How to Be a Great Neighbor in Harrisonburg: Smart Tips to Start the Fall

Whether you've moved into your first apartment or you're a returning student settling into a new lease, September sets the tone for your year ahead. Between football games, new roommates, and weekend plans, it's easy to overlook something: you're officially part of the Harrisonburg community now.

Hosting Without Headaches

• Noise Ordinance: If music can be heard more than 100 feet away or across property lines, you could be fined.
• Gathering Permits: Hosting over 100 people requires a Mass Social Outdoor Gathering permit. Smaller gatherings need to be registered with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center.
• Alcohol Laws: No underage drinking, no open containers in public, and no fake IDs.

If you're hosting at a Matchbox property, please designate a sober host, keep things indoors, and don't let strangers crash. You're responsible for what happens on your lease, including the behavior of your guests.

The Best Impressions Start with Clean Spaces

• Take trash straight to the dumpster or bin — leaving bags outside your door attracts pests.
• If a dumpster is full, hold off until the next collection instead of piling trash around it.
• After hosting, do a quick cleanup of the yard, sidewalk, and common areas.
• Keep porches, patios, hallways, and stairwells clear of clutter and furniture.
• Be mindful of quiet hours, especially during the week, early mornings, and exam periods.

City guidelines require event spaces and nearby areas to be cleaned by 11 AM the following day. Matchbox portfolio managers also walk properties starting at 9 AM the next business day after a large gathering.

Maintenance Matters

If something breaks, send in a work order through your Tenant Access portal so we can get it fixed quickly. The more details, the better — instead of "toilet issue," try "toilet in Bedroom 2 is leaking from the base," with a photo if you can. For emergencies after hours, call (540) 434-5150 and press 7.

Get Involved and Give Back

Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community: United Way of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, the Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA, Cat's Cradle, Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation Youth Sports, and On the Road Collaborative all welcome student volunteers.

Being a good neighbor isn't just about avoiding fines — it's about building a better experience for yourself and those around you. Need help or have questions? Reach out!