💡 In Spain you greet neighbours even in the lift: buenos días, buenas tardes; a short ¿Qué tal? keeps relations good; neighbours are usually friendly.
💡 In the lift: ¿Qué piso? (which floor), Yo voy al quinto, Gracias, igualmente (thanks, same to you); also Que tenga buen día.
💡 Useful words: portal (entrance), buzón (mailbox), portero automático (intercom), trastero (storage room), azotea (roof), contenedor (bin).
💡 If you have no key or the intercom fails, ask a neighbour: ¿Me abre, por favor?; thank politely; do not let strangers in.
💡 The portero or conserje looks after the building, receives mail and parcels; say ¿Hay correo para el tercero B?; he can pass things to the administrator.
💡 An invitation for coffee (tomar un café) is a sign of friendliness; answer gladly or politely decline and propose another time.
💡 In Spain quiet hours at night are usually from ten in the evening to eight in the morning (depending on the town); if a neighbour asks, apologise and promise to be quieter.
💡 If you plan a party warn neighbours beforehand and finish before a late hour; a note on the door or a word when you meet is good manners.
💡 Start a complaint softly: Perdone que le moleste, pero...; talk to the neighbour first and only then go to the building president (presidente de la comunidad) or police.
💡 Containers: amarillo (plastic and cans), azul (paper and cardboard), verde (glass, iglú), marrón/gris (organic or general); rules may differ by town.
💡 Rubbish bags are put out at stated hours (often in the evening); don't leave them by the door or outside the container - fines are possible.
💡 Common areas (zonas comunes) - corridor, stairs, yard - must stay clear; things, bikes and prams are left only where permitted.
💡 Pet rules are set by the contract or building statutes (estatutos); with a dog remember the lead (correa) and cleaning up after it.
💡 The junta de propietarios is the owners' meeting; tenants usually don't vote but may attend; decisions concern shared costs and repairs.
💡 The cuota de comunidad is the owners' monthly fee for common costs; a tenant pays it only if the contract says so.
💡 A fault in common property (lift, light, door) is reported to the presidente or administrador by phone or letter; the address is on the notice board in the entrance.
💡 During building works an announcement tells dates, noisy hours, water or electricity cuts; ask the administrator if anything is unclear.
💡 Buildings may have a cuarto de bicicletas or aparcabicis; ask ¿Hay un sitio para las bicis?
💡 Asking neighbours for small help is normal in Spain; start with Perdone que le moleste and remember to thank; you can repay later.
💡 Helping an older neighbour with bags is an everyday gesture; say ¿Le ayudo?; do not hesitate to offer; they will probably thank you and may invite you for coffee.
💡 Useful questions: ¿Dónde puedo comprar...?, ¿Hay alguna farmacia/médico cerca?, ¿Cuál es el mejor...?; Spaniards gladly share tips.
💡 When asking a neighbour to water plants or take the post, say for how many days and leave a key and phone number; thank them on return.
💡 Greetings: ¡Felices fiestas!, ¡Feliz Navidad!, ¡Feliz año nuevo!, ¡Feliz cumpleaños!; neighbours often exchange them in the entrance.
💡 Thanks: Muchas gracias por todo, Se lo agradezco mucho, Le debo una; the reply: No hay de qué, Para eso estamos.
💡 Inviting neighbours is a good way to meet; say date, time and whether to bring something; don't be offended if they don't come.