Living in an apartment community comes with some great perks, from fitness centers and pools to lounges, grilling areas, and coworking spaces. These amenities make apartment life more convenient, social, and enjoyable. But with shared spaces comes shared responsibility. Knowing how to navigate apartment amenity rules and practice good common area etiquette helps ensure everyone gets to enjoy these features without any awkward moments or frustrations.
At Lamar Union in Austin, TX, we love seeing residents take advantage of our beautiful amenity spaces. Whether you're working out in the gym, enjoying a weekend by the pool, or hosting friends in the clubhouse, following a few simple do's and don'ts can go a long way toward keeping things clean, respectful, and welcoming for all.
Respect the space like it’s your own
One of the golden rules of using shared spaces is simple: treat the space the way you would want someone else to treat your own home. While that might sound obvious, it’s surprisingly easy to forget in the moment, especially when you're hosting guests or relaxing in a communal area.
Do clean up after yourself every time. This includes picking up trash, putting furniture back in place, wiping down any surfaces or equipment you used, and being mindful of shared items like utensils, remote controls, or towels in the pool area. Leaving a space better than you found it isn't just a courtesy, it helps build a stronger, more respectful community.
Don’t rely on maintenance or cleaning staff to clean up personal messes. While common areas are regularly maintained, they aren't meant to be cleaned after every single resident. When everyone does their part, these spaces stay inviting and pleasant for all.
Follow posted rules (and unspoken ones too)
Most amenity areas have posted guidelines regarding hours, guest limits, usage restrictions, and cleaning expectations. Do read and follow those rules, they exist for a reason. Whether it's quiet hours in the coworking lounge or occupancy limits in the pool, sticking to the guidelines keeps everything running smoothly.
Don’t assume rules are flexible just because you don't see staff around. Bending the rules “just this once” often leads to bigger issues. Noise complaints, damage, or overcrowding can result in amenities being temporarily closed or restricted for everyone.
There are also the "unspoken" rules, like not taking phone calls on speaker in shared lounges, not blasting music near the pool, or not occupying shared spaces for hours on end. These fall under the umbrella of shared space do's and don'ts and help maintain a peaceful environment.
Be mindful of time and space
Shared amenities are meant to be enjoyed by everyone, so being aware of your usage is key. Do limit your time during peak hours. For example, if you're using the treadmill and others are waiting, be courteous and rotate after 30 minutes. If you're using the community lounge for remote work, avoid spreading out in a way that prevents others from finding a seat.
If your community uses an amenity reservation system, do make sure to cancel any bookings you can’t keep. That opens the opportunity for someone else and keeps things moving fairly. Communal living is all about balance.
Keep it pet- and kid-friendly
Our furry friends and little ones are part of the community too, but their presence comes with extra responsibilities. Do supervise children and pets at all times in common areas. This ensures their safety and helps prevent damage or disruption.
Don’t allow pets to roam free in non-designated areas. Even in pet-friendly communities, leashes are typically required in shared indoor or outdoor spaces. Always clean up after your pet, waste bags are usually provided, and using them shows respect for your neighbors.
If you're bringing children into shared spaces like the fitness center or pool, make sure those spaces are age-appropriate and follow any posted safety guidelines. In most cases, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Hosting with respect
Shared amenities are great for entertaining, from casual BBQs at the outdoor grill to game nights in the lounge. But being a good host means being a thoughtful neighbor too. Do check your apartment community's policy on guests. Some may require registration, limit how many people you can bring, or designate certain areas as guest-friendly.
Don’t throw large gatherings without notice or permission. Big groups can quickly disrupt shared spaces and leave behind messes that affect everyone. If your community has specific event policies or party spaces available for rent, follow those procedures.
When hosting, do take full responsibility for your guests. Make sure they follow the same apartment amenity rules you do. If they break something, are disruptive, or leave a mess, you may be held accountable.
Speak up (politely) when needed
If you notice someone misusing a space, breaking rules, or creating an uncomfortable situation, it's okay to speak up, respectfully. Sometimes a friendly reminder is all that’s needed. A simple "Hey, just so you know, the gym asks everyone to wipe down machines after use" can go a long way.
For more serious issues, do report them to management. Whether it's repeated rule-breaking, maintenance needs, or unsafe behavior, letting the leasing office know allows them to take action. Most apartment teams appreciate residents who help maintain a respectful, safe environment.
Don’t escalate situations or confront others aggressively. Even if you're frustrated, keeping communication calm and constructive helps everyone find a resolution without unnecessary conflict.
Don’t forget about maintenance and cleanliness
Good etiquette isn’t just about social behavior, it’s also about upkeep. If something in a common area is broken or dirty, do let your property manager or leasing team know. Whether it’s a gym machine that won’t start, a grill with a broken handle, or a light that needs replacing in the hallway, reporting maintenance issues helps the whole community.
Don’t try to fix things on your own, especially if it involves electricity, plumbing, or safety equipment. Even small issues can lead to bigger problems if not handled by professionals.
If you use shared cleaning tools or supplies, put them back neatly and let staff know if anything runs out. Everyone benefits when cleanliness is maintained proactively.
A little courtesy goes a long way
Ultimately, the success of shared amenities comes down to shared respect. Whether you’re using the coworking lounge for a remote meeting or heading to the pool for a sunny afternoon, treating the space with care ensures that it remains a valuable asset to the whole community.
Do greet fellow residents, offer help when needed, and model good behavior for new neighbors or guests. These small acts of kindness help create a sense of belonging and encourage others to do the same.
Don’t forget that community living is a team effort. Everyone contributes to the overall atmosphere, and when people feel respected, they’re more likely to pay it forward.
Enjoy your community to the fullest
Shared amenities are one of the things that turn an apartment complex into a connected, dynamic community. Respect, courtesy, and common sense go a long way in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
At Lamar Union, we’re proud to offer well-maintained amenities that add value to your everyday life in Austin. Whether you're new to the community or have been here a while, we encourage all residents to take pride in these shared spaces and enjoy them responsibly.
Looking to explore everything we offer? Check out our Amenities or browse All Photos of Property for a closer look. If you're ready to see our community in person, head to the Book a Tour page, or get in touch with our team at (866) 788-5663. We’re here to help you feel right at home.