The Condominium Community - Know Thy Neighbor

By Jim Digre

Many people who purchase and move into a condominium have just left apartment living and may have difficulty understanding that there is a distinct difference between renting an apartment and owning a condo unit. Living in a apartment inherently creates a situation where the landlord or building manager is responsible for your living conditions. If something breaks...call the landlord. If the property is poorly maintained or a neighbor is creating a problem...call the landlord. There really is no reason to get to know those living in such close proximity to you. There are many people who do get to know their apartment neighbors but most renters never get beyond a fleeting "Hi" should they happen to pass in the hall.

Moving into a condo presents the new owner with an entirely different dynamic when it comes to the relationship between themselves and their neighbors. Like apartment living, you are still living in close proximity to others and many of the same problems inherent in apartment living exist in condo living too. However, there is no landlord to call upon when it comes to repairs in your unit or conflicts with your neighbors. Yeah, there may be a management company and there is the condo Board and yes they can help advise you but the responsibility for your living conditions is yours.

Every condo owner shares in the ownership of the property (you now are the landlord) and are therefore dependent on one another for creating a community where everyone enjoys being there and each interact to the benefit of all. This kind of community can only be achieved when you get to know your neighbors and we are not talking about fleeting "hellos" in the hallways.

Getting to know the people in your association is best achieved by attending board meetings, working on committees and participating in any and all events your association puts on. Conflicts are resolved and understandings are more easily reached when you more than just casually know your neighbors. Participate in your community. Get to really know as many people in your association as possible and you will find that condominium living can be a truly wonderful experience.

Dowling Properties strives to be the Premier Management Company in Chicago's near-west suburbs. We have been serving condo communities for over 25 years and can offer quality advice on how you can create a community that works together for the enjoyment of all. Call us at 708-771-0880 or e-mail us at customerservice@dowlingproperties.com . We are happy to serve your communities needs.