10 Ways to Be a Good Tenant
If given a choice, would you choose to get along with your landlord or choose to antagonize them? You should always pick the first because even if it sounds self-serving, you’ll gain a lot of benefits. Getting along with your landlord, of course, stems from you being a good tenant. As easy as it sounds, being a good tenant can be pretty tough to achieve.
10 Tips on How to Become a Good Tenant
Being a good tenant comes naturally to many people. A lot of it involves basic human decency, after all. However, there are some other things that you need to keep in mind. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips, including the following:
1. Communicate with your landlord properly.
No matter what aspect of life you look at, many problems are caused by a lack of communication. Landlord-tenant relations are no exception to this, and it is important to always communicate with your landlord properly. Promptly report any major problems that you spot or any concerns that you think they need to know.
Also, use whatever means that your landlord prefers for reporting concerns. Whether it’s through email, a call, or an SMS, using their preferred means is a show of goodwill.
Friendliness also goes a long way — talking to your landlord doesn’t always have to be a business transaction. Make small talk, ask them how they are, crack a little joke, or smile a bit more often. Doing these can make you seem more approachable, and this can work wonders.
2. Understand your contract and lease.
What many people don’t realize is that the contract lease is a legal document. In fact, it’s the most important document regarding your tenancy as it defines the terms of the lease. As such, you need to make sure that you fully understand the terms of the contract. This is to prevent you from unknowingly breaking these terms and facing legal consequences. Ignorance is not a valid form of defense in many legal cases so stay aware of everything.
3. Make sure you can afford the rent and pay on time.
Before moving in, the most important consideration is if you can afford the monthly rent or not. If you do, then move in if you like the place. Being able to afford it is only one part of rent finances, though.
You should also always pay on time, as doing so can build trust between you and your landlord. There are many benefits to this, like flexibility with the property and good recommendations if you need them.
4. Keep your area clean and orderly.
How would you feel if you rent out your property and find out that your tenants are slobs? We’re sure that this is something you wouldn’t want for your property as a landlord.
As a good tenant, you need to make sure that you keep your space in order. You’re not just doing this for your landlord, too. Living in a dirty and messy space isn’t pleasant at all.
5. Take good care of the place.
Besides keeping the place clean and orderly, you also need to keep it in good shape. Keeping it damage-free can also help build trust between you and your landlord. If damage can’t be prevented, be sure to tell your landlord about it.
6. Be a good neighbor.
Building rapport between you and your neighbors is also necessary. You live in the same area, and it always helps to see friendly faces living close to you.
To be a good neighbor is to be a decent human being. On the more utilitarian side, at least you’ll have people to turn to if you need help.
7. Solve the little problems by yourself.
More often than not, a landlord handles multiple units all at once. This means that your landlord is probably more stressed than you think. If you have problems with your place that you can handle yourself, then do so by all means. Even if you fix the problem yourself, still inform your landlord afterward for record-keeping purposes.
8. Don’t violate your agreement.
Being aware of the terms of your lease is one thing; actually following what it contains is another. Always keep in mind that all the contents of the agreement are legally binding. Any violations you commit can be taken against you if you take legal actions. If you find that any of your actions may violate the terms, then cease doing them at once.
9. Respect everyone.
Keep in mind that you should always treat everyone – be it your landlord or neighbors, with respect. Arguments and disagreements are not always easy to prevent. That, however, doesn’t mean that you should go berserk when you have the chance.
Sitting down and talking about the matter at hand calmly is more productive than having a screaming match. Keeping a cool head can even earn you plus points from your landlord.
10. Don’t leave any damage or garbage behind
Moving out of your place takes a lot of planning. Aside from all the logistics of moving your items, you must address garbage disposal and damage repairs.
Leaving behind garbage or any damage that you have caused is just plain irresponsible. Just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you can quit being a good tenant, so take care of your mess.
Property Management Can Help Make Communication Easier Between Landlords and Tenants
The things we’ve listed above don’t just help tenants. Landlords can also pick up a few things from the traits of good tenants that we mentioned above. Of course, for tenants to be good, the landlord also has to be. If you’re a landlord, you would know how difficult it is to be responsible for everyone’s problems.
Fortunately, some services can help you deal with these problems systematically. MILA Realty, an Orlando-based property management company, can help ease these burdens. All tenant concerns will be forwarded to us, and we will help you manage these issues.
What we do can lighten the workload that being a landlord brings. If you’re interested, you may contact 1-407-569-8899 for more information.
