10 Ways to Be the Neighbor Everyone Likes in a CNMI Condo Community
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has one of the smallest land areas among the polities in the Pacific. With limited land available, condominiums are increasingly becoming more popular as a housing option for residents. High-rise structures make effective use of vertical space and thus provide housing for a greater portion of the population.
The condo living experience is very different from living in a single-family home. Living in a condo community means interacting with other residents and sharing common spaces. Being neighborly is an advantage in this environment, which means you always have to be conscious about how your behavior affects those with whom you are sharing the communal residential space. To that end, we have listed below some of the most important condo etiquette rules you need to know in order to keep yourself in the good graces of your neighbors.
Be Neighborly
By and large, people in the Northern Mariana Islands are warm and friendly. Living in condominiums in CNMI, it would be advisable to aim to be friendly and congenial with your neighbors at all times. For instance, it wouldn’t do any harm to say hi to your neighbors in the hallways or to acknowledge them in the common areas you share. A condo community is quite small, after all, and it may often feel like everyone knows one another. It’s helpful to build relationships with others to assimilate and build connections.
Keep the Noise Levels Down
Living in a condominium means your neighbors may hear sounds coming from your unit and vice versa. Noise complaints have been known to be a chief issue among condo residents, so be considerate and keep your noise levels low, especially during hours when most people are typically resting or sleeping. Don’t stomp your feet, hammer the walls or listen to TV and music at really loud levels late at night. If you’re going to be doing any construction or noisy activities, it’s best to give your neighbors a heads up. To minimize the chance of disturbing your neighbor, you can also look at doing these activities during hours when they are not present in their homes.
Be Responsible in Common Areas
Condo living means sharing amenities like the gym, the pool, the function rooms, and the laundry room with fellow residents. When using these areas, be mindful not to hog the facilities or to leave things messy such that the next user would have to clean up after you. For example, wipe down and sanitize the gym equipment you use after your workout. Also observe proper hygiene and condo rules when using the pool. If you have a child, make sure that they do all their bathroom business in the designated area and not in the pool. Finally, clean up after yourself in the laundry room and don’t leave your dirty or wet clothes lying around.
Respect Parking Spaces
Cars are the chief mode of transportation in CNMI, so most condo residents will have at least one vehicle for every working individual. If your building has assigned parking spaces, abide by the rules and only park in your assigned slot. Avoid taking someone else’s parking space, parking in no parking zones, and parking in such a way that it makes it hard for other drivers to park in the slots around you. Also observe your condo’s rules regarding guest parking.
Observe Cleanliness
Condo trash management is another sticky point that can lead to disagreements among members of the community. Most condos have clear rules for garbage disposal. This includes what items can be recycled, where and how items should be disposed, and what the schedule is for trash collection. To make sure that your garbage doesn’t fester, dispose of it in a timely manner. Maintain good sanitation, and you’ll be able to keep vermin and disease-causing pathogens away from your home and condo community.
Manage Your Pets
First off, check if your condo rules allow for residents to have pets. If you are allowed to keep a companion animal, then make a consistent effort to look after your pet. It’s the golden rule of being a responsible pet owner and condo resident. For instance, train your pet so that you can keep the noise they make to a minimum. The last thing you want is a neighbor complaining about your beloved animal. . When walking your pet, make sure to keep them on a leash so that they don’t disturb other residents or other pet owners who may be passing through the hallways. Also be sure to clean up after them and avoid having them poop or pee in common areas.
Take Security Seriously
Security in a condo community is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t let strangers enter the building without first verifying who they are and their reason for being there. Do not, under any circumstance, tamper with your condo’s security equipment, and be sure to report any suspicious activity to relevant authorities.
Abide by Smoking Rules
Avoid smoking in common areas or where smoking is strictly not allowed. When smoking in your own unit, try to do so in a well-ventilated area and avoid triggering the smoke detector.
Pay Association Dues on Time
Be a responsible condo owner and pay your association dues or condo fees on time. These fees contribute to the upkeep of the building and common areas. This can include garbage collection, pest control, security, maintenance, and paying for the salaries of the condo staff.
Respect the Condo Staff
Many condos have a dedicated team that looks after and maintains your condo’s needs. These can include members of the security team, building maintenance, and administration staff. Treat them with courtesy and respect. After all, they are doing their best to keep your condo running and to make sure you can live as comfortably as possible.
Living in a condo community in the CNMI can be a wonderful experience. To make the most of it, however, make sure to involve yourself in the community by getting to know your neighbors,volunteering to do worthwhile activities, and simply being the best neighbor you can possibly be. Being a friendly, courteous, and responsible resident can go a long way in making your experience of living in CNMI truly exceptional.
