|
|
Click Here to Bookmark this Site
Dealing with Neighbors in an Apartment
|
One of the major disadvantages to renting an apartment is the potential for conflict with the neighbors.
While some renters may foster incredible relationships with all of their neighbors and never once have
a disagreement with a neighbor this is not a likely scenario. Most renters experience at least one
instance of dissatisfaction with their neighbors. They may or may not confront the neighbor about
this issue but it is likely to cause at least some tension in the living situation. In some cases
avoiding the issue can cause the problem to worsen. In other situations, discussing the issue
with the apartment owner can make the situation worse.
Paper Thin Walls
Although most modern apartment buildings are built with a fair amount of insulation, there is
still the real possibility of neighbors in an apartment building hearing music, television,
conversation or other noises emanating from a neighbor’s apartment on a regular basis. This
is due to the close proximity of the apartments to each other as well as the common practice
of having at least one shared wall among neighbors in an apartment complex. Renters should
be aware of this and make an effort to avoid noises which will likely be heard through the
walls during nights or early in the morning when others are likely to be sleeping.
Being Considerate of Others
Consideration for others is one of the key elements which can make apartment living
more bearable and less prone to conflict. For example, while renters are free to
listen to music in their own apartment, they should limit listening to music at a
loud decibel to daylight hours when it is not likely that other residents are
trying to sleep. Of course, this may not work at all as some neighbors are
sure to be working off shifts and need to sleep during the day.
Residents in an apartment complex should also be conscientious when throwing
parties. This is important because the renter is responsible for the actions
of guests. Therefore the renter should ensure that guests are not causing
discomfort for the other residents of the apartment complex.
When Your Schedule is Unusual
Finally renters who have an unusual schedule may have a great deal of
difficulty functioning in an apartment complex. This includes, but is
not limited to, renters who work a night shift and sleep during the day.
The unusual schedule kept by these renters makes them more prone to being
disturbed by other renters who assume everyone residing in the complex
sleeps at roughly the same time.
Unfortunately renters in this situation may have to make an effort to
make their living situation bearable. While discussing the situation with
the neighbors is certainly worthwhile, it is unrealistic to expect the
neighbors to remain exceedingly quite during the daytime hours. Many residents
do chores such as vacuuming during this time which can resonate in the apartment
of another renter. However, asking the neighbor to do these types of activities
in the evening is not feasible because the neighbor would likely be disturbing
a number of other neighbors by doing so.
This is why the renter with the unusual schedule is often required to make
changes to make the living situation workable. This may include purchasing
and using earplugs while sleeping or investing in a white noise machine
which can help to drown out ambient noise and make the environment more
conducive to sleeping. Tapes and CDs are available with pleasant sounds
that are made specifically for these types of situations. Additionally,
the renter with the unusual schedule should make an effort to be quiet
during hours in which they are awake but the majority of neighbors are
likely sleeping.
In a perfect world, everyone would follow the above advice, but unfortunately
we do not live in a perfect world. We constantly need to make adjustments to
one situation or another and living in a rental complex is one of those
situations that will likely require some adjustments.
|
|
|
|