Two-thirds of Swiss find their neighbours annoying
Noise, cigarette smoke and disputes over shared laundry facilities are among the most common complaints Swiss have about their neighbours, a new survey shows. More than one in 10 even have several arguments a year.
Overall, 64% of respondents to the survey by comparison site comparis.chExternal link say they are bothered by something about their neighbours. Close to one-third cited noise (28%) from sources such as conversations, the sound of steps, children, loud music and parties as the main problem. Other top complaints include neighbour antipathy (16%), cigarette smoke in staircases and on balconies (14%), and nosy neighbours (12%).
When reacting to nuisances, one-third (31%) choose to talk directly with their neighbours, while 14% approach their landlord instead. Residents in German-speaking Switzerland are more reluctant to take action, with 28% remaining silent compared to 15% of respondents in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino.
One in six (16%) reports having moved out as a result of conflict with neighbours.
With two out of three people in Switzerland living in flats, landlords often set house rules to help residents co-exist in close quarters. Common rules range from keeping noise levels down on Sundays and holidays, to prohibiting pets.
Links
Brochure in 16 languages on renting a flat in Switzerland (Federal Office for Housing)External link
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.