Building a positive relationship with your landlord is an important part of student living. From my own experience of being a tenant, I can tell you investing in your relationship with your landlord means they are more likely to address issues promptly and be more forgiving in the case of emergencies. Not only is this relationship important for your time as a tenant but in future rental cases, your landlord can be an excellent reference. Here are some tips I have used to help foster and maintain a strong landlord-tenant relationship.
1. Make a strong first impression
First impressions matter therefore when you are meeting your landlord for the first time, be polite, professional and punctual. Demonstrating respect will set the tone for future interactions. My friends and I always made a conscious effort to arrive at showings on time, if not a few minutes early. When it comes to signing a lease, read the document thoroughly and ask any questions you may have. Understanding your role as a tenant shows your commitment to fulfilling your part of the agreement.
2. Pay your rent on time
Paying your rent on time is a crucial aspect of being a good tenant. Each month I pay my rent on time and in full on the due date. When you sign a lease, it is a legally binding document therefore if you are sending rent late every month, you are putting your relationship with your landlord at risk. If unforeseen circumstances arise that may impact your ability to pay rent on time, communicate this with your landlord immediately to determine a possible solution.
3. Respect the property
It is important to treat your unit as if it were your property. Me and my housemates work hard to keep our space clean and tidy by abiding to the chore list we created together and avoid any unnecessary damage that would occur due to reckless behaviour. Caring for the property shows the landlord that you鈥檙e a responsible tenant, strengthening your relationship. If there are any maintenance problems, contact your landlord and let them know when something needs repaired or replacement. From personal experience, the earlier you contact your landlord regarding a maintenance issue, the better!
4. Communicate effectively
Open communication is key as it is important to inform your landlord of any issues with the property. Keeping in touch with your landlord ensures problems are fixed promptly. I recommend having a group chat with your housemates and landlord so that you are able to contact your landlord quickly if any issues arise. When contacting your landlord, ensure the message is clear, concise and polite. While being friendly is great, it is important to maintain professional boundaries and keep interactions focused on property-related matters. If you have any questions about your rights as a tenant, feel free to reach out and connect with the off campus living advisor! They also have resources available on their website: /ocla/housing-resources