Today we would like to offer 10 simple tips for getting on well with others in a residents’ association, as we firmly believe that good neighbourly relations improve any community.
Living together is one of the most difficult aspects to manage in a residents’ association. Although each association sets its own rules through articles of association or agreements, we’d like to suggest 10 simple ideas to improve community life.
These recommendations are based on our experience and common sense. To help ensure the smooth running of the community – of which you are now a part, either as a homeowner or a guest – here are 10 tips for living together more harmoniously within the community.
Tips for living together
1. Introduce yourself to your new neighbours. Even if you think it’s just a formality, getting to know the members of your new community can be very beneficial. This creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and security, encourages conversation and fosters a sense of community.
2. Look after the communal areas. It’s true that you don’t have to clean the swimming pool, the corridors or the lift, but neither should you contribute to them becoming more run-down. In fact, you should look after these areas as if they were your own, as you share ownership of them and will be spending time there too.
3. Return anything you’ve borrowed. If your neighbour has been kind enough to lend you a tool you needed or some salt, thank them for their kindness, as this undoubtedly fosters a sense of community and helps neighbours get on better with one another.
4. Keep unnecessary noise to a minimum, particularly during quiet hours. With a bit of discretion and common sense, anything is possible. You’re entitled to organise barbecues or parties, but please be mindful of your neighbours’ rest and health. Remember that there are also rules of co-existence that you have all agreed upon. Don’t cause any ill feeling.
5. Talk things through. In any community, it is only natural for conflicts and disagreements to arise. Our first piece of advice is that you should always engage in dialogue and seek well-considered solutions to problems. Before resorting to the easy option of complaints, grievances or arguments between neighbours, let us bear in mind that these disagreements can be dealt with without escalating into a conflict. You can always refer to the rules and agreements made at residents’ meetings.
6. Be constructive. At owners’ meetings, one of the basic rules is to adopt a constructive approach. We should aim to respect the community’s internal rules and bear in mind that the views of each and every owner are just as valid and worthy of respect as our own.
7. Respect the work of professionals. A owners’ association usually delegates many tasks to property managers or service providers. We should value them for the results they achieve, for their professionalism and also for the empathy they show towards the day-to-day problems faced by the association.
8. Maintain a sense of community. If you have been elected chairperson, do not think that you are above everyone else. You are simply a representative who must ensure that the community runs smoothly and that everyone gets on well together. But also, as a homeowner, you can play an effective role by setting a good example to help the community improve day by day.
9. Contribute to the communal expenses. Being part of a community also means contributing to both routine and one-off communal expenses, as these are essential for maintaining or improving the quality of life within the community. Contributing is the greatest sign of respect for your neighbours.
10. Nurture personal relationships. You shouldn’t think that everything ends within the four walls of your home. Get out and socialise, and foster personal relationships in your community, always showing friendliness, empathy and mutual respect.
Please do not hesitate to contact Meridional any matter relating to co-ownership or the drafting of internal management regulations. We have a legal team specialising in this type of agreement.
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