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Like a good neighbor – Metro US

Like a good neighbor

Hate the people living upstairs? Or do they hate you for that night when you and your best friend just had to learn Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” moves … at 2 a.m.? Well in 2010 we say clear the air in the hallway! Rent.com’s President Peggy Abkemeier shows us how to be better neighbors and tenants.

Say you are just renting — is it still important to be friends with your neighbors?

No matter how great your apartment or home is, neighbors can often make or break your rental bliss. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to try and meet your neighbors, or at least be welcoming to them when you pass each other in the hall. If you foster a good relationship with them, they are more likely to offer you assistance when it’s needed, such as signing for packages, helping when you accidentally lock yourself out, or keeping an eye on your place, or your pets while you’re out of town. If you become good friends, you may also have a new babysitter for special occasions or emergency situations. Moreover, since fewer renters are moving to new apartment buildings and are instead choosing to re-sign leases, it’s more important than ever to befriend your neighbors.

What’s the No. 1 complaint neighbors have about other neighbors?

Noise violations. Whether it’s a barking dog, loud music, or stomping around from the neighbors above, all renters can agree that a noisy neighbor can be a nightmare. If you do have a noisy neighbor, we’d recommend gently confronting them to see if they can make an effort to fix the problem. Quite often, neighbors are unaware of how loud they might be to others, and simply bringing it to their attention could solve your problem.