I was moving out of a rental property in a short period of time. I’d never really spoken to the neighbours or had any issues with them. Their house was very close to my boundary fence that was made of metal sheeting.

One Saturday night before I moved out they decided to throw a party, a large and noisy affair in their backyard. No problem.

About 10pm when I was trying to sleep the party was still going strong, loud music, loud voices. No problem, I can deal with it, they are having fun.

Midnight with my bedroom window and every window in the house shut, they are still going strong. Music is still loud, people are getting even louder. No problem, I have ear plugs.

2 in the morning they are still going, 3 in the morning, things spilled out onto the front yard and cars revved as they left, people were fighting in the street. Lots of yelling. No problem, at least things seem to be winding up.

6am, things have quieted down next door. The music has finally been turned off. It is Sunday morning and I am enjoying a coffee outside after a sleepless night and planning my day cleaning the rental in preparation for leaving.

9am rolls around, time to get started. The neighbourhood is awake, noise is permitted at this time. I collect my high pressure water cleaner and choose the portion of the fence closest to the neighbours bedroom window.

I am sure that high pressure water cleaning the metal sheeting fences was above and beyond the cleaning I had to complete before moving out but the sound of windows next door slamming shut one after the other as I moved along the fence line was highly satisfying.