Build a strong and supportive community where everyone feels included by being a great neighbor. A little thoughtfulness, a dash of kindness and some mutual respect go a long way. Here are some actionable tips on how to be a good neighbor in an apartment complex.

Follow the Rules 

Rules are like guardrails that keep everyone safe and feeling respected. Hosting an exciting game night? Practice good neighbor etiquette and tone it down during quiet hours. Run into a friend in the hall? Don’t linger outside someone’s door talking. Even if you feel a rule is unnecessary, respect your apartment’s boundaries. You’ll contribute to a positive living experience for everyone—less conflict, more community.

Handle Conflict with Grace

Speaking of conflict—neighbor running their blender early in the morning? Forgetting they left personal items in the lounge? Playing a loud game of catch-me-if-you-can with their kids? Practice good neighbor etiquette by speaking up for yourself in a gracious manner.

Keep this in mind:

  • Clear is kind – direct communication is the best communication.
  • Stay curious – avoid assumptions and remember there may be a reasonable explanation.
  • Be open to compromise – perhaps there’s a way to meet in the middle.
  • Monitor your tone of voice – think calm and happy vs. irritated and accusatory.

Of course, you need not turn a blind eye. If your neighbor continues problematic behavior after one or two conversations, contact those in authority. Use the contact info listed on the website of your apartment complex or provided to you for any issues. Your landlord or apartment staff are equipped to handle controversial situations.

Be Mindful of Smells

Smells waft through vents and under doors. Cooking homemade meals? Limit how much you use strong-smelling ingredients like garlic or cumin. Diffusing an essential oil like cinnamon or peppermint? Position your diffuser away from vents and exterior doors. While you may love the fragrance, your neighbors may not. They’ll appreciate not being subjected to scents they didn’t ask for.

Notice Your Volume

You’ve probably heard your neighbors before—loud talking, vacuuming, dropping items, etc. A certain amount of noise comes with the territory of sharing walls. However, an unofficial rule on how to be a good neighbor in an apartment complex is to be conscious of your excess noise (without feeling like you have to tiptoe!).

Sounds leak through floors and walls. An additional barrier can help absorb noise. Lay a thick, soft rug on your bedroom and living area floors and a cushy mat in your kitchen.

When you want to dive into your favorite podcast or jam out to some music, wear headphones. Or if you don’t like headphones, carry your phone from room to room as you walk around. This lets you keep the volume at an acceptable level so you don’t have to crank it up to hear it.

The Good Neighbor Blueprint

With these ideas on how to be a good neighbor in an apartment complex, you can contribute to a place where everyone feels respected and supported. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “Won’t you be my neighbor?”