Joo Kodit residents share the joys of community spirit in rental living
How do you create a sense of community in rental living? In part three of our blog series, our Community Manager Hanna-Maria shares what Joo Kodit residents have to say.
When it comes to creating a sense of community in our buildings, no one knows more than the people who live there. We regularly collect feedback from residents on all aspects of life at Joo Kodit. Last autumn, we launched a local survey focused on community spirit, and this year, we’ve expanded it to even more locations. The responses were full of surprises!
Resident experiences at Joo Kodit
Most residents in our spring survey said Joo Kodit offers plenty of chances to meet their neighbours. What's more, those connections have led to positive experiences.
"We usually say hello if we bump into each other in the yard or hallway."
"I’ve had some nice chats, and my wife made a friend!"
"The laundry room and gym have been great places to meet people and chat."
"The neighbour’s dog, Romeo, is lovely. I also got a Christmas card from a neighbour I'd only known for four months.”
Pets are a great icebreaker and often bring people together. Dog owners, for instance, head out on walks together, giving both people and pets the chance to make new friends.
Everyday help from next door
While brightening your day, neighbours can offer practical help too. Here are a few ways Joo residents have been there for each other:
"My neighbour got locked out with their child, so I invited them in for a coffee while we waited for someone to open the door."
"A neighbour has popped round to borrow some things, like a tin opener."
"One neighbour helped carry my shopping and cleared the snow from my door."
Joo Kodit residents' ideas for promoting community spirit
We asked our residents for ideas on how to build a stronger sense of community and encourage neighbours to support one another. Some of the most popular suggestions were communal activities and events, keeping shared spaces tidy, and having clear rules. Many also hoped for an easy way to communicate with their neighbours.
With this in mind, we’re planning yard clean-up days at several properties this summer, testing a new communication channel, improving signage, and clarifying our house rules. We’re also looking at how we can offer better guidance to help everyone enjoy a smoother living experience.
Hearing about our residents' experiences is incredibly valuable, as the feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve. So the next time you get a survey from us, a big thank you in advance for taking a moment to participate!
Warm regards, Hanna-Maria Community Manager
P.S. Missed the first two blog posts? Catch up here: When a home is more than a roof over your head – community brings joy to rental living and Community blog: towards a meaningful future together.
