How to be a good neighbor

When you make the decision to move and live off-campus, you automatically acquire the responsibility of being a considerate neighbor. Whether you live near campus or farther away, you are living around permanent residents who want to keep the neighborhood as clean and safe as possible. As a responsible tenant, you can make a difference in the quality of your surroundings. If everyone lends a hand with the upkeep of the neighborhood, your living environment can be significantly improved. Treat your neighbors as you would want them to treat you. Here are some tips on being a responsible neighbor:

• If you have a party, clean up when it is over. Do not leave garbage lying around. Try to keep your party under control.



• Keep within reasonable noise levels. Do not turn your stereo up late at night, even on weekends.



• Be considerate with your parking habits. Do not take up two spaces with one car.



• Know who your neighbors are, so you will have a general idea of who "belongs" in the complex and who might be suspicious. If you feel comfortable doing so, get to know them better.



• Take care of your yard if you have one. No one likes a property with grass and weeds growing all around.



• Report any suspicious behavior to the police. Watch and listen for unusual things such as loud noises or strange people loitering around.