How Tenants Can Build A Positive Relationship With Their Landlords

In a previous article, we discussed a number of things that property owners can do to maintain a good relationship with their tenants. This article explores a relational dynamic that goes in the opposite direction: it looks at a few steps that tenants can take to build a positive rapport with their landlords.

Keep The Property Clean

As a renter, you have a duty to keep your residence in good shape. Your landlord will be pleased with you if you’re continually giving their property a good look by cleaning it often. It’s a sign that you’re a responsible tenant, one that most landlords will want to occupy the spaces they’ve built.

Of course, there are benefits that accrue to tenants when they consistently maintain a decent aesthetic in and around the location in which they live. These include enjoying an environment that’s pleasing to the eyes, and reducing the chances of falling ill due to the pollution around that area.

Take Charge Of Minor Fixes

Major repairs and renovations are typically taken on by landlords. These tasks may be relatively costly, and demand a lot of effort to execute. Tenants are seldom called upon to deal with these things.

However, renters can fix smaller issues within the property, especially if the problems in question have resulted from their actions or inactions. Examples may include leaking taps, broken tiles, or a faulty doorknob. Repairing or replacing these things won’t cost much. It’ll also make the property owner pleased with the tenant concerned.

Relationships are sustained by regular communication. So it’s important that tenants keep in touch with their landlords. A good landlord may occasionally call to check on their tenant’s wellbeing. There should be no harm in tenants doing the same for their landlords.

But make sure you also communicate your concerns to the property owner. Whether it’s a damaged water pump or problems with security, let your landlord know about it. You’ll want them to do their duty, just as you’re doing yours.

Promptly Pay Rental Fees

Pay your rent as soon as you can. Early rent payments will almost always please your landlord. After all, the need to earn an income through rent is why they own the property in the first place.

But if you are unable to pay your rent, let your landlord know about it. Also, give them a time frame within which you’ll be able to settle the debt. More often than not, landlords are open to extending the grace period for paying rent. Just do what you can to clear the bill before the extension expires.

Ensure that you honour the terms and conditions that you agreed to before moving into your home or office. Those details are often included in a tenancy agreement that’s co-signed by you and your landlord. You should have a copy of this document, so you can refer to it when the need to do so arises.

Be At Peace With Your Neighbour

You don’t want your landlord to get news that you’re having a running battle with your neighbours (who are probably also your landlord’s tenants). It could sour your relationship with the property owner.

Just like everyone else, landlords want peace of mind. Your quarrels with neighbours could hinder this. Do what you can to live in harmony with the people around you, or at least avoid conflict with them.

Final Words

The nature of the relationship that renters have with their landlords could determine the quality of the experience they have as tenants in the space within which they live and work. If you are a tenant, you should make it a priority to maintain a decent relationship with your landlord. You can do this by following the steps that we have shared here.