello is enough.

Houses and flats are different

In a residential area of detached houses, the first practical questions are often about:

• Boundaries
• Hedges and fences
• Parking
• Waste
• Private shared roads
• Homeowners' association (grundejerforening)

In an owner-occupied flat (ejerlejlighed), they are often about:

• Stairwell
• Courtyard
• Laundry room
• Bicycles
• Storage rooms
• Noise
• House rules
• Owners' association (ejerforening)

Find the formal information rather than relying only on what someone tells you verbally.

Articles of association and house rules

The articles of association (vedtægter) and house rules (husorden) can contain rules on:

• Noise
• Pets
• Balconies
• Shared areas
• Parking
• Waste
• Renovation
• Working hours
• Letting

Ask the managing agent or the board if you do not have the documents.

A local tradition is not necessarily a binding rule. Conversely, a rule can apply even if nobody mentions it when you move in.

Shared areas

Ask to be shown:

• Bin store
• Bicycle parking
• Pram room
• Laundry room
• Courtyard
• Basement and loft
• Shared tools
• Booking systems

Ask how faults and damage are reported. That is easier than guessing who is responsible.

Noise

Homes make noise. Moving and renovation make extra noise.

If you are planning noisy work, a short message can make a big difference:

• What is going to happen?
• On which days?
• At what times?
• How long is the work expected to take?
• Who can be contacted?

Follow the house rules, municipal rules and any conditions attached to the work. Avoid promising an end date if you cannot keep it.

Renovation

Neighbours do not need all the technical details. But they may need to know if the work affects access, parking, water, electricity or shared areas.

Also clarify:

• Does the work require the association's approval?
• Do shared installations need to be shut off?
• Where will materials and waste be placed?
• How will the stairwell and lift be protected?
• When will the tradespeople be working?

Read the guide on renovating after buying a home.

Parking and access

Parking can be regulated by signs, the association or local rules.

Find out:

• Whether spaces are private or shared
• Whether a permit is required
• Where guests may park
• Where the removal van may stand
• Whether access routes must be kept clear

An empty space is not necessarily a free one.

Hedges, fences and boundaries

Hedges and fences can be shared or stand on one owner's own land. Where the boundary lies is a question of fact that cannot always be settled by looking at the hedge.

Talk to your neighbour before changing anything that affects both properties. If you disagree or are unsure, the rules on fences, easements (servitutter), the local plan and a chartered surveyor (landinspektør) may be relevant.

BoligKlar cannot settle a specific boundary or fence dispute.

Parcels, keys and holidays

Helping each other as neighbours requires clear arrangements.

Agree specifically:

• May the neighbour accept parcels?
• May a parcel be left by the door?
• Should someone empty the letterbox while you are on holiday?
• Who has a spare key?
• When should you contact each other?

Do not share keys or codes just because it is normal in the neighbourhood. Choose a solution you feel comfortable with.

Neighbourhood Watch and security

The police point out that good neighbourly relations and paying attention to what happens in the area can make the neighbourhood less attractive to burglars.^[1]

Neighbourhood Watch (Nabohjælp) is a nationwide initiative in which neighbours help each other prevent burglaries and create a sense of security.^[2]

That could mean:

• Reacting to anything unusual
• Moving a wheelie bin by arrangement
• Emptying the letterbox
• Parking a car in the driveway by arrangement
• Contacting each other about anything suspicious

If you suspect a crime is in progress, follow the police's instructions.

Local online groups

Facebook groups, residents' apps and other local channels can be handy for:

• Bin collection days
• Roadworks
• Lost pets
• Events
• Buying and selling
• Practical questions

Remember that posts are not necessarily official information. Check the rules with the municipality, the managing agent or the association.

If a disagreement arises

Start by establishing the facts.

A calm conversation can start from:

1. What specifically happened?
2. When did it happen?
3. Is there a written rule?
4. What does each party need?
5. Can you agree on a practical solution?

Keep messages short and specific. Avoid attributing motives.

If the matter concerns boundaries, articles of association, compensation or persistent nuisance, you may need the managing agent, the municipality, the local fence inspection board (hegnsyn) or legal help.

Your checklist

• I have said hello to my nearest neighbours
• I have contact details for the managing agent or the board
• I have read the articles of association and house rules
• I know the rules on noise and renovation
• I know how the shared areas are used
• Parking and guest parking have been clarified
• I give reasonable notice of practical disruption
• Arrangements about parcels, keys and holidays are specific
• I know the local communication channels
• Small problems are dealt with early and calmly

Common misconceptions

I have to invite the neighbours to a party

No. A short hello can be enough.

The neighbour will automatically keep an eye on the house

No. Help should be agreed specifically.

What everyone usually does is a rule

Not necessarily. Check the articles of association, house rules and official rules.

I decide what happens to the hedge

Not always. Location, ownership and rules need to be clarified.

Giving notice means I am allowed to make noise

No. Giving notice does not replace the rules that apply.

In summary

Good neighbourly relations start small: a hello, clear arrangements and respect for shared rules.

Know the house rules and articles of association, give notice of practical disruption, and deal with disagreements early. Also read the guides on safety at handover and the municipality and your home.

BoligKlar gives you a second pair of eyes and an overview. Specific disputes and legal questions require an individual assessment.

Frequently asked questions