Condo living is a blend of living in your own private world while coexisting with neighbors who share the comfort, convenience, and perks that the condo community provides. In order to show respect and consideration for your neighbors and keep the community energy flowing harmoniously, observing some neighborly etiquette can make life easier for everyone. We’ve put together a list to help you be a better neighbor.

1. Say Hello
   It takes only a second to say hello when you run into your neighbors in the lobby or elevator. Don’t earn yourself a reputation as being a stick-in-the-mud. Be nice. It costs nothing and goes a long way toward friendly community living.
   
   
   
   
2. Keep the Noise Down
   Noise is a primary complaint among neighbors living in close quarters. Observe the rules in your building regarding noise levels after certain hours, and always show consideration for your neighbors who may maintain unusual work schedules. Don’t stomp your feet, hammer nails, or drag heavy furniture around late at night. If you like to play your music full-blast, use headphones.
   
   
   
   
3. Be Considerate if You Smoke
   Refrain from smoking in all common areas except those specifically designated as smoking areas. Do not litter the property with cigarette butts. Smoking is also an issue inside actual condo units, as smoke may seep through A/C vents from one unit to another, from the balcony to inside neighboring units, or from inside your unit to the hallway. Ask your neighbors if your smoking bothers them, and adjust accordingly.
   
   
   
   
4. Contain Your Pets
   There are a variety of rules governing pets in condo buildings, but the most important thing to note is that pets must not make excessive noise nor should they be allowed to run free in common areas. Some of your neighbors might seem to like your cute little off-leash pet but frankly they might just be faking it to be nice, and others certainly will not appreciate it. And of course, pet poop must be dutifully disposed of so it does not become a nuisance for your pet-free neighbors.
   
   
   
   
5. Respect Garbage and Recycling Rules
   Another point of contention in many condo buildings is the proper disposal of garbage. Condo associations usually have very clear rules regarding which items should go in the garbage and which qualify for recycling, as well as the use of garbage chutes, and the disposal of items such as furniture and oversized cardboard boxes. Observing these rules will keep the peace among neighbors while also keeping odors and bugs under control.
   
   
   
   
6. Be Respectful when Parking
   In buildings that have assigned parking, the rules are very straightforward: park in your own space. In buildings with non-assigned parking spaces, sometimes neighbors work out an agreement as to who uses which spaces. As far as guest parking, every building has its set of rules around that, and these should be observed. Taking up more than one space in the parking lot, using someone else’s space, or parking in restricted No Parking areas should be avoided out of common courtesy and respect for your condo community.
   
   
   
   
7. Treat Common Areas with Care
   Shared amenities such as pools, saunas, hot tubs, gym equipment, washing machines, and other resources that the building provides for the community should be respected as common areas. Don’t leave stuff lying around in these areas, don’t leave your laundry in the dryer for hours, wipe your sweat off the treadmill handles, and don’t take up excessive space when using the sauna or whirlpool. Be respectful of noise levels as well as the hours of use that are allowed for each amenity.
   
   
   
   
8. Observe Security Measures
   Safety and building security should be a priority for all residents in a condo community. Make sure that all doors, including parking lot entrances and areas such as the pool and deck, remain properly closed and/or locked at all times. Don’t let strangers enter the building without verifying their reason for being there. Never tamper with security cameras or motion sensors located in any common areas of the property. If you witness any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the police as well as to the condo association.
   
   
   
   

The Benefits of Good Condo Etiquette

One of the highlights of condo living is the chance to live in a great location, typically close to the best urban amenities your city has to offer, while having an opportunity live amongst many interesting and diverse people. It’s when everybody shows genuine respect, courtesy, and consideration -- aka condo living etiquette -- that we end up getting the best out of each other and, in turn, giving each other a much better quality of life.