Below are a few pointers to have a good landlord-tenant relationship:
1. Get off on the right foot
Ideally make sure that you meet your tenant before they move in. Work on building rapport early on so you can develop mutual trust as time goes on. You don’t need to be best buddies, but a good working relationship will really help if and when any problems crop up.
2. Keep in touch
It’s important that your tenants feel you’re available so try to touch base with them fairly regularly. Also, regular contact can help to identify any issues before they escalate, meaning that you’re on the front foot and appearing to be proactive.
3. Set out expectations clearly
It is vital that the terms of engagement are clear from the start. Have a detailed written contract which covers expected behaviour from both parties and be sure to stick to it. Tenants and landlords have a right to be treated fairly so by setting out and agreeing reasonable terms.
4. Understand your responsibilities and take them seriously
Make sure you are clued up about your legal responsibilities and don’t just pay lip service to them. Be clear with your tenants about your obligations and demonstrate to them that you are fulfilling your duties properly, which will reassure them and also give you the benefit of the doubt if any issues come up.
5. Tackle problems quickly
If a problem arises, make sure it’s dealt with effectively and efficiently. Communicate clearly and if you agree on a certain course of action or deadline, make sure you stick to it. If you are struggling to agree matters with your tenant, call on a trusted third party to provide an independent point of view and act as mediator.
A positive landlord and tenant relationship is invaluable and can be a huge asset to your business. Having a reputation as a good landlord will boost the rental potential of your property and getting on well with your tenant should ensure that the tenancy is fairly hassle-free. Happy tenants stay longer too, cutting down on the cost and inconvenience of re-letting or having a void property sitting on your books. Lastly, from a health and safety point of view, a positive relationship is much more likely to result in a high quality living environment.
Landlord/Tenant Relationship
From the landlord’s point of view, they have to trust that their tenant will look after their property as if it was their own and treat it with care and respect. From the tenants’ perspective, they have to believe that the landlord will keep their property well maintained and act swiftly in any case of emergency.
In our opinion, good tenants:
- Are respectful of their neighbours right to quiet enjoyment of their homes.
- Have respect for their landlord’s property and their neighbours’ property.
- Keep a clean and tidy home.
- Pay their rent on time, every month.
- Provide their landlord with access to the property when necessary.
- Report any problems when they occur.
- Leave the property in a good state.
- Tenant Eviction Ban
Equally, a good landlord:
- Ensures the property is safe, well maintained and adheres to all necessary legal requirements.
- Is a clear and consistent communicator
- Charges a fair rent, in line with the market.
- Gives plenty of notice of any increased charges.
- Uses a reputable agent.
- Keeps their agent informed of changes in circumstance, for example if the landlord is planning on taking a holiday, so that the tenant is never at a loss for where to turn for help.
- Stamp Duty Holiday until 31st March 2021
Please contact Pelin Martin to book a 30-minute complimentary property consultation on +0208 994 7327 – pm@bluecrystallondon.co.uk