The best homes boast a sturdy foundation, and this principle applies to the relationship between landlords and tenants. The connection between landlord and tenant relies on a balance of flexibility and firmness, open communication and respect for privacy, and upholding one’s responsibilities. If you want to build a positive, lasting relationship with your tenants, we will help you find your way. Here are five ways to find your footing in the balance of a good landlord-tenant relationship.
Get to Know Your Renter
The initial screening process allows landlords to learn about potential tenants, but a tenant is more than just their rental history or credit score. To build an excellent landlord-tenant relationship, get to know your renter beyond the basics. Once your renter completes an application, and you can adequately screen their information, reach out to discover more about the renter, their housing needs, and what they look for in a rental. The screening process informs landlords about potential tenants and gives tenants insight into their potential landlords. Discovering more information about your tenant may help you determine if they truly are an excellent fit for your property. Likewise, forming a conversation that does not revolve around credit scores, income, or rental history may show your tenant that you care about them and see them as a person—not just a dollar sign. Forming positive interactions from the start helps place the building blocks for a great landlord-tenant relationship.
Set Clear Expectations
Although it’s important to build an open relationship with your tenant from the beginning, your relationship must remain professional. The best way to ensure that it does? Set clear expectations from the very start. Include detailed rules in the lease agreement and clearly outline the consequences if the tenant were to break them. In your lease contract, specify:
- The monthly rent
- The length of any grace period you will extend
- The fee for late rent
- Whether you or the tenant are responsible for maintenance repairs
- Pet policies
- Smoking policies
- Insurance expectations
- Security deposit
- Damage deductions from the security deposit
- Consequences of breaking the lease
Outlining straightforward rules and consequences for your tenant ensures that your expectations are clear and your relationship remains professional.
Life happens. When it does, it may be helpful to balance flexibility with firmness. However, providing clear expectations at the onset of the lease ensures that your tenant understands the rules. If a tenant ever requests your flexibility in an unexpected situation—for example, if they ask for a one-time extended grace period—clarifying the regulations from the very beginning will help them understand the exception you’re making. This balance of setting clear expectations—but understanding when those expectations require flexibility—ensures that you may assert your authority and professionalism as a landlord and still build excellent personal relationships with your tenants.
Make a Great First Impression
Once your tenant signs the lease contract, it’s finally time to meet in person! Before their move-in date, prepare a welcome gift for the tenant. Leave the gift inside the apartment for the tenant to find upon arrival. This way, you allow your tenant the option to maintain their privacy while also conveying your appreciation to them for leasing your rental. From providing bathroom staples to cleaning supplies, a thoughtful gift can go a long way in fostering a great tenant relationship.
Maintain Clear Communication
Communication is key in any situation, but it’s especially vital in the rental world. Tenants need to be able to contact you directly in case of emergencies, maintenance repairs, or other concerns. Likewise, landlords need a reliable form of communication with tenants in cases of late rent payments or lease violations. To help ensure that you and your tenant maintain clear communication, establish a reliable platform to reach each other easily. Correspond with your tenant in writing for important notices, and timestamp the information you send and receive from your renter.
Hold yourself accountable to a “respond by” time limit if a tenant contacts you with a concern. Whether your response time is thirty minutes or two business days, maintain consistency in how quickly you address their concerns. Responding to all your tenant’s inquiries and requests promptly, while setting the same expectation for your tenant, is a great building block toward maintaining a good tenant relationship.
Honor Your Word
Your rental property is a business. Like any business, it will only thrive if your customer leaves satisfied. Your tenants are your customers. They support your business, ensure it remains successful and spread positive reviews for future customers. As a landlord, it is your job to provide the best customer service to your tenants and treat them with respect throughout their tenancy. One way to ensure this is to honor your word. All lease agreements must include renter’s rights—such as the warranty of habitability or a notice of entry. You may also choose to add additional rights, such as the right to a quiet environment. As your renters settle into their tenancy, ensure that you uphold the rights you agreed to in the lease contract.
Likewise, promptly fix any maintenance concerns if you are responsible for maintaining repairs in and around the property. A solid landlord-tenant relationship relies on a dependable landlord. Fulfilling the duties you promised instills trust between you and your tenant. The more confidence your tenant has in you, the more you can depend on them to uphold their responsibilities. To maintain a great relationship with your tenant, honor your renters’ rights and uphold your landlord responsibilities throughout their lease.
Choose the Best Tenants from the Start with Apartments.com
Most relationships form in different ways across various timeframes, but the best landlord-tenant relationships start with Apartments.com’s application manager system. Apartments.com makes it easy to screen tenants, get the information you need, and find a qualified renter fast. Browse through an applicant's:
- Credit history
- Criminal
- Eviction history
- References
And if you want to learn more? Request more information from your tenant with just one click. With inside access to your tenant’s history, you can decide who may better fit your property and personality. One of the most critical elements of renting is the relationship between a tenant and a landlord. Let Apartments.com help foster the best connection for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key to a good tenant relationship?
The key to a good tenant relationship is communication. Respond to your tenant on time, honor your duties to maintain the property, and encourage your tenant to do the same.
How can I improve my tenant’s satisfaction?
The best way to improve your tenant’s satisfaction is to ask for feedback and implement it. Always strive to improve your property and the way that you manage it. When your property management improves, your tenant’s happiness may also improve.
