A bad relationship with the landlord is one of the main reasons why tenants move out. For your rental property to prosper, it’s important to have a good relationship with tenants — and vice versa. A great landlord-tenant relationship not only helps your bottom line, but it can also make the work you do more enjoyable and rewarding. Here’s what you can do.
How to Build a Landlord-Tenant Relationship
A great tenant-landlord relationship doesn’t just develop overnight. Both parties need to invest time and effort to build a trust-based relationship. As a landlord, here are effective ways to improve renter relations.
1. Keep Communication Lines Open
Tenants should feel that they can come to you whenever they have questions or concerns. You must also show that you are available to talk and willing to respond to their queries. It’s also important to acknowledge if they have suggestions.
If you follow through, tenants will feel valued and appreciated. This will make it easier for them to approach you in case they have issues with the property or are experiencing financial constraints.
2. Maintain the Property and Address Issues Quickly
Maintaining the property and making sure that facilities are in good working condition is part of the job. However, your approach to maintenance can help build a landlord-tenant relationship.
If tenants see that you can address maintenance issues quickly, they will have more respect for you and your capabilities. This can also encourage tenants to do their part in maintaining the property.
If they see something is broken, they will immediately report it to you. Thus, a good relationship with tenants can also make your job easier.
3. Treat Tenants as Individuals
Even though it is important to maintain a professional relationship with tenants, landlords should make an effort to connect with them on a personal level. This doesn’t mean being friends with your tenants.
Rather, it is just showing them another side of you that they may be able to relate with. You can make simple gestures such as saying hello, asking how they are and greeting them on their birthdays.
4. Respect Tenants’ Rights and Boundaries
Make sure to respect tenants’ rights, as outlined in the landlord-tenant law and the lease agreement. Acknowledge their boundaries as tenants and avoid dropping by their unit unannounced.
Even if there are urgent repairs, make sure to contact them and schedule the visit. If tenants see that you respect their privacy and boundaries, they will feel obliged to respect yours as well. This means paying rent on time, not damaging property, and getting along with everyone.
5. Always Have a Positive Attitude
Being a landlord is hard. You have to take care of the day-to-day operations, fix maintenance issues, manage finances, and look for new tenants all at the same time.
But no matter how stressed or overwhelmed you might be feeling, always have a positive attitude when interacting with tenants. This is another facet of maintaining a professional landlord-tenant relationship. If they see your enthusiasm for property management, it can encourage them to become more loyal and responsible tenants.
6. Share Your Knowledge
Landlords can host seminars, lectures, or even social gatherings to foster engagement in your rental property. Given your experience and expertise in property management, you can impart knowledge that is helpful for the tenants.
For instance, you can give tips on how to lower their utility bills or quick solutions for household problems. Sharing knowledge not only establishes you as an authority in property management, but it also shows that you are genuinely looking out for your tenants.
7. Stay True to Your Word
Landlord-tenant interactions aren’t always positive — especially when it comes to rent collections, rule enforcement, and evictions. In order for tenants to maintain good relationships with landlords, you must always stay true to your word. If you promise to fix something by said date, make sure that you do it.
Likewise, if you vowed not to raise the rent for a certain period, do not renege on that promise. If tenants see that you are constantly going back on your word, they will no longer respect and trust you. Thus, they are more likely to move out when their lease is up. When dealing with sensitive matters, make sure to document everything to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Be Honest and Transparent
Landlords should be honest and transparent when it comes to rent payments, utility bills, and other essential services. Make sure to discuss everything while going over the lease agreement. If you neglect to mention important details prior to moving in, your tenants will not be happy. They might feel manipulated and thus, would not be willing to develop any sort of relationship with you.
9. Strive to Exceed Expectations
You can be a good landlord by meeting the basic responsibilities. However, landlords who do the bare minimum work will likely only have a transactional with their tenants.
On the contrary, if tenants see that you are always striving to exceed expectations, they will be more engaged and cooperative. For instance, if the budget allows, you can give welcome gifts to tenants or simple gifts during the holidays. Going the extra mile to show tenants that you appreciate them will help deepen the landlord-tenant relationship.
Make It Your Goal to Have a Great Landlord-Tenant Relationship
With so many tasks and responsibilities, a great landlord-tenant relationship may be the last thing you think about. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Developing and maintaining a great landlord-tenant relationship should be one of your priorities.
If tenants feel welcomed and appreciated, they can make your job easier and more fulfilling. Though it may take some time, as long as you consider these nine strategies, you’ll be able to foster good relationships with your tenants.
If you need help with managing your property, feel free to browse our online directory of property management companies, HOA management companies, and real estate agents.
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