Vietnam Apartments: Open Doors and 'Smell' Issues Cause Resident Friction

In Vietnamese apartment buildings, some residents leaving their doors open and strong cooking odors are causing friction with neighbors. This issue goes beyond mere etiquette violations, highlighting a lack of consideration and community spirit in shared living spaces. One reader lamented, "Just stepping out into the hallway brings a suffocating smell that even permeates the elevator." While initially unbothered, the situation worsened after a change in tenants in the adjacent apartment, who frequently cooked dishes using fermented fish sauce (mam) and dried fish. The reader described how opening the door instantly released a pungent odor into the corridor. "Even when returning from outings, the smell immediately clings to you. It's acceptable to open the door slightly once in a while, but leaving it open every day is problematic, especially when they cook mam and leave the door wide open to dissipate the smell." Another reader shared their experience: "They leave their door open from early morning until they sleep, playing loud music, talking on the phone at the top of their lungs, having shouting matches with their spouses, scolding their children, and talking to their grandchildren for hours. The smell of fish is also unbearable." However, differing perspectives exist. One reader stated, "Personally, I don't think leaving the door open in an apartment building is impolite. What is impolite are the consequences of an open door – noise and smells that affect other residents. The common space outside apartment doors is enclosed by walls, making it easier for one household's negative impacts to spill over to others when the door is open. This is why rules about closing doors arise, to ensure mutual non-interference." Another reader concluded, "The issue isn't about opening or closing the door, but whether the household's activities affect their neighbors and other residents. If opening the door doesn't cause noise or affect others in the hallway, there's no problem. If cooking, use the range hood. Most apartments have only one side exposed to nature, making natural ventilation difficult. Keeping doors shut all day prevents air circulation, which is not good for the living environment inside. Even with doors closed, loud singing or dancing might not be heard by those on the same floor or hallway, but residents directly below will experience significant noise. Ultimately, the problem lies not in opening or closing doors, but in the residents' culture and lifestyle." This issue suggests that with Vietnam's rapid urbanization and the proliferation of apartment living, mutual understanding and consideration among residents are essential. In densely populated living environments, taking into account the impact of individual actions on others is key to harmonious community life.