In an apartment rental, your neighbors can make it feel like home or unpleasant. And this applies both ways, as you affect how your neighbors view their space. You should always try to get off on the right foot to make the experience positive for all parties. Below are a few ways to ensure you are a friendly, respectful neighbor.

How to Be a Considerate Neighbor

1. Introduce Yourself

Beyond unpacking, introducing yourself to your new neighbors is a significant step upon moving in. Learning each other’s names establishes communication and demonstrates that you’re a friendly person. Interacting with your neighbors is essential for situations like discussing times you’ll be away, common building issues, and resolving any grievances. You should also exchange phone numbers in case of an emergency.

2. Keep Noise Low

One common courtesy all apartment-dwellers should follow is a reasonable noise restriction. Be considerate, and keep your at-home activities quiet, particularly in the evening and early morning. If you plan on hosting a large gathering that may get noisy, let your neighbors know, so you don’t surprise them.

3. Pick Up Laundry

If your apartment rental has communal washers and dryers, stay on top of your laundry as you do it throughout the day. Other people are waiting to use the machines after you, so you should respect their time. Additionally, leaving wet loads of laundry for too long can create an unpleasant odor, potentially leading to mold growth in the washer.

4. Throw Away Trash

Part of being respectful to your neighbors involves picking up after yourself. When disposing of your garbage, tie the bag tightly to prevent spills. Always place your items in the dumpster, rather than next to it. If your building has recycling services, avoid putting garbage in the containers. Lastly, if you host a gathering outside of the building, ensure you clean up thoroughly, so your neighbors can also enjoy the space.

5. Train Pets

If your dog tends to bark late at night or howl while you’re gone, training them to stop is essential to being a kind neighbor. Pets should also behave like respectful tenants, which means they shouldn’t be too noisy and only go to the bathroom in the appropriate areas. When taking them outside, clean up after they use the restroom to keep the common areas clean.

If you’re looking for a new place to call home, contact Tudor Oaks Properties in Ashland, KY, to inquire about an apartment rental. They offer affordable, well-maintained townhomes, single-family houses, and apartment rentals throughout Boyd County and Bellefonte. Call (606) 325-1240 to speak to one of their representatives about scheduling a tour, or visit their website for more information on their properties.