Living in a condominium is quite different from living in a single house. You’ll get to meet and live with different types of people on the same floor, and the same building. As a condo dweller, you have to carry out your own duties and responsibilities which will make your daily condo living a hassle-free experience. Here are some proper etiquette for responsible condo dwellers.
1. Watch Over Your Pets
If you are an animal lover and you plan to keep a pet in a condo, you have to observe some rules to make sure that your pet will not disturb other condo residents. Regulate the noise of your pet and be sure to put it on a leash when you want to bring them outside your unit. Keep your pet clean at all times to minimize its odor. Always bring a handy plastic bag in case your pet poops in the common areas of the condo.
2. Follow Garbage Disposal Rules
Take note of the regular schedule for garbage collection. Segregation of trash is the first and most important step in waste management and the preservation of the environment. It allows for better disposal of waste and encourages more recycling and reuse of matter. Dispose of your trash properly by using the right trash bins.
3. Observe Good Laundry Etiquette
If you want to use the washing machine and it is in the middle of its washing cycle, do not interrupt its operation. You don’t want to get into trouble with somebody who is currently using it. Be responsible for cleaning out any floor spills after doing laundry to avoid accidents. Clothes should be hung only in designated areas and not on the condo’s terraces.
4. Pay Association Dues On Time
A good condo dweller knows how to pay his association dues on time. These monthly payments are used for the maintenance of condo amenities and facilities, conducting pest control services in common areas, permit and license fees being paid to the government, etc. Take note of the important payment dates so you will not miss a payment and you’ll avoid landing on the delinquent list of residents in your condo.
5. Minimize Noise
Loud music is one of the most common complaints of residents in condos. Be considerate and limit your noise level to a minimum, since there are other residents near you who are sleeping or doing some school work.
6. Be Friendly With Your Neighbors
Part of a good condo etiquette is being friendly towards your condo neighbors. Condos have a great potential of fostering close relationships among people since people generally live at a close proximity with each other. A simple smile or “hello” can make you feel at ease with them. And if you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you can ask help from them if you have concerns about the condo.
7. Be Responsible When It Comes To Redecorating
If you are renting the unit and you have plans to do redecorate, add furniture, or paint, ask permission from your landlord first. Make sure that your redecoration plans follow the house rules of the condo. Redecorating your condo can also entail the use of nails, so be sure to use them properly since there are other tenants living next to you.
8. Be Aware Of Condo Parking Rules
Be sure to respect parking spaces, especially those that are assigned to specific condo unit owners. Do not double park, and always stay in your own parking space. Follow the condo rules on common parking spaces, especially waiting times for vehicles. This will help you avoid unnecessary conflicts with other condo residents who have cars.
9. Smoke Responsibly
Condos allow smoking but only in designated areas since it is a health risk to other people. Smokers have to properly dispose their cigarette butts and avoid throwing them outside the window since it is considered littering and people don’t want those falling from the units above them.
10. Attend Regular Meetings Of The Condo Association
As a condo unit owner, you are part of a larger condo community. Whenever you have the time, attend the regular meetings of your condo association so you’ll be in the loop of the latest updates from your condo developer. This also helps you not to miss out on the important things that you might need to address with regards to your condo unit.
11. Use Common Areas Wisely
Condo living comes with the exclusive use of amenities such as swimming pools and gyms. These areas are for the use of every condo resident so be sure to use them responsibly. For example, if you want to cook barbecue near the pool, keep the grill area clean at all times so that the other residents can use them after you. The key here is to always keep in mind that there are other people who will use these amenities after you.
A responsible condo resident is someone who follows the condo house rules and mindful of the welfare of his neighbors and other condo residents. Be sure to follow these tips and you’re sure to have a harmonious relationship with your neighbors.
