Dianne Ackerman

Building management is blocking access to the hallway trash chutes because some children have been making a mess. Ms. Demeanor has something to say about that.

If one of your neighbor's kids is stuck waiting in the lobby after school, try lending a hand and offer to babysit kid rather than make an issue of it.

An elderly neighbor who knocks on your door in the middle of the night and seems confused is a big problem. Get management or the staff involved and ask to have her family contacted.

What can you do when a popular bakery moves into a storefront in your building—and you hate the smell of baking bread?

Some buildings charge a sublet fee based on the number of shares you own. Others might charge one month’s maintenance.

Every building has rules, and so it is able to bar overnight guests from staying in your apartment if you're not home. Be sure to familiarize yourself with a building's proprietary lease and house rules before you buy or rent so there are no surprises.