Staying On Good Terms With Apartment Complex Neighbors

By Marty Jackson


There are certain advantages to renting an apartment as opposed to owning a home. But as with everything, there are pros and cons. One of the most common complaints about apartments or condos is the tension that close quarters with the neighbors can cause. While sitcoms often portray positive, or at least very comedic, relationships with neighbors, this is often not the case in real life. Sometimes, problems, complaints and disagreements can arise between you and your fellow tenants. What are some of the potential issues you should be aware of if you're not familiar with life in an apartment complex?

With units built side-by-side, the sounds from the other tenants' units will carry more readily through the walls and into your unit. You may have to deal with overhearing music, TV, conversations and arguments. On the other side of the issue, your neighbors may have something to say about the noise in your apartment. It pays to follow the golden rule: "Treat others as you wish to be treated". Doing your part to be courteous to your neighbors, especially early in the morning or late at night, can do much to foster positive relations with the other tenants.

On the subject of courtesy, apartment life can be much more enjoyable for everyone in the building when you foster a solid relationship with the neighbors. If you have an issue, it's best to try and discuss with the offending party in a calm, reasonable manner. Not everyone is going to be receptive to this tactic, but at least you can't be faulted in that case.

Parties can be fun, but if they get out of hand, they can cause a lot of problems. As a renter, you assume responsibility for the actions of your guests should decide to throw a party in your unit. It pays to be a responsible host and make sure the party doesn't disturb or offend the other tenants.

Some people work odd hours, having to adjust their schedule to sleep during the day. If you are one of these people, you're probably aware of the challenges, which can be compounded in the more contained ecosystem of the apartment complex. In closer proximity, you'll likely have to deal with more noise.

Telling the other tenants about your schedule might help, but you can't expect them to go out of their way to accommodate you. They'll likely do their loudest activities when most of the other tenants are awake or out of the apartment. Unfortunately for night-workers, that time is often when they'll be sleeping.

You may find that you need to take some extra measures to adjust to the environment, such as finding ways to block out excess while you try to sleep. Additionally, trying to return the favor and be courteous to those who are sleeping while you are active is a good idea as well. Being on good terms with neighbors can be especially important when you're living in an apartment.




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