How to Keep Renters Happy
Little things can play a big role in improving your landlord-tenant relationship. After all, property management is largely based on trust. If tenants trust you to keep your word in keeping the rental habitable, then it’s reasonable to conclude they’d want to hang around longer.
However, it’s important to place emphasis on building a good relationship. Even if a rental space meets expectations, if the landlord-tenant relationship is problematic, then it can still result in turnovers.
As a landlord, you want to cover both aspects by taking care of the property and cultivating a good landlord-tenant relationship. Here are a few ways to create happiness in your tenants, leading them to stay long-term!
Act Professional
You’re not required to wear a suit and tie. Still, it’s advisable to wear decent clothes to foster respect. Avoid walking around with no shirt or wrinkled clothes. People will still form judgments. Even if you’re comfortable with your renters and they’re very casual, it’s important to establish boundaries by treating them as your clients.
Speak in a professional manner. Avoid raising your voice or using foul language. The words we use matter and alter how people treat you. Be respectful, friendly, and observe good boundaries.
Display a sense of professionalism. Keeping your word should go without saying. For example, if you tell them that a repair is on the way, make sure you stick to the promise.
Create a Clear Rental Agreement
It’s easy to fall into conflicts when your rental contract has several vague terms and conditions. As such, find time to craft a lease properly. It must be concise and specific so that the renter knows exactly what to expect.
Look at sample leases to have a fair idea of how to construct one. Use direct language to make the rental agreement understandable, and check that it’s legally compliant.
Keep in mind what provisions you want to include. Flesh out the details. The more specific the information, the easier it is to follow. It must have disclosures and addendums to further enhance a renter’s knowledge.
Don’t forget to have the renter sign the document, either. This makes the rental agreement acceptable in court.
Be Attentive to Repairs
Avoid repair delays. When a tenant reports a property damage issue, schedule repairs as soon as possible. Creating urgency in providing solutions impresses your tenants. It fixes inconveniences. They’re able to trust you more to immediately resolve problems that come up in the course of renting.
When landlords care about a tenant’s convenience, it brings happiness. Some landlords may not assign a priority in fixing a clogged toilet, but the renter experiences frustration.
Consider the difference between a landlord that takes a week to fix this problem versus one who gets it fixed on the same day or the next day at the latest. An empathetic landlord is highly valued.
Answer Calls from Tenants
If you’re a self-managing landlord, each day is filled with a million things to do. One moment you’re conducting a property showing, the next you’re negotiating with a contractor. No matter how busy you are though, it’s not an excuse to ignore calls or complaints from your tenants.
The landlord is often the go-to person that renters put so much faith in to find solutions to property issues. So when things go wrong and renters feel helpless to resolve situations, they contact the landlord.
Tenants may also need a go signal from the landlord before taking any action. Otherwise, another problem may develop. Landlords should be grateful when tenants report a concern. This is an opportunity to show tenants how they can address the situation and prove to them that they’re the right rental choice.
Continue to Improve the Property
Just because you landed high-quality tenants doesn’t mean becoming complacent. Be consistent in maintaining the property. Also, be on the lookout for little upgrades you can do. The better the rental appears, the more likely your tenants will renew the lease.
Refresh the appearance of your unit by conducting renovations. Perform some repainting, and swap furnishings and appliances that have become worn down due to normal wear and tear.
Hire professional cleaners to deep clean your rental home. Add more security features. Hire a landscaper and invest in sturdy materials to keep your property looking its best as each year passes. There are many options to choose from.
Honor Tenant Privacy
There’s a reason why the covenant of quiet enjoyment is created. It safeguards the renter’s privacy. Some landlords can be aloof. On the other end, some landlords can be super friendly and cross boundaries. Always be conscious of not going overboard and respect your tenant’s privacy.
If you need to enter the rental unit for the required inspections or a property showing, inform your tenant beforehand. Send a notice as early as possible. Some tenants prefer to be around when inspections are conducted. Thus, it’s helpful to notify them so they can make the subsequent arrangements to change their schedule.
Be a Flexible Landlord
Understandably, leasing agreements are created for tenants to be guided on the policies while renting your property. It helps manage their expectations when you set the rules. It also lets them know what happens when the rules are broken. But remember, there’s a thin line you can cross with being too rigid and adhering to the policies.
Tenants may make little requests from time to time. They might ask to decorate or change the paint color of the rental. Others might request to keep a pet. Instead of giving an outright no, consider if the request can be honored.
If it’s reasonable and limits can be observed then, by all means, grant the request. This can bring joy on the part of the tenants and improve your relationship.
Bottom Line
Great quality renters can be hard to come by. That’s why it’s worth making adjustments to keep them. By displaying professionalism, honoring their privacy, and dealing with concerns right away, you’re letting them know that you appreciate their presence. Making tenants happy can sometimes take very little on the part of a landlord.
If any of the above seems hard to maintain, feel free to contact McKenna & Vane Property Management for top success in keeping your Maryland tenants happy!
