Apartment living is an excellent way to enjoy communal living while maintaining your space and privacy. You will find a built-in community of neighbors and potential friends, but you can also retreat to the solitude of your home. Most apartment communities offer shared amenities such as fitness centers, pool areas, and clubhouses, as well as common areas within the buildings and parking lots. It’s important that residents work collectively to ensure these areas, as well as the living spaces, are respected so they can be enjoyed by everybody. To maintain harmony with your neighbors, strive to be a good neighbor yourself. Here are some tips and reminders on how to be a great neighbor in a shared living space.
Noise
Noise is one of the main complaints of apartment living. You could have other people living above, below, next door, or across the hall from you. Keep noise from music, children, pets, conversations, and even arguments to a minimum. (Some easier said than done.) If your lease specifies quiet hours, respect them. If you’re planning to host a party, it’s good form to let your neighbors know, so they won’t be surprised by extra noise or foot traffic. If they’re cool, invite them!
parking
This is another significant problem with apartment complexes. Unless there is assigned parking, it’s fair game. Park within the lines and don’t block other vehicles. If, for example, you have elderly neighbors, pregnant neighbors, small children, or other special situations, and they park in a particular spot, respect their needs. Street parking is an entirely different beast. Follow your city’s parking ordinances and hope for the best!
Shared Amenities & Spaces
If you use the fitness center, use the equipment for a reasonable amount of time and wipe it down after use. If there are shared laundry facilities, pay attention to the time and remove your clothes from the washing machines and dryers promptly. Clean the lint trap and clean up after yourself. At the pool, don’t leave towels, disposable cups, and other items behind. Keep the area in front of your apartment clean and clutter-free.
Trash
Keep your apartment clean and take out the trash regularly. Don’t store full trash bags on your balcony, patio, or in the hallway, where they can cause unpleasant odors and attract rodents.
Be Friendly
It never hurts to greet a fellow resident with a smile and hello. Being friendly and approachable goes a long way toward building a good rapport with your neighbors. It doesn’t mean you have to become besties, but you never know when you might need to receive or lend a helping hand. Watching out for one another is a sensible approach to apartment living. If you see or hear anything unusual, you can alert your neighbors and contact the property manager.
Being a great neighbor to your fellow apartment dwellers is a combination of good manners and common sense. By following the rules and behaving respectfully to those who live around you, apartment living can be a fun and fulfilling experience.