Living in an apartment or rental community comes with a lot of perks—convenience, affordability, and often a built-in sense of community. But close quarters also mean shared walls, common spaces, and more opportunities for interactions (both positive and negative) with your neighbors.

The good news? Being a good neighbor isn’t complicated. With just a little consideration and awareness, you can help create a friendly, respectful environment that everyone enjoys coming home to. Here’s how:

1. Be Mindful of Noise

Sound carries—especially in apartments. Whether it’s music, TV, or even just walking around in shoes with hard soles, your everyday activities can impact the people living around (and below) you.

• Keep the volume down, especially early in the morning or late at night.
• Be mindful of activities that can cause extra noise—like moving furniture or hosting guests—and try to keep things as quiet as possible during off-hours.
• Adding rugs or furniture pads can make a big difference, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors.

2. Respect Shared Spaces

Common areas like hallways, laundry rooms, parking lots, and entryways are for everyone. Keeping them clean and clutter-free helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

• Always clean up after yourself—whether you’re doing laundry or just walking through with muddy shoes.
• Don’t leave personal items like trash bags, packages, or shoes outside your door or in shared walkways.
• Park within designated lines and be respectful of assigned parking spots if applicable.

3. Communicate Considerately

We all know that uncomfortable issues can pop up from time to time—loud noise, a maintenance concern, or a shared space issue. The way you approach these moments makes all the difference.

• If you have a concern, address it politely and directly rather than jumping to complaints or leaving passive-aggressive notes.
• Assume good intentions, and approach conversations with a calm and respectful tone.
• When in doubt, management is always here to help mediate and keep things smooth.

4. Follow Community Guidelines

Rules exist to keep everyone comfortable and safe. Whether it’s trash disposal procedures, parking policies, or quiet hours, following the guidelines in your lease agreement helps maintain a positive experience for all residents.

• Not sure about something? Don’t guess—just ask your property manager or leasing office.
• Respecting these shared expectations builds trust and reliability between neighbors.

5. Practice Everyday Etiquette

Sometimes the smallest habits have the biggest impact. A few simple courtesies can go a long way toward creating a neighborly environment:

• Avoid slamming doors or letting them close loudly behind you.
• Be aware of how strong cooking smells or smoke can travel into neighboring units.
• Keep your entryway tidy and easy to navigate for others walking by.

Final Thoughts

Being a good neighbor isn’t about perfection—it’s about consideration. A little awareness and respect can help create a calm, cooperative living environment where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re new to the community or have been here for a while, it’s never too late to build good neighbor habits.

Have a great neighbor story or a tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it!