The “B.E. G.R.E.A.T.” Neighbor Guide

As a new renter, understanding basic apartment living etiquette can make a big difference – for both you and your neighbors. Apartment living comes with shared spaces and close proximity to others, which can be a change from previous housing situations. 

To help make everyone’s experience more enjoyable, we’ve put together a quick guide covering some of the most important do’s and don’ts of apartment living. Below are a few common concerns we see, along with simple ways to avoid them and be a great neighbor.

How To Be A G.R.E.A.T Neighbor

• Be Mindful of Noise. While we always encourage residents to treat their apartment as their own home, it’s equally important to be mindful of those living around you. Your lease cautions against creating excessive noise that could disturb your neighbors. Please be respectful of quiet hours and considerate of residents who may be working from home or have different schedules than your own. 
• Each Apartment Matters. When it comes to cleanliness, it’s easy to think it only affects your own apartment. While that’s true to an extent, maintaining a messy or dirty unit can impact your neighbors more than you may realize. Dirt and clutter can attract pests, which can spread throughout the building and affect not only your neighbors, but your own apartment as well. 
• Get Rid of Trash Appropriately. Click here for a comprehensive article on garbage and proper disposal. From an etiquette standpoint, being a good neighbor means breaking down boxes, disposing of large items appropriately (for example, not leaving a couch on the curb for weeks), and never leaving trash in common spaces.
• Report Maintenance and Repairs ASAP. This is especially important when it comes to leaks. Because of how water usage is billed, unreported issues such as a running toilet or leak can impact your neighbors’ utility costs, something everyone wants to avoid. Please report maintenance concerns promptly and do not attempt major repairs on your own.
• Encourage proper pet ownership. We all love our furry friends, but it’s important to ensure pets are kept within the guidelines of the lease. Please clean up after your pets promptly. If you live in one of our dog-friendly apartments, be sure to follow leash requirements and take steps to manage barking or other noise. While, of course, dogs naturally bark, it’s important that this noise is kept to a reasonable level out of consideration for your neighbors. 
• Always park in your own spot. Parking issues can create tension quickly. Always park in your designated spot and make sure your vehicle is fully within the lines of the space. If you find another vehicle in your assigned spot, please contact us with the license plate number, Lobos placard number (if applicable), and the vehicle’s make and model.
• Treat Shared Space as Shared. Lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms, stairwells, and other shared spaces are used by all residents. Be sure to clean up after yourself and avoid leaving personal items in these areas, such as bikes in the lobby, shoes in the hallway, or laundry supplies in the laundry room.

Ultimately, following your lease guidelines and remembering that you share your building with others goes a long way. Neighbor conflicts are no fun for anyone (us included), but sticking to the tips above can help prevent most issues.

If you experience a problem with a neighbor that a direct conversation doesn’t resolve, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.