- Healthy Relations -

The HEALTHY RELATIONS page provides ideas and opportunities for promoting healthier community relations. Get tips on good neighbor practices, safer party planning, or maybe even find a cause you feel passionate about. Acting smart means caring for yourself and your community in enjoyable and socially conscious ways.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY:

Cal State University San Marcos Sexual Harassment Policy
Cal State University San Marcos Student Code of Conduct

Being a Good Neighbor

Following the guidelines below you can help to create an environment everyone finds peaceful and enjoyable:

Get to know your neighbors
They don't have to become your best friends, but there are many reasons why knowing your nearest neighbors is a good idea. So, as you see them in the halls, laundry room, lobby, in front of the building/houses, or by the mailboxes smile and say hello; if they appear to be receptive, introduce yourself.

Understand and follow the local community and landlord rules
Many communities have rules for things like where you can park, where your pet can be, when certain facilities are open, quiet hours, trash pickup, and more. These should all be spelled out either in your lease or in a supplemental set of rules and regulations. Know them and follow them. Your neighbors and landlord will thank you.

Observe reasonable hours for noisy activities
Vacuuming, hanging pictures, moving heavy furniture, all these activities produce noise which can travel beyond the walls of your apartment/house into shared walls. Make every effort to restrict these activities to daytime hours. A good rule of thumb is to restrict these extra noisy activities to the hours telemarketers can legally call you: 9am - 9pm. Check your lease/ rental regulations and local regulations, and follow any specified quiet hours.

A word about children
For those of you without children, understand that your neighbors' children have a right to be there, and that they are, after all, children. Mind what you say and how you behave. You could be setting a positive or negative image for children to follow. Treating neighborhood children with respect can go a long way to maintaining & improving your rapport with your neighbors.

Tidiness through trash management
Keeping your yard, entrances, balconies, walkways neat and tidy; and putting covered plastic garbage cans and recycling bins curbside no earlier than morning of pick up keeps everyone's home looking appealing.

If you have pets, understand that not all your neighbors are animal lovers
If your lease allows pets, be aware of the rules concerning where they can be when they are outside your apartment or house. Keep your pet on a leash unless it is in your backyard or inside your home. Don't let your dog roam free in the neighborhood or shared yard and don't let your parrot practice his opera while you're at work. When walking them don't let them run on the lawns of others. Walk them by the side of the road and at all times be prepared to clean up after your pet. Be aware of any noise your pet(s) may make while you are at work or school. Ask a neighbor who's home during the day about it. And if your landlord doesn't allow pets, don't try to get away with it.

When it comes time to throw that party, remember your neighbors
Let them know ahead of time when the party will be happening; though you needn't invite them. If it is going to be an open party, it would be a nice gesture. Make sure your guests understand the rules of respect for your neighborhood - including where it is okay to park -- and that they remain inside your apartment/ home (or within your own personal area outside) during the party. And remember: even when you're having a party, local regulations for quiet hours apply.

Be considerate, be ready to compromise a little, and keep the lines of communication open and you will be able to live quite happily with your neighbors.