Rules of conduct

Last updated: 2/12-2022

You and your neighbours together create a sense of community and well-being in the area where you live. In blocks of flats there are usually rules that residents have to follow in order for everyone to get along.

Different landlords and tenant-owner associations can have different rules. Here are some examples of commonly occurring rules.

In a block of flats you live close to your neighbours. That means you have to show consideration and tolerance for other people's way of life. This form of housing requires of everyone who lives in the building that they don't disturb their neighbours and that they follow the rules that apply.

In the evening and at night you have to adapt your noise level and show extra consideration for your neighbours. For example, you can think about not having the volume turned up too high on your TV or stereo, not use a drill or hammer on your walls, and avoid using household appliances late in the evening or during the night.

For fire safety reasons and to facilitate cleaning you must not leave objects in stairwells, hallways or basements.

Grilling food on your balcony is usually not permitted. You may be allowed to grill food in the courtyard, but bear in mind that the smoke from the grill may bother your neighbours.

Smoking is not permitted in any shared spaces such as stairwells, hallways, basements and laundry rooms. Smoking on your balcony may be permitted. Remember to show consideration for your neighbours by not throwing cigarette butts from the balcony.

The laundry room is a shared space that all the residents have equal access to. It is important, therefore, that you clean the laundry room after using it. In most blocks of flats you have to pre-book your time slot in the laundry room on a list or via a reservation system.

You are responsible for ensuring that your pets don't disturb your neighbours or soil playgrounds, flowerbeds, lawns and other areas around the building.

If you want to mount an antenna or a satellite dish you may need to get approval from your landlord or tenant-owners' association first.

These rules can vary between different types of housing. Check out what rules apply where you live.