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How to Have Good Relationships with Your Neighbors

One of the pleasant things about having an apartment is having neighbors. Neighbors are people who you share your community with. You may develop personal friendships with some of your neighbors. Sometimes you will just appreciate exchanging hellos to one another. At times, you may call on your neighbors for help with small favors.

There may also be times when you have conflict with your neighbors. There may be neighbors you just don’t get along with at all or care to say hello to. However, neighbors are very dependable. They are always close by and they usually appreciate you.

Set A Good Example

First of all, you need to be considerate of your neighbors. They have a right to maintain their living space as you do. Your neighbors have their own lifestyle and their own responsibilities. When you first move into an apartment show respect to your neighbors. If you see them outside, say hello. Introduce yourself to them and tell them you just moved in. Be pleasant.

You want to avoid early conflict with your neighbors. Early conflict with neighbors can cause you to have a bad reputation. This tension can escalate and cause bad feelings throughout your neighborhood. Don’t blast your radio loud. Don’t speed in your car down the streets of the neighborhood. Don’t swear around your neighbors. Avoid loud arguments with your housemates that will get your neighbors’ attention. Be respectful of the elderly that live in your area. Be watchful to see if your neighbors have children. When you see children, remember to be a good example for them. Be considerate.

You want to maintain respect for your neighbors as you continue to live in your neighborhood. Get along well with your neighbors. This will make it easier for your relationship with them if you are ever involved in a dispute.

If You Cause A Disturbance

If at any point your neighbors or your landlord feels that you are causing a disturbance, behave responsibly. It is not fun to suddenly be blamed for something, and it is easy to get defensive if this occurs. However, you need to accept that something you were doing has dissatisfied either your neighbors or your landlord or both of them.

Listen to their story fully. Try to imagine yourself in their situation and have compassion that they were disturbed. Apologize for the problem you caused. Considerately explain to them if you have a different perspective on what caused the disturbance. Describe to them what you will do or not do in the future to avoid causing this disturbance. Follow through with your word. Be more considerate and respectful to your neighbors in the future. Think ahead. Ask yourself, “Will what I am about to do cause my neighbors a problem?” If you think it will, find an alternative way to do what you need to.

If Your Neighbors Cause A Disturbance

If you feel your neighbors are causing a disturbance or being too loud, be compassionate. For example, suppose it’s two o’clock in the morning and you are awakened by loud noise from neighbors who are having a party. This is frustrating. You need to recognize that this is the first time this has happened. You have the option to call the police and report that your neighbors are disturbing the peace. However, your best option is to try to get back asleep and call your landlord in the day to report to him or her how your neighbors caused you a disturbance.

You want to avoid the temptation to go to your neighbor’s home and confront them about the loud noise. That might set the tone for a really bad argument. This will just cause you a lot more frustration and a lot more lost sleep. Recognize that your neighbors are human beings that make mistakes and occasionally use bad judgement. Realize that there is time to resolve your discomfort with your neighbors. With cool heads, proper communication, patience, consideration, and even a little compassion you can solve this dispute with your neighbor.

Most often, neighbors are pleasant to be around. Neighbors are resourceful people. You might need their help from time to time. Neighbors can be a disturbance at times. Neighbors can even seem like a set of parents you don’t want around. Neighbors are important. With some respect, consideration and patience you can get along with your neighbors.

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