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Renters, This Is Your Life

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· Decorate your apartment, even if you plan to stay only for a short time. Just because you're renting doesn't mean you can't create a space that feels like home, whether that's through wall hangings, colorful paint, nice curtains or plants.

· Form a tenant association. It's a good way to meet your neighbors and know about community happenings, including condo conversions and crime.

· Give landlords and neighbors the benefit of the doubt until you have talked to and attempted to reason with them politely and rationally. Knowing and respecting those who share your address can be key to successfully dealing with all kinds of issues, from noise to crime.

And, on that note, I will end with a thank you to all of my proverbial neighbors, who have spent time with me in these pages. A special thanks to my first roommates and my most loyal readers -- my parents.

Do you have questions, comments or ideas about apartment life? E-mail them torealestate@washpost.comor send them by mail, c/o Real Estate Editor, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

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