A resident directory should make it easier to connect, not easier to overshare. The fastest way to kill adoption is to force everyone into a single visibility level.
Start with privacy controls, not a blank profile
A good directory lets residents decide what is public, what is building-only, and what is private. This keeps participation high and protects the people who are cautious for valid reasons.
What to include in a resident profile
- Name and unit (required).
- Preferred contact method (optional).
- Short bio or interests (optional).
- Committee role, if applicable.
What to avoid
- Phone numbers that are visible to everyone by default.
- Open access to personal email addresses.
- Mandatory fields that feel invasive.
Use the directory to reduce friction
A directory is most valuable when it helps residents solve problems without hunting for contact details. That means linking directory entries to the people who can help.
- Committee roles with clear responsibilities.
- Emergency contacts with verified details.
- Managing agent and contractor contacts in one place.
How OpenCourtyard helps
OpenCourtyard offers granular privacy controls for directory profiles and makes key contacts easy to find without exposing personal information.
Explore the Resident Directory and Direct Messages.
If you want a directory residents will actually fill out, request a demo.