Condo Etiquette: How to be a Good Neighbor

With the high rise community populace becoming more and more diverse, it’s more likely that you’ll be living with people from different backgrounds and lifestyle.  These differences can eventually lead to tension. How then do you live in a building filled with people?  How do you become a good neighbor?

For starters, always remember that Manners maketh a Man.  By being considerate to your neighbors, you are not only inviting good karma your way, but also helping ensure the peace and harmony of your condominium.

Here are a few ways you can be a good neighbor:

Though shall respect common areas.

Don’t treat your entire community as your own kingdom. Other people are living in it too, and sharing the amenities with you.  Do your part in maintaining the cleanliness of your shared amenities by not throwing trash along the corridors, and not vandalizing the walls and elevators. Just because you’re paying for its upkeep, and following all condominium rules and regulations regarding common areas and shared amenities doesn’t mean you can disregard the rules.

Keep it down.

Think twice before you hold a karaoke party in your condominium unit.  Remember that the only thing separating you and your neighbors is a concrete wall that does little to muffle your voices (let alone your bellowing at the top of your lungs).

Tell your kids where and where not to play.

It’s understandable that condominiums have limited spaces for children to play.  But that doesn’t mean they can treat the corridors as an extension of their unit.  Show your kids areas where they can meet with friends and play.

The admin, security and maintenance staff are your friends.

Be courteous and respect them.  They’re practically the reason why your condo community is a safe and clean haven for you and your family.  Always be mindful of what you demand from them.  The security staff is not your personal assistant, and are therefore not obligated to carry your bags all the way to your unit.

TIP:  Show them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication to keeping your community safe and clean by giving them little tokens during the holidays.

Park your car properly.

Always make sure that you’re parking your car ONLY where it is supposed to be.  Unlike in malls, the parking lots in condo communities are not on a first-come-first-served basis.  Many of these slots are already paid for or rented out by your co-residents.

Nobody likes to smell what you had for breakfast.

When you’re cooking fish or anything that emits a strong odor, open your windows, or power on the exhaust fan.  But whatever you do, do not open the door to fan out the odor.  The last thing your neighbor would want is to go to work smelling like breakfast.

Clean up after your pets.

Be considerate towards your neighbors and the maintenance staff responsible for the upkeep of your community’s surroundings.  Remember that the streets and gardens are common areas.  Don’t treat them like your pet’s personal bathroom.  Always dispose of their excrement properly.

Sources:

haaretz.com

imgarcade.com

expertbeacon.com

daynitecleaningservices.ca

commonwealthsquare.com

horsecollaborative.com

tippvet.com