How do landlords maintain good relations with their tenants?
Rudolphe ABEN
Relationships between tenants and landlords are generally difficult to manage. There are a number of resources available to landlords that can help them prevent evictions. For example, you can avoid many disputes by having a lease agreement tailored to your property. If you think it would be helpful to add certain provisions to your lease, you should consult a real estate agency to have your lease drafted to your specifications. We also have some other helpful tips to help you understand this link and reduce the energy consumption of your rentals.
Prepare the basics by setting up the rules
In most cases, simply informing tenants of their responsibilities and obligations at the outset is enough to set the stage for a positive and productive relationship. Then, when you sign the lease, don't hesitate to revisit these guidelines to make sure everything is crystal clear.
Although it's probably already obvious, it's a good idea to mention that rent and utilities must be paid on time. If you don't want tenants to think they can get away with anything, it's best to be excessive about a few things. If you follow these basic guidelines, you can be sure that your tenants will have a pleasant experience in your unit.
Tenants should be aware that they are responsible for keeping the property in excellent condition and making any minor repairs that may be needed, in addition to standard requirements such as meeting the terms of the lease and obtaining insurance. If there is a serious problem that requires expert help (plumbing, electrical, boiler, water heater, etc.), make sure they know they can contact you. Remember that tenants will be more attentive to your property if you make them responsible for the condition of the property and insist that it be the basis for the tenants' departure.
Safe and welcoming rental units
A few small acts of kindness can go a long way toward earning your tenants' trust and laying the foundation for a productive working relationship. First, make sure you clean the unit thoroughly and address any existing issues before they move in. This will prevent them from getting upset as soon as they arrive. The relationship with the tenants will get off to a good start if the apartment or house is ready for occupancy and free of serious defects.
In addition, you can hand over a record of recommendations you have made for your own home. When you rent a fully furnished and equipped house, it is essential to know how to operate the appliances. Put any detailed information about the use of the facilities (plumbing, circuit breaker, heating program, etc.) in this brief tenant's guide.
Maintain a level of accessibility without becoming intrusive
Your tenants will really appreciate being able to contact you quickly in the event of a maintenance problem. Even if the residents are responsible for some of the maintenance, you must be accessible because you are ultimately responsible for the maintenance of the building.
However, tenants should not be harmed by this convenience. In other words, even if you live nearby, you should not visit them out of curiosity; that would be a big mistake. Even if you are the owner of the property, your tenants reside in the house and have full use and enjoyment of it as long as they pay their rent and do not cause a disturbance.
When rent is late or tenants are irresponsible with maintenance, it can be difficult to maintain a positive relationship with them. Using a real estate professional to manage the day-to-day operations of your investment property can help you sleep better at night and relieve some of the stress of owning an investment property.