Anyone who moves into a fitter’s accommodation in a normal residential area is not in a hotel – they live in the middle of people who live there permanently. That sounds banal, but has practical consequences. Neighbors who get up early in the morning and want to rest in the evening are sensitive to noise, messy common areas or vehicles that are parked ruthlessly. Respectful behavior in the residential area is therefore not a question of politeness alone – it is a basic requirement for the tenancy to work smoothly and that the landlord can operate his accommodation in the neighborhood in the long term.
Why behavior in the area counts
Fitters often travel in changing regions and move into fitter apartments that are located in normal apartment buildings or residential streets. Unlike in an industrial area or a pure commuter hotel, there is a grown neighborhood – with all its unwritten rules and expectations.
Problems usually do not arise out of evil will, but out of ignorance or carelessness. Anyone who is used to speaking loudly on the construction site sometimes forgets that the same standards apply in the stairwell at 10 p.m. in the evening. Anyone who arrives with a large van may overlook the fact that they are blocking the entrance of a neighbor with the vehicle. Such small things add up – and can permanently burden the climate in the house.
Noise and rest periods in the residential area
The topic of noise is clearly regulated in German residential areas. The general night’s sleep is valid in most municipalities from 10:00 p.m. to 06:00 a.m. During this time, outdoor conversations, loud music and unnecessary noise in the stairwell or in the parking lot should be avoided. Many house rules also provide for a lunch break between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
For fitters who get up early and leave the house early, the following applies: Close doors quietly, dampen tunes, do not carry heavy tools through the stairwell. That sounds like a matter of course – but it’s not always in everyday life. Especially when several people break out at the same time, more noise is quickly generated than intended.
Vehicles and parking lots in the residential area
Vehicles are a particularly common point of conflict in residential areas. Craftsmen’s accommodation and fitter accommodations are often inhabited by people arriving with transporters, sprinter vehicles or company cars. These vehicles need space – and it is often scarce in densely populated residential areas.
The following points should be considered when parking vehicles:
- Never block entrances and garage entrances by neighbors – not even for a short time
- Only park vehicles on designated parking spaces or public parking spaces
- When booking, clarify whether there are parking spaces for transporters
- Do not park vehicles on sidewalks or curves, even if it seems tempting
Anyone who clarifies which parking spaces are available when moving in will avoid trouble from the start. Some landlords provide their own parking spaces – this should be specifically requested when booking, especially if several people come with their own vehicles.
dealing with neighbors
A friendly nod in the stairwell costs nothing – but creates a good basis for living together. Fitters who are only a few weeks in one place sometimes underestimate how much the social climate in a house depends on small gestures. Whoever says hello, who briefly explains that he lives in the house for a few weeks, and who reacts calmly and solution-oriented, rarely has major conflicts with the neighborhood.
The situation is different when neighbors have the feeling that their needs are being ignored. Permanent noise, dirty common areas or ruthless parking quickly lead to complaints – with the landlord, with the property management or, in the worst case, with the police. Such escalations burden everyone involved and, in extreme cases, can even lead to termination of the tenancy without notice.
Keep common areas clean
Staircases, entrance areas, bicycle storage rooms and laundry rooms are common property – they belong to all residents in the house alike. Anyone who gets dirty these areas, puts out garbage or stores personal items permanently causes resentment – not only with the landlord, but also with the long-term tenants in the house.
Especially in the case of fitter accommodation for working columns, in which several people move in at the same time, behavior in common areas is more noticeable than with an individual. Tools, protective clothing or building materials have no place in the stairwell – not even temporarily. A short conversation when moving in about what can be stored where helps to avoid misunderstandings from the outset.
Behavior in the event of complaints
If a neighbor knocks and complains, the right reaction is neither ignore nor escalate. A calm, factual conversation resolves most conflicts faster than any other strategy. Anyone who gets a justified notice – for example that it was too loud – should take this seriously and adapt their behavior.
If complaints appear unjustified or occur repeatedly, it makes sense to inform the landlord. He knows the house, the neighborhood and the history of the object best and can often intervene in a mediation.
Respect as a basis for a good tenancy
Anyone who rents a fitter’s apartment in a residential area is temporarily part of a community. This brings rights – but also duties. Anyone who behaves respectfully, observes rest periods, keeps common areas clean and park considerately will have no problems in most cases.
For companies that regularly book accommodation for employees on assembly, it is worth passing on these rules of conduct to the employees in advance. After all, a good relationship with the neighborhood is also in the interest of the company – after all, the accommodation should be available again at the next assignment.