Category: Real Estate

One of the major disadvantages to buying or renting a condo is the potential for conflict with the neighbors. While some residents may foster incredible relationships with all of their neighbors and never once have a disagreement with a neighbor this doesn't always happen. Most condo residents experience at least one instance of dissatisfaction with a neighbor. If this happens to you, you might not want to confront the neighbor about the issue. But whether you confront the neighbor or not, 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 can make the situation worse.

Paper-Thin Walls

Although most modern condominium buildings are built with a fair amount of insulation, there is still the real possibility of neighbors in a condo hearing music, television, conversation or other noises emanating from a neighbor’s condo on a regular basis. This is due to the close proximity of the condos to each other as well as the common practice of having at least one shared wall among neighbors in an apartment complex. Condos 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 condo living more bearable and less prone to conflict. For example, while condos residents are free to listen to music in their own condo, 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. Residents in a condo complex should also be conscientious when throwing parties. (Many condos actually have a "party room" as an amenity.) This is important because the condo is responsible for the actions of his guests. Therefore the condo resident should ensure his guests are not causing discomfort for residents of the condominium complex.

When Your Schedule is Unusual

Finally condo owners and renters who have an unusual schedule may have a great deal of difficulty functioning in a condo complex. This includes, but is not limited to, residents who work a night shift and sleep during the day. The unusual schedule kept by these residents makes them more prone to being disturbed by other residents who assume everyone residing in the complex sleeps at roughly the same time.

Unfortunately residents 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 a neighboring condo. 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 condo resident 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. Additionally, the condo resident with the unusual schedule should make an effort to be quite during hours in which they are awake but the majority of neighbors are likely sleeping.

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