Do you ever wonder what are some of the top complaints a property manager hears from association members? After reading this article, I hope you realize that these issues are often easily corrected by being a kind and considerate neighbor.
Here are five of the most received complaints.
1. Trash and Recycling issues
Problem: You would be surprised that something so simple can cause so many issues. You would be amazed at how many people do not throw items away properly. Sometimes it is throwing things directly down a trash chute without bagging them or stuffing an oversized item in the chute only to clog the entire system for everyone above you. It goes further than that too. People do not bag their trash in their containers and then overstuff them, so when the wind comes along, the container opens, and garbage is thrown all over the property. Lastly, the most significant issue is people being abusive with the space they take up in the recycling bins. They leave their boxes intact and then take over the whole bin. These overages often result in additional service fees from the waste hauler which end up costing all members of the Association money.
Solution:
Always break down boxes to as small as possible to avoid taking up extra space in the dumpsters. Bag your trash and ensure the bags are closed, so debris doesn’t get thrown all around. Think about how your actions affect the others around you.
2. Noise Complaints
Problem: A frequent complaint is noise; whether it is music, tv, or a party, you should not be able to hear noise outside your unit.
Solution: Be respectful of your neighbors and test your sound levels by closing the door and going out of your unit to see if you can hear the noise. Be cognizant of the time of day when you are making noise or building something. While you might be awake at 11 pm, your neighbors might not appreciate you starting to hammer nails into your walls to hang pictures. Be careful when installing a surround sound system that the subwoofer is insulated correctly, so the booming sound of the bass is not disruptive to your neighbors next to you or below you. When you are entertaining, make sure to keep the sound levels reasonable. Check your governing documents for quiet hours.
2. Package Delivery
Problem: People treat the mail area and other shared community spaces as their own and leave packages out for extended periods. They clutter the common areas with multiple packages with no regard for how it looks and effects others around them. The more time that packages are left out, the more they become a target for thieves.
Solution: Don’t treat the common elements of the building as your private storage space. Take your packages into your unit in a timely manner. If you are not going to be around, ask a neighbor to take them into their unit, so the common areas do not become a target for theft, and it also looks nicer.
4. Pets
Problem: If your property allows pets, please be a good pet owner and pick up after your pet. Astonishingly, people will let their pets do their business and leave it out in the open where others can step on it. It is not only rude but unsanitary. Some owners allow their pets to run around the property’s common areas unleashed. The other complaint received often is about barking. Often, dog owners are unaware of the frequency and volume of their dogs’ barking while they are away from home.
Solution: Be a good pet parent and treat your neighbors with the common courtesy of cleaning up after your pet and keeping them leashed and quiet when you are not at home. Being a good pet owner also means keeping your pet on its leash until in your unit. Just because the elevator opens does not give you, as a pet owner, the right to just let your dog loose to run to your door. Ask your neighbors if your dog barks when you are not at home if unsure.
5. Items left outside your door
Problem: The area outside your front door, in most cases, is not your property; it is a common element of the Association. As an owner, you have the duty to keep that area clear and clean of any objects. In most cases having anything outside your door is considered a fire hazard. Don’t be that owner who is leaving items outside your door, causing a tripping hazard or, worse, a safety hazard.
Solution: Keep the common elements clean. Don’t take over space that isn’t yours. Bring your shoes inside your unit, and don’t leave them in the hallway.
In Conclusion
The bottom line to take away from this article is to be kind and be aware of your surroundings. You live in a community with rules and regulations to follow. Following the guidelines set by your individual community is the best way to enjoy your living environment and keep property values high. If you have questions about specific policies for your community, please reach out to your property manager.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up