Building a Professional Relationship with Your Tenants: Guide for Landlords
Running a small business has its ups and downs, especially if you’re into real estate. But in the long run, building a professional relationship with your tenants has its perks and can help you earn more money and maintain renter satisfaction.
To learn the importance of your relationship, as well as how to set respectful boundaries and maintain transparency with tenants, stick around till the end:
Importance of Building a Professional Relationship with Tenants
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To Prolong the Lifespan of Your Property
As a landlord, you can maximize your investment by prioritizing your relationship with tenants. When renters have a cordial and professional understanding with their landlords, they tend to respect their homes and promptly report minor issues when they pop up. As a result, property owners can quickly make repairs, extending the lifespan of the appliances, furnishing, and home’s structure.
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To Prevent Excessive Wear and Tear
Explain in plain words the terms and conditions of your lease and expectations. Many landlords choose to specify the maximum number of occupants they’re comfortable housing or have other rules regarding pet policies. The end goal of such restrictions is to avoid overloading the property’s facilities, which can quickly cause it to deteriorate. For example, animals can leave permanent stains on your floors or scratch marks on your walls, reducing your property’s value.
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To Maintain Your Curb Appeal
Make your neighbors jealous by putting some serious effort into your yard and exterior care. While tenants are responsible for caring for the rental, landlords need to spell out those duties. You can’t expect all renters to go through the trouble of trimming trees or adding mulch to flowers, which is why it’s better to opt for low-maintenance landscaping in a rental property. However, communicating easier to complete duties like mowing the lawn and watering flower beds can ensure your property is the envy of the neighborhood.
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To Reduce Tenant Turnover and Improve Your Landlord Ratings
Maintain a steady source of income through your professionalism. Tenants like to know what they’re getting into before signing a rental agreement and establishing good communication with a professional rental manager in Leesburg can help tenants feel more comfortable during their lease. These experts can set clear expectations regarding rental policies, giving new tenants a heads-up and helping ensure old renters stay longer and leave good reviews.
Setting Respectful Boundaries
Maintenance Expectations
Most renters inquire about repair services, and you can build a strong relationship by knowing these frequently asked questions by tenants. Keep them informed by clearly outlining your procedure and your expectations of them. If you provide 24/7 emergency services, and the timeline for repair requests are excellent questions you should address.
Landlord Right of Entry
It’s crucial to adhere to landlord-tenant laws by informing your tenants before entering the property. Yes, we know you technically own it, but their renters also have a right to their privacy and you could easily wind up in a lawsuit if you disregard such laws. Even if you want to complete an inspection or perform a repair the tenant requested, go through the proper channels. It would be best to inform them beforehand instead of showing up unannounced with tools in hand. Communicate the date and time you’ll likely be on the premises, especially if they’ll be out of the house when you’re around; in the long run, such acts can make them feel safer.
Right of Quiet Enjoyment
Be considerate to your other tenants and neighbors by outlining policies about noise. Some HOAs are particularly strict when residents disrupt their right to quiet enjoyment and could even call the police. So, to avoid creating a hostile situation, tell your renters the expectations regarding loud music in the early hours or late evenings and policies on house parties and other rowdy hangouts.
Transparency on Tenants Requests
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Be Reachable
Promote transparency between both parties by being accessible. The last thing any tenant wants to deal with is a landlord who is difficult to get a hold of. Such patterns can discourage renters from telling you when something on the property is amiss or taking repairs into their own hands that damage your rental. Instead of compromising your property’s value and reputation, set up an accessible phone number or email, or sign up for an app that streamlines communication.
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Give Regular Property Updates
Keep your tenants in the loop when there’s an issue. If a renter complains about a leaking roof, give feedback on how soon you’ll be on the ground to assess the situation and what actions they can take while waiting. Also, let them know when to expect a professional plumber, electrician, or other workman.
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Ask for Feedback
Ensure communication is a two-way street by encouraging tenants to give feedback. When renters feel they can air their issues without repercussions, they’re more likely to be truthful and offer solutions that could improve your services. You can ask for feedback periodically or set up a suggestion box for year-round contributions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, building a professional relationship with your tenants has several benefits. It can help you expand the lifespan of your property, prevent excessive wear and tear, and keep your rental looking good. Moreover, it encourages renters to stay longer, creating fewer vacancies and increasing your stable income. As a result, setting respectful boundaries can help you earn more and get more out of your investment.
Some ways to set boundaries include maintenance expectations, adhering to state laws on landlord entry, and educating tenants on the right to quiet enjoyment. Further, stay transparent regarding tenant requests by being reachable, giving property updates, and asking for feedback. Finally, consider outsourcing some of your responsibilities to a property manager who can help you create and maintain a professional relationship with your renters.
