Tenants vs landlords: How to foster a healthy rental relationship
Fostering a good relationship with your landlord or real estate agent can go a long way to ensuring your rental life is pain free. Here’s how.
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In today’s rental climate, it might seem as though tenants are from Venus and landlords are from Mars.
From rental increases to maintenance issues, timely payments and condition reports, it can be difficult to navigate the relationship between the two opposing sides of the market.
So how can renters ensure smooth sailing once they’ve secured a pad? And what can landlords do to hold on to a quality tenant and maintain a long-lasting relationship?
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Rental Search Australia co-founder and director Jade Costello says while rental increases are appealing to landlords in the current market, hiking costs can be more detrimental to providers than they might think.
“Especially when landlords have had a tenant for a long time, they think, ‘if I go to the open market, I might be able to get more money’,” Costello explains.
“But they need to take into account vacancy time and the time needed for a property to be leased, which will result in at least a week of lost rent.”
She adds that a reliable, long-term tenant can be more valuable than the extra cash earned from an increase.
Responding to maintenance requests in a timely manner is another factor for landlords to consider if they want to keep a good tenant.
According to Costello, landlords often drag out the maintenance process by taking months to seek multiple quotes.
“This can be frustrating for renters who don’t have heating in the middle of winter, or who have an oven that breaks down,” she says.
“Landlords need to look at their investment property as a business rather than something personal, because as soon as emotions are involved it becomes tricky.”
When a lease expiry is on the horizon, Costello advises landlords to ask their tenant 90 days prior about their renewal plans.
Providing this courtesy gives both parties peace of mind to know that the tenancy is secure for an extra 12 months.
Rental providers should also ensure they have selected a quality, vetted tenant from the get-go.
“This is paramount,” Costello adds. “Selecting great tenants will set you up for a seamless and trouble-free tenancy.”
On the other side, tenants also need to hold up their end of the bargain – that is, paying rent on time and respecting the property they’re leasing.
Ray White Property Management business development executive Alana Bess says timely rent payments are the core foundation of a good landlord-tenant relationship.
“Paying rent on time not only shows responsibility but also helps the landlord manage their finances and property expenses efficiently,” Bess says.
“If possible, set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.”
Treating a rental property as if it were your own is also integral to holding a long-term lease.
Bess says keeping the home clean, avoiding any damage, and reporting maintenance issues promptly are key.
“Presenting the property well for routine inspections also goes a long way and provides investors with peace of mind,” she adds.
“The bottom line is that tenant-landlord relationships rely on honesty and respect.
“If you understand that your landlord or tenant is generally doing their best and set about keeping them happy, you’ll develop a strong working relationship.”
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY TENANT-LANDLORD RELATIONSHIP
IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNICATION
Effective communication is essential in developing strong tenant-landlord relationships. Be respectful and clear in your communication, avoiding aggressive or confrontational language. Miscommunication and unaddressed issues can lead to frustration and strained relations, so regular and transparent communication is key.
MEDIATE DISPUTES AMICABLY
If disagreements occur, try to resolve them through open communication and compromise. Understanding each other’s perspectives can go a long way to finding mutually agreeable solutions. If necessary, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator, to help facilitate the resolution.
STAY INFORMED
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of rental laws, compliance requirements and regulations specific to your state. Tenants should know their rights, and landlords should be aware of their responsibilities. Understanding the legal framework helps both parties navigate the rental relationship with confidence and fairness.
Source: Ray White Property Management BDE Alana Bess
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