How To Build a Positive Tenant / Landlord Relationship

Landlords are often given a bad rap. Thanks to the movies, many of us picture an elderly landlady, curlers in her hair, cigarette smoking, pounding on the apartment door, demanding last month's rent and threatening to change the locks. 

But landlords are people too (surprise, surprise) and like it or not, they've got a job to do.

There's no need to dodge them in the corridors or avert your eyes when passing them in the street. You can have an amicable, even positive relationship with your landlord if everyone plays by the rules and manages each other's expectations. When both parties approach the relationship with maturity and understanding, the rewards can be great on both sides.

Here are some helpful ways to be a great tenant / landlord and stay on good terms 

Tenants and Landlords

Communicate effectively

Clear and effective communication is the lifeblood of a good tenant / landlord relationship. Keeping channels of communication open will help both parties feel heard and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.

• Respond timeously to all communication (email, calls, texts) ideally within 24 hours
• Ask questions if any aspects of the rental agreement are unclear
• Consider using app technology to handle rental payments, maintenance request submissions, and queries

Respect realistic boundaries

The rental agreement will usually outline preferred means of contact and it's both parties' responsibility to respect those preferences. A landlord may wish to communicate with tenants via a managing agent. Some tenants will expect regular attention, while others may prefer strict privacy. Whatever is agreed to should be stuck to unless there is an emergency.

Tenants

Take care of the property

While the rental property doesn't belong to you, tenants should take care of the space to the best of their ability. While the rental agreement will outline the agreed responsibilities of both parties, there are some things that are usually fair for tenants to keep a hand on.

• General garden upkeep
• General hygiene and routine cleaning 
• Using appliances with care
• Handling general wear and tear

Pay your rent on time

This seems like a given, but timeous (even early) rent is one of the easiest ways to nurture a positive relationship with your landlord. Set up a monthly debit order to make these payments automatically. 

Landlords

Treat your tenants like customers

Shifting your mindset to see potential and existing tenants as customers will radically change your approach to the relationship. You want happy tenants. They are essentially paying you for a service, and are therefore your clients. As a landlord, tenant satisfaction will ensure long, happy leases year after year. 

On that note, choosing the right tenant can be tricky. Here are some red flags to look out for.

Clearly define expectations

Clearly communicating your expectations in detail is key to a positive tenant experience. Define what is considered a small issue (like a lightbulb change) and a big issue (like rent being late) so that you are both on the same page. Get everything in writing in order to avoid costly and common mistakes.

Respond swiftly to requests

Being a landlord requires your full-time attention regarding your property and its occupants. Responding to their needs and requests timeously is in everyone's best interests, particularly when it comes to unforeseen or emergency circumstances. This entails:

• Being available for urgent after-hour requests 
• Responding immediately to maintenance issues like a burst geyser or a blocked toilet
• Dealing with third party complaints (if your tenants disturb the peace) 
• Ensuring ongoing maintenance and function of key property features

Prioritise transparency

It is vital that all matters relating to your rental property are above board and transparent. One of the fastest ways to sour the relationship is a tenant lawsuit. The most common grounds for tenant legal action include:

• Not meeting health and safety standards
• Secrecy about the condition of the property
• False claims on security deposits
• Discrimination against current and potential tenants

Need the support of a rental managing agent?

Being a landlord and managing property is a big, time consuming responsibility. If you need a professional to handle the heavy lifting in managing your rental property, we can help.  SAproperty.com offers professional and experienced property management services that deal directly with your tenants so you don't have to. Get in touch to find out more.