Photo by FOTEROS:
If you’re a landlord, you know how important it is to have a good relationship with your tenants, especially when investing in your property. The benefits of having happy tenants who pay rent on time and maintain the property are well-documented.
That said, there are some things landlords can do to improve their relationships with tenants and make their lives easier in the process. Here are eight tips for improving landlord-tenant relationships:
Communication Is Key.
It’s a two-way street, so you need to be able to communicate with your tenants, your property manager, and even your insurance company. The more open and honest you are with each party involved in the transaction, the better it will go for everyone involved.
Property Safety is Important.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and it’s important for everyone in the building to feel safe. Landlords are responsible for keeping their properties in good condition and maintaining them, so they don’t become dangerous. Landlords can also implement security systems such as a key fob system to give tenants extra security. Tenants are also responsible for not letting their homes fall into disrepair, becoming too messy, or letting anyone into the property that could cause issues for other tenants.
Use Technology to Your Advantage.
Communication is key in the landlord-tenant relationship, but it’s important for both parties to be on the same page regarding their expectations and responsibilities. Use modern technology such as email and text messaging to facilitate this communication. If you’re a landlord, use these tools when communicating with tenants, other landlords, and even your attorney. If you’re a tenant, use them so that you can access any necessary documents from the original lease agreement through eviction proceedings if necessary.
Utilize an Online Portal to Save Time and Money.
An online portal is a great way to save time and money. It allows landlords to communicate with tenants, accept payments, maintain records, and schedule maintenance requests all in one place. This can be especially helpful if you own multiple properties or have a large number of tenants who are scattered around the city.
Screen Your Tenants Before Making a Lease Agreement.
Before you enter into a lease agreement with your tenant, it is wise to do a background check. This can include checking their credit score and references, as well as asking whether they would be able to act as guarantors if needed. If possible, it’s also good to have someone who has a history of paying rent in order to help offset any risk involved with renting out the property.
Always Read the Fine Print Before Signing a Lease.
Before you sign a lease, it’s important to know exactly what you are signing. You should always have your lease reviewed by an attorney to ensure that the terms of your agreement are clear, fair and enforceable. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where there has been some kind of misunderstanding between yourself and your tenant.
Understand the Best Ways to Get Rent Paid on Time.
Understanding the best ways to get rent paid on Time is important for the landlord-tenant relationship because it helps both parties understand their responsibilities and how they should be carried out. When landlords and tenants take responsibility for their own actions, they are less likely to run into problems with one another. This will help both parties avoid misunderstandings, arguments, and even legal action in some cases.
Understand the Law and Your Rights as a Landlord.
It is important to understand the law and your rights as a landlord. As a landlord, you have certain responsibilities that you must uphold. If you do not adhere to the law, it can negatively impact your business. As a tenant, it is important that you know what those obligations are so that you can avoid breaking them or being at risk of losing your lease because of violations.