Moving into a new apartment building gives you an exciting opportunity to be a part of a new community. In fact, your neighbors are an important part of the rental experience. You should treat your neighbors well to encourage those around you to be equally good to you. Consider these strategies for being an excellent neighbor and living in harmony in your apartment community.
Set Boundaries From the Start
You can more easily live in harmony with your neighbors if you start setting boundaries the first time you meet them. You can’t control who moves in next door, but you can control how you respond to any behaviors you dislike. Don’t be afraid to say no if they ask for a favor that you don’t want to do. On the other hand, try to soften blows by offering alternatives, when possible.
For example, if a neighbor just stops by when you are exhausted after work, let them know that you aren’t up for a visit. If you dislike unexpected visitors in general, you may give them your number and ask them to text before coming over. Also, if you do want to see your neighbor but the timing just isn’t right, let them know that they’d be welcome at a better time.
Take Excellent Care of Your Apartment
Being conscientious about how you care for your apartment is one of the best things you can do as a neighbor. If you get busy and leave food, dirty dishes, or trash out in the apartment, the mess may attract cockroaches and other pests that can cause problems for other members of the community.
A messy place just fosters an environment where pests and germs thrive. Take care of your own space to ensure you don’t cause problems that might spread to your neighbors.
Go to Neighbors With Problems
Talk in person rather than leave a note where your tone could be misconstrued. Put some thought into what you want to say so you will be prepared to express all the main points you want to make. Keep the focus on how you feel rather than blaming the neighbor for making you feel a certain way.
Also, when approaching your neighbor about the dilemma, try to keep a neutral tone and be clear about the solution you want. For example, if a neighbor plays music too loud at night, explain why it’s causing a problem and state that you’d like them to lower the volume at a specific time each night. Direct communication makes it easier for the person to agree to what you want.
Help Your Dog Be a Good Canine Neighbor
The fastest way to frustrate your neighbors may be to let your dog bark all night. If you have a dog, be proactive about keeping them happy, and remove things that may motivate them to bark. For example, if your dog gets upset when cats walk by, be sure to close the curtains to all the windows at night.
If your dog does have an episode of misbehavior, be quick to reach out to neighbors and apologize. Let them know what you are doing to correct the problem and prevent it from happening again. Not only will neighbors appreciate your awareness and effort, but apologizing could also save you from dealing with escalated complaints later.
Extend Friendliness and Avoid Nosiness
According to a survey by Porch reported in The Washington Post, nosy neighbors are considered the worst kind. While friendliness is a positive thing, avoid asking neighbors personal questions unless they initiate a more intimate friendship. Err on the side of caution when it comes to respecting neighbors’ privacy.
Apartment living can be wonderful at any stage of life. If you’re looking for an apartment community that is warm and welcoming, contact Crossroads Westside. Situated in a bustling neighborhood that’s centrally located to shops and eateries, our apartment building offers rental units with a variety of layouts and modern amenities.
