When a home is more than a roof over your head – community brings joy to rental living
Joo Kodit is creating a culture of community in rental living, which makes it easier to get to know your neighbours. In this blog series, our Community Manager Hanna-Maria explores both familiar and unexpected ways to bring people together. Welcome to part two – we hope it inspires you!
Rental living can be so much more than just having a roof over your head – it can be a community where small everyday encounters bring comfort and joy. When community spirit grows stronger, life at home becomes more pleasant, secure, and peaceful. And when neighbours know each other, even if it's just by name, it’s easier to ask for or offer help, or suggest taking a walk together.
Shared services make everyday life run smoothly
At Joo Kodit, we offer residents a wide range of shared services, which are designed to make everyday life easier while supporting a more communal way of living. Sharing a laundry room, lounge area, gym, or car turns neighbours from passing faces into part of the flow and joy of daily life. Shared cars are great for carpooling, and it's easier to keep up exercise routines when you’re meeting a neighbour at the gym. Who knows, maybe you can even get tips on the best local cafés at the same time!
Neighbours using the same services sparks natural conversations and casual encounters, which can turn into new friendships or at least acquaintances. Small gestures and shared experiences make rental accommodation feel like more than just a place to stay – they make it feel like home.
Community makes home life more comfortable
If a neighbour’s lifestyle or different daily rhythm affects your peace and quiet, it might not be about intentional disturbance. Quite often, it’s simply that they don’t know who’s living on the other side of the wall. When people get to know one another, they naturally become more considerate.
You’re more likely to turn the volume down in the evenings if you know there’s a young family or a shift worker living next door.
Shared spaces start to feel like your own, and you’re more inclined to look after them.
No more passive-aggressive messages on the noticeboard – instead, you can have friendly, honest conversations.
A simple “How are you?” can make a big difference if someone feels lonely or isolated.
Small gestures make a big difference
Imagine this: you step into the lift with a neighbour and you're greeted by a cheery sticker. It offers some uplifting food for thought: "A lift ride only lasts a moment, but a shared smile lingers for much longer." How will you react?
These and many other friendly messages – designed to encourage neighbourly hellos and everyday connections – are now brightening up lifts and shared spaces in some of our buildings. And why not? A sprinkle of joy and a little community spirit can go a long way in making a neighbourhood feel that little bit warmer. Perhaps next time you’re in the lift, you'll notice someone smiling back – and that’s already the beginning of something wonderful!
Because home isn’t just what’s within your four walls. It’s also about who’s around you. And sometimes, building a community starts with something as simple as saying, "Hi, how are you?"
Until next time!
Greetings, Hanna-Maria
Read the first part of my blog series here.
