Sometimes it is only in times of crisis that we realise how essential good neighbours are.

During last years devastating floods, there was much talk of the famous British ‘Blitz Spirit’ returning to towns such as Tewkesbury and Gloucester as neighbours rallied round to help each other in their hour of need.

But being a good neighbour shouldn’t be limited to times of crisis. Getting to know the folks next door, along the street or in your block can bring many benefits, not just for the individual but also for the wider community.

Belvoir, the UK’s leading lettings specialist with more than 120 offices across the country, including Belfast, is reminding tenants of the benefits of being a good neighbour.

The company’s Chief Executive Mike Goddard said: "We live in an era where many people have never even spoken to the person next door and I think this is a terrible shame. In an increasingly transient society, people come and go often never even getting to know their neighbours. This can be even more of a phenomenon in areas where there are a high number of rental properties."

"Becoming a better neighbour is something we should all consider,"continues Mike. "It’s all about respecting others in our community, keeping an eye out for their properties and respecting privacy. Good neighbourly relations can reduce crime, improve community spirit and lead to the creation of fantastic friendships."

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Belvoir offers the following neighbourly advice:

• Respect thy neighbour – keep noise levels down, especially late at night and early in the morning when people are trying to sleep.
• Parking etiquette – be careful not to block your neighbour’s driveway and make sure your visitors are equally considerate.
• Barking mad – If you have a cat or dog, keep it under control and stop it from straying onto your neighbour’s property. Remember not everyone is an animal lover.
• Keep it clean – make sure the exterior of your property is clean and tidy including your garden, patio or driveway – No-one wants to look out onto a messy garden and, if a neighbour is trying to sell their property, a messy garden or drive could put off potential buyers.
• Odd jobbing – if your neighbour is elderly or lives alone offer to run errands for them or help out with the odd job or two, Not only will this be a huge help, it may also mean that they are willing to take deliveries in for you if, for example, you are busy all day at work.
• Crime watch – keep an eye out and report any suspicious behavior. Consider setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme.
• House sitting– offer to look after neighbour’s pets, plants or gardens during holiday times.
• Be green – do your bit for the environment by setting up a shared car scheme with neighbours for trips to the supermarket or visits to the bottle bank.
• Alarm bells – if your house has an alarm fitted make sure your neighbour has contact details for a key holder if you are away overnight or on holiday
• Kid control – if you have children make sure they know how to be good neighbours and respect other people’s property and space

Belvoir Letting which handles a property portfolio valued at over £1billion offers a specialist service in property rental, property management, residential lettings and buy-to-let for tenants and landlords.

Each local Belvoir Property Management Agency is owned and personally managed by local owners, operating under licence from Belvoir Property Management (UK).

(GK/SP)