The entrance to a building is the first thing every resident, guest, and prospective neighbor sees. It sets a tone. A clean, clear, welcoming entry communicates that this is a community people take pride in. A cluttered, smoky, or littered doorstep communicates the opposite.
We take care of a lot of the maintenance side of that — keeping entrances swept, well-lit, and maintained. But there are a few resident habits that make a significant difference in how our shared entrances feel for everyone.
"The front door is the handshake of a building. It's the first impression for every guest, delivery driver, and neighbor walking through."
Stepping Away from the Door to Smoke
Our properties are smoke-free in all interior spaces, and we ask residents to step away from entrances and windows when smoking outdoors. This isn't just about the rules — it's about practical reality:
Smoke drifts indoors easily
Every time a door opens, air rushes in from outside. Smoke from someone standing at the entrance travels directly into the lobby, hallway, or unit — affecting neighbors who may have respiratory conditions, allergies, or young children.
Cigarette butt litter accumulates fast
Even a few cigarette butts on steps or in planters significantly degrades the appearance of a building entry. They're also fire hazards near combustible materials like mulch, door mats, and decorative plantings.
It affects everyone's impression of home
Residents returning home, guests arriving for visits, and prospective residents touring the property all pass through that entrance. The way it looks and smells shapes how people feel about the whole community.
The solution is simple: step at least 25 feet from any building entrance, door, or window before smoking. This small adjustment makes an immediate, meaningful difference for everyone inside.
Other Entrance Courtesies
Beyond smoke, a few other habits keep shared entrances comfortable and functional for all residents:
- Don't prop doors open for extended periods. Propped entry doors compromise building security and allow outside air, insects, and odors to enter the building.
- Don't leave personal items in entryways. Bikes, strollers, boxes, and bags in entry hallways create obstacles — especially for residents with mobility needs — and may violate fire code egress requirements.
- Pick up after yourself. If you drop something, pick it up. If you notice litter near an entrance, toss it. It takes three seconds and keeps the entry looking cared-for.
- Hold the door for neighbors. A simple courtesy that's also a security measure — unfamiliar faces should use their own access, not tailgate through a held door.
If you notice a light out, damage to the entrance area, persistent litter, or any other issue with a building entrance, please report it through the Resident Portal. We want to address issues quickly, and we rely on residents to help us spot them. Your report helps everyone.
A welcoming entrance is a small thing that has an outsized impact on how a community feels. We appreciate every resident who contributes to keeping our shared spaces clean, safe, and inviting. Thank you.