The Art of Real Estate » relationship

Strengthening the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants: 4

Heather — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:15:25 +0000

As a landlord, you cannot let your tenants walk all over you; please do not take that message from these posts. You can be nice and kind without being a total pushover.

Professionalism is key. It allows you to be kind and fair but firm as well. After all, this is your property, your home, your apartment complex, whatever the vase may be. You should not be too friendly, because that could prompt your tenants to take advantage of your kindness.

If the rent is late, stick to your late fees, or else you might find that the rent starts to come late every month — and if tenants will break one rule, they may break others, simply because they do not think you will do anything about it.

To this end, it is important to make sure that your expectations and standards are clearly stated in the lease.

Strengthening the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants: 3

Heather — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:10:06 +0000

You know how the old saying goes: do unto others as you would have done unto you — or something like that. Archaic languages are not my forte. Anyway, the point is, that as a landlord you have to be kind if you want kind tenants in turn. Treating them like they are somehow beneath you or indebted to you is not a great idea. You are equals, in a business arrangement.

Plus, if your tenants respect you, they will respect your property as well.

This behavior includes making repairs as quickly as you can. When it is time to collect that month’s rent, ask them if there is anything you can do. Make sure your visits to them are nice, that you aren’t just getting paid and then taking off.

Strengthening the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants: 2

Heather — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:42:14 +0000

Landlords, you need to make wise choices when it comes to picking your tenants. If you have bad tenants, then things are going to be bad from the word go. A screening process can help you. Check their credit, their criminal history, and make sure you get references from both former landlords and employers.

Talking to other landlords is very important. A tenant may look great on paper but could, let’s say, have the kind of habits that are not really conducive to renting property. They might have lots of crazy parties, fight with a spouse or significant other, or any number of other things.

Credit checks and employee references will not reveal this, but talking to current and former landlords certainly will.