Dealing With Neighbors In An Apartment

Dealing With Neighbors In An Apartment
06-23-08

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 any problems, this is not the typical 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.

Here are some of the usual problem areas:

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.

Parties
Parties can be another source of potential conflict. This is true not only because of the likely noise factor, but the possibility of rowdy guests.

Unusual Schedules
Renters who have an unusual schedule may have a great deal of difficulty functioning in an apartment complex. An example of this would be someone who works a night shift and sleeps during the day. The "abnormal" schedule kept by these renters makes them more prone to being disturbed by other renters who assume everyone 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 quiet during daytime hours. Many residents do chores such as vacuuming during the daytime which can resonate in the apartment of another renter. Asking the neighbors to do these types of chores in the evening is not really feasible either, because then they would likely be disturbing a number of other neighbors. In this case, the best solution may actually be for the renter with the unusual schedule to either use earplugs or a white-noise machine during their sleeping hours.

In general, apartment living requires that all tenants practice courtesy and consideration for their neighbors in order to maintain a pleasant environment for everyone. Honest efforts should be made to keep the noise volume down during hours when people are normally asleep. Even noise on the weekends shouldn't go much later than midnight. (That doesn't mean a party has to necessarily be shut down, just toned down.) Tenants should also make sure that any guests they have behave themselves responsibly and respect the rights and property of the neighbors.

What happens if an irritating situation persists? The first option would be to try mentioning it to the neighbor in a nice way. It's possible they may not even be aware of the conflict and are willing to make the necessary adjustment to eliminate the problem. If they are not willing to make a change, however, the offended tenant will probably need to inform the property manager and let them address the situation with the neighbor. The property manager is in a much better position than another tenant to put pressure on the offending neighbor and insist that they make changes.

Mark E. Moebius
Miljonair Homes
Custom home builder St. Louis
3451 St. Albans Rd.
St. Albans, MO 63073
636.300.9000