Categories: Sell a House

How to build a Good Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Every renter likes to have a great landlord-tenant relationship. However, most residents don’t know how to approach their property landlords for some reason. They think landlords are cruel, hard to approach or can just misinterpret them.

In this blog, we had gathered the step by step process on how renters should approach their landlords from the first time they will meet until they move in and during the living to attain a healthy and long-lasting landlord-tenant relationship.

Tenants searching for a new living.

As tenants, list your expectations before searching for new properties to rent, this will serve as your goals on what kind of home you are looking for. If you find a specific property that lacks your requirements, then move on to the next one. There are still lots of other rental units that will surely meet your needs.

Hand over your application to your landlord. The landlord-tenant relationship is all about honesty. State with all humility if you are having problems financially and explain the situation clearly so that the landlord can understand.

Don’t be afraid to ask important questions. Ask many right questions as necessary. All of the questions and answers have been done verbally and will be written later in the lease agreements if needed.

The landlords will provide the lease agreement. Read your lease completely and follow everything that is written in the lease document. If you have questions and needs clarifications, ask the landlord as soon as possible to make changes in the agreement. There could be problems in the long run if not addresses immediately. Payments, upkeep, repairs, etc. are all based on the agreement you will be signing.

One of the critical parts in the lease agreement you should dive into is who should be responsible for repairs. When can you say that the tenant is obliged to pay the cost of any damages and maintenance? What are the responsibilities of the landlord? How about you as the tenant? These key factors are very significant when you choose to live in a rental property.

During the move-in

Check the rental property with the landlord to be aware of any possible repairs and maintenance. Any existing wear and tear found needs action depending on the level of urgency.

Record the transfer date of your move-in. Then make sure you already know all about the pertinent property information such as the garbage day collection, mailbox, and lot number, alarm instructions, utility info, sprinkler and fire alarm systems, house rules, etc. Through this, you can prevent calling the attention of your landlord from time to time on your first week of living.

Every landlord has a different process when it comes to tenant inquiries so make sure you know it. There will be lots of instances that you need to approach your landlord especially when it comes to repairing issues. Landlords are as busy as you are. If you know exactly how to contact them, you are creating a good landlord-tenant relationship. A landlord responds quicker to people who follow his preferred method of communication.

During the tenant’s living

During your tenancy, pay your rent on time. It is your responsibility to pay the rent as required in the leased document. However, when things are not going well, contact your landlord as soon as you see a problem. Be honest and take courage. Not all landlords directly evict a tenant because of not paying rent on time. They can consider it but not always. Make sure that you can cope up with the agreed date to maintain a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. Don’t be silent or wait for the landlord to ask you to pay. A non-paying tenant could receive disgrace and the worst scenario can be evicted legally.

In some instances, be reasonable when it comes to requests like repairs and maintenance. Not all requests can be granted immediately. The level of request should be considered. If it is urgent and most likely a health hazard concern, actions will be taken accordingly.

Here are some scenarios for tenants’ requests:

For example, the things that can be handled on your own. Replacing a light bulb, tightening door hinges, small table repairs, furnace filters, and closet loose screws can be done all by yourself. It is quite unreasonable to call the landlord’s attention every time with these kinds of minor issues. These concerns can only cause headaches to the property landlord minimizing the value of a good landlord-tenant relationship.

If somehow the small issues can’t be handled on your own, patiently wait until bigger problems occur that require service and ask if the smaller issues can be addressed as well.

With regards to natural disasters, major issues like tear-off of the roofing, walls, windows or any unsafe destruction, immediate action from the landlord should partake.

There are quite a few factors out of the landlord’s control that can delay resolving issues including bad weather, travel time of the service, vendor schedules being hectic, etc. Tenants should understand these factors and wait until the time comes it will be fixed. Landlords always try their best to get it resolved as soon as possible and make you satisfied while living in their property.

It is a long way process to successfully obtain a happier and healthy landlord-tenant relationship. Yet, if properly done from the start, the long way cuts off. Maintaining it will be your challenge. There are only a few circumstances that can break the relationship. To sum up everything, here are the key ideas you need to portray to obtain a good landlord-tenant relationship.

Be kind when you meet your landlord.
Be honest on your application.
Read the lease agreement carefully.
Ask important questions based on the agreement.
Know everything so you don’t have to call your landlord every time.
Pay the rent on time.
Practice the process on how to contact your landlord.
Handle what you can.
Be reasonable with your request.

Benefits for Tenants having a Good Landlord-Tenant Relationship:

There are benefits you can get when you’re having a good relationship with your landlord. Once landlords experienced you as a great tenant (following the leased agreement), they will probably address your maintenance requests immediately. Take care of the property and stay it clean. Treat it like you are owning the home. The landlords will appreciate you.

If you are paying the rent on time and eventually get into emergency instances, the landlord will be more forgiving of you. He will surely understand the situation and will give you chances as part of being a good tenant to him.

As time goes by, there are scenarios when the landlord needs to increase the rent because of the increasing property expenses. However, when you know how to care for their property and you have a good relationship with him, the landlord will be less likely to raise your rent to the max.

Tips on How Landlords can Build a Good Relationship with their Tenants

Choose a tenant with good credit. Look for a tenant who is financially responsible. Better verify their income and run a credit check. Perform also a criminal background check to secure the safety of other renters. You may ask their recent landlord with the following:

Did the tenant pay their rent on time? If not how many days of delay?
What was the reason why they moved out? Were they breaking the lease agreement?
How did they keep your property? Were they clean?
Were they respectful to other renters as well as to you?
Did they cause any damage to your property other than natural disasters and normal wear and tear?
Did they complain often?

In regards to tenants’ requests, inform them ahead if there will be delays in resolving the issues.

Benefits for Landlords having a Good Landlord-Tenant Relationship:

Being a good landlord, expect tenants to do as well unto you. Tenants will surely care for your property as a payback for your goodness. You will get timely rent payments from them as well.

Mutual respect between parties can lead to more leased renewals. Tenants may probably ask their friends and relatives to stay and live on your property because of the great service you are showing

If you are a landlord having uneasy and demanding tenants living on your property, try to negotiate with them and rebuild your good relationship. Take full responsibility in this situation. Yet, if you feel you can’t handle them as much as patience you have, it would be best to evict them. Check out our blog on how to evict a tenant and how to deal with demanding tenants.

Mariel