30 Stories of Apartment Living Gone Wrong

Apartment life: where every perk has a price, and the neighbors’ quirks are part of the deal.

Damjan

• Published in Community
• November 1, 2024

Apartment living has many benefits. For many, it provides a sense of security and a range of conveniences that might not be available in a traditional house.

From gyms and pools to lower maintenance requirements, the lifestyle is appealing, especially in urban areas where owning a house may not be practical or affordable. Statistics show that about 38% of American renters choose apartment blocks, attracted by benefits like affordability and added amenities (Apartment Data, 2024).

Along with these perks comes a unique social experience, creating a sense of community where residents share common spaces and experiences, for better or worse. Yet, the closeness of apartment life can also lead to some unavoidable downsides.

Limited personal space, restrictions from landlords or homeowners' associations, and the challenge of maintaining privacy in such close quarters can be sources of frustration. For every amenity and benefit, there's often a trade-off, and those who live in apartments have their fair share of anecdotes about the unexpected challenges they encounter daily.

A popular online community known as r/Apartmentliving has become a hub for apartment dwellers to swap stories and advice and vent about life in shared spaces. With over 110,000 members, this group offers countless tips, from creative decorating ideas to strategies for dealing with difficult landlords.

But some posts go beyond simple advice; they reveal the bizarre, frustrating, and sometimes downright unbelievable side of apartment living.

Every neighbor could be your next best friend—or worst nightmare!

"Is This Note Ok To Leave For My Neighbors?"

"Cigarette Butts From Upstairs Neighbor On My Patio"

"Not My Neighbor But Love This"

"First Ever Note… Is It Bad?"

"Upstairs Neighbors Pouring Water All Over Balcony"

"Here’s A Good One… Last Month My Lovely Downstairs Neighbor Taped This To My Door"

"Drunk Neighbor Just Drove Through Our Bedroom And Condemned Our Apartment. Landlord Won’t Answer Our Or The Police’s Calls And Now I Have Nowhere To Live"

"Neighbors Letting Homeless Man Sleep In Front Of My Door"

"Is Leaving This Note On My Neighbor’s Door Too Harsh Or Not Harsh Enough??"

"Is This An Acceptable Note To Leave My Neighbor That’s Smoking In A Smoke Free Building?"

"My Upstairs Neighbor Dropped Something Super Heavy And These Popped Up Through My Entire Ceiling"

"Only Fire Extinguisher In The Hallway Did Not Pass Inspection 3 Months Ago Md, USA"

"New Apartment Building Drama"

"Ex Kicked A Hole Through My Door And I Was Quoted $675"

"Show Me You’re A Renter In One Pic"

"Well This Is Embarrassing"

"Landlord Is Charging Me $8000 To Replace Floors"

"My Neighbor Returned A Stolen Package 1 Year Later"

"Someone Left Butter (??) On My Door"

"My Ceiling Fan Fell On Me While I Was Sleeping"

"Note To Upstairs Neighbors With Kids"

"AI"

"What Is It?"

"What Is This Growing In My Linen Closet??"

"I Come Out This Am With My Dog And See The Cleaning Lady At My Complex Spraying Down The Mailboxes With A Hose On Full Blast 🤦🏻‍♂️"

"Do You Think I Can Ask For Reimbursement On This?"

"The Building Next To Mine Got New Outdoor Lights… This Is Now My Bedroom At 2am"

"Woke Up To A Lovely Note On My Car This Morning— I’m Parked In My Assigned (Paid For) Parking Spot"

"Neighbor Threw All This Trash Out Her Window And Keeps Throwing More. Today's Friday, And Management Won't Be Available Until Monday"

"The Dumpsters Behind My Apartment Building Have Not Been Emptied In 3.5 Weeks"

Apartment living has advantages and disadvantages. While living near neighbors can foster cordial relationships, there are drawbacks as well, such as having to put up with odors, noise, or a lack of privacy.

Many people, however, discover that the advantages—such as financial savings, reduced maintenance, and the availability of amenities—make it all worthwhile. Communities such as r/Apartmentliving demonstrate how locals develop innovative solutions and help one another through the highs and lows.

Although apartment living isn't for everyone, people who learn to adapt frequently find a vibrant and encouraging community only next door.

Damjan