Tips to Get Along with your Neighbors

When you live in an apartment building, you may have to get used to living near other people. You may have quite a few people that you live near, including some above and below you. You don't have to like the people that you live nearby, though it helps if you can find some way to get along with them. If not, you may not enjoy your time in the building.

Here are some tips to get along with your neighbors.

Be friendly.

You need to find ways to be friendly with your neighbors. You don't have to talk to them every time that you see them. However, waving and saying hello can make the whole experience go a little easier.

Be courteous with common space.

If you live in an apartment complex, you may have to pass your neighbors in the hall and on walkways around the complex. However, you may also have outside areas that you can enjoy. There may be park benches and walkways.

You shouldn't abuse these areas. Allow others to use them also. Pick up your trash before you leave. Pick up after your dog (so nobody steps in it). If you see someone else who wants to use the picnic table that you are using, make room for them.

Don’t be a noisy neighbor.

Nothing is worse than loud neighbors. Not only can it be annoying during the day, it can be even worse when you are trying to sleep. Because of this, you should do everything that you can to not be this neighbor.

If you are a night owl, make sure that you do this quietly. Turn your music down when people are trying to sleep. If you come home late, be quiet in the hallway, so you don't wake anyone up.

If you are planning on having a party or a loud gathering, talk to your neighbors first.

If you want to have a gathering, you need to let your neighbors know. It is much easier to talk to the neighbors first than it is to deal with ones who are upset with you. The same goes if you are having work done to your home. Let people know that something is being done so that they can plan accordingly.

If you have pets, please be courteous about them.

You should be a responsible pet owner. Keep your animals vaccinated and fixed. This will avoid any unwanted puppies or kittens. You also need to keep your dogs under control at all times. Walk them on a leash. Pick up after them so nobody steps in their stool. If your dog is a barker, do what you can to get this under control.

Respect parking spaces.

Parking spaces are often sparse in apartment complexes. Use your own spaces if you have them. If not, only use the number of spaces that you are allotted. If you have guests come, make sure that they use the right spots too! Get permission to use other spots if you need them.

If you have a problem with your neighbor, talk to them about it.

If you are dealing with a neighbor, you are going to want to talk to them about it first. If they are being too noisy at night, and you can't sleep, just stop by and have a friendly conversation. It is much better to handle it between each other, than getting the landlord (or the cops) involved.

Living in an apartment can be an adjustment. Make sure that you wave and greet your neighbors. Think about your noise levels (and your pets) when it comes to your neighbors. If you do have a problem, go to them, instead of going right to the landlord. Friendly neighbors are essential to a good home life!