Apartment Etiquette: Tips for Being a Good Neighbour

Living in an apartment means sharing walls, spaces, and often, lifestyles with others. Whether you’re new to apartment living, student renters, or seasoned renters, practicing good neighbourly apartment etiquette is key to creating a positive living environment. 

Here are some simple, actionable tips to help you be the kind of neighbour everyone appreciates.

1. Respect Shared Spaces

In apartment complexes, there are common areas like hallways, laundry rooms, mailrooms, community rooms, BBQ areas, and gardens that are shared by everyone. Keeping these spaces clean and accessible shows consideration for your neighbours.

• Don’t leave personal belongings like bikes or shoes in hallways.
• Clean up after using shared spaces such as laundry facilities and party rooms.
• Follow trash and recycling rules, making sure waste is disposed of properly and promptly.

This not only makes the building more pleasant for everyone but also prevents potential complaints.

2. Be Mindful of Parking

Parking can sometimes become a source of frustration in apartment complexes, especially if spaces are limited or assigned. Respect your neighbours by:

• Parking in your designated spot and not taking up extra space.
• Avoid parking in a way that blocks entrances, driveways, or other cars.
• If guests are visiting, make sure they park in visitor spots, if available.
• Pre-book visitor parking stalls when required to avoid disrespecting your neighbours.

Small efforts like these can prevent a lot of tension.

3. Communicate and Be Friendly

Good relationships with your neighbours start with good communication and build a strong sense of community amongst fellow residents. You don’t have to be best friends with your neighbours, but small gestures like saying hello in passing or introducing yourself when you first move in can go a long way.

• Address any concerns directly and politely. For example, if your neighbour’s TV is too loud, a kind request will usually solve the problem better than involving management right away.
• If you’re planning something noisy (like a party or moving furniture), give your neighbours a heads-up.

Positive communication and apartment noise control help create a cooperative and understanding community.

4. Noise Control in Apartments

Noise control in apartments is one of the most common sources of tension between apartment neighbours. Keeping things quiet is essential, especially during designated quiet hours, typically between 10 PM and 8 AM. Here’s how you can help:

• Use area rugs to reduce noise, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors.
• Be mindful of your TV or music volume, and if possible, use headphones at night.
• Avoid heavy walking or moving furniture late at night.

If you’re hosting guests, let your neighbours know ahead of time or keep the gathering contained to reasonable hours. Simple awareness of noise control in apartments can prevent many noise-related conflicts.

Living in a concrete building can help reduce noise levels between units, which is often a preferred choice for young families living in apartments.

5. Respect Privacy and Boundaries

Even in close quarters, it’s important to respect your neighbours’ privacy. Avoid peeking into windows or eavesdropping on conversations. Keeping to your own space, both physically and personally, maintains a healthy level of respect.

• Keep your personal business private and avoid nosy behaviour.
• Be considerate when smoking or using strong-smelling products, as smoke or odours can seep through walls or windows.

A little awareness goes a long way in fostering a respectful living environment.

6. Handle Conflicts Calmly

Disputes can happen, but how you handle them matters. If a conflict arises with a neighbour, try to address it calmly and directly before escalating to management.

• Approach your neighbour with a friendly tone and explain the issue without blaming them.
• If you’re on the receiving end of a complaint, listen and be willing to compromise.

Open communication can resolve most issues without unnecessary tension.

7. Pet Etiquette Matters

Pets can be a wonderful addition to any household, but they require extra care in an apartment setting. When renting with pets, ensure your pets aren’t disturbing your neighbours by following these guidelines:

• Clean up after your pets immediately, both inside and outside the building.
• Keep your pets quiet, especially if they tend to bark or meow frequently. If necessary, invest in training or soundproofing your space.
• Always use leashes in common areas and ensure your pet doesn’t approach neighbours uninvited.

Following these rules helps create a pet-friendly and respectful environment for everyone.

8. Help Your Neighbours and Build Community

Apartment living presents a unique opportunity to build a sense of community, even in the most bustling urban areas. Small gestures of kindness can help you foster relationships with your neighbours and create a friendly, supportive environment. 

Here’s how you can contribute to building community in your apartment complex and fellow Boardwalk residents and associates:

• Lend a hand: Offer to help out with simple tasks, like carrying groceries, holding the elevator, or lending tools. If a neighbour is moving in, offer to help with boxes or share recommendations about the area.
• Check-in: Get to know your neighbours well enough to offer support if needed. A simple knock on the door to see if they’re okay during a power outage or offering to collect packages while they’re away can mean a lot.
• Share resources: If you have extra baked goods, fresh herbs from the community gardens, or even an interesting book, consider sharing them with your neighbours. These small acts can go a long way in creating a friendly atmosphere.
• Host or participate in building events: If your apartment complex has community events or gatherings, participate! If not, consider organizing small social activities like a potluck, movie night, or holiday get-together. These events can help break the ice and encourage everyone to get to know each other better.

By helping your neighbours and building community, you create a more connected, pleasant living environment for everyone. In a world where people often feel isolated, a supportive apartment community can make all the difference in feeling at home.

Final thoughts on apartment etiquette

Apartment living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your peace or privacy. By practicing thoughtful, respectful behaviour, you can foster a sense of community and make your shared living space more enjoyable for everyone. Being a good neighbour isn’t difficult—it just takes a little consideration and effort.