[cyberdrunk]

> In apartments, there is a mutual understanding of common elements and that people are living in a shared space. There is also a mediation process through the building management and the board.

Ok, so that must be the difference between US and my country (Poland). Here, there's often just enough people with "fuck everyone" attitude (drunks, depressed people, teenagers with irresponsible parents etc.) to ruin it for everyone else. And also, because the flats are mostly owned and not rented, there is no building management that is interested in maintaining a decent standard of living for everyone.

[doopy-loopy2]

Yeah, I suppose that is true of some buildings here as well. It really depends on the occupants of the building, and whether it is mainly owner occupied or mostly renters.

So I can see your point.