In case your relationship with your tenant goes sour or become combative, your ability to work productively together will decrease. The good thing is that there are many things you can do as the property owner to foster a positive relationship with your tenant.
Possibly the most relevant thing you can do to create a positive relationship with your tenant is to develop strong communication skills. Establish and maintain open lines of communication with your tenant. Next, when the tenant contacts you, respond quickly to their inquiries or concerns. If you are unable to personally field tenant calls, then it is important to hire someone who can work on your behalf.
A quality property manager is prepared to communicate effectively with your tenant on your behalf. But no matter who will be communicating directly with your tenant, be sure to give your tenant plenty of clear information, explain why things are happening, and provide advance notice if anything changes.
Another important component of a positive tenant relationship is trust. As the Roxbury property manager, you can encourage your tenant to trust you by following through on your promises. If you tell them that you will be somewhere at a specific time, show up at that time. If you tell your tenant about plans to fix or update certain parts of the property, give them a clear timeline for those repairs and then complete them as promised.
When a tenant feels a sense of trust for their landlord or property owner, they are more likely to work cooperatively to keep the property in good condition and tell you about minor repair issues before they become big problems.
Different parts of a positive tenant relationship include respecting boundaries. As a landlord, it is necessary to set clear boundaries for yourself and your tenants. If you need to visit the property, be sure to give advance notice and set up a time that is suitable for your tenant. The last thing you want is for your tenant to feel that you have violated their privacy or their quiet enjoyment of the property to serve your needs.
Finally, you can foster a positive relationship with your tenant by listening to suggestions and documenting everything. Organize a way for your tenant to give you feedback on your rental property, and show them that you are considering those suggestions. This could be as simple as an email exchange, which will allow both parties a chance to communicate openly with your tenant and provide documentation of your conversation.
No matter how you choose to communicate with your tenant, make sure to document everything. Keep all emails, letters, notices, and voicemail messages related to your rental property and your tenant. If a problem or disagreement should arise, this paper trail will be an invaluable resource for settling the matter fast.
As a property owner, it is in everyone’s best interest to keep things friendly and professional. Your achievement as a real estate investor depends upon good tenant relations. Treating your tenants with respect and responsiveness can help you optimize your rental income for many years to come.
At Real Property Management NJ Elite, we treat your renters and property with the utmost professionalism and respect. Call us at 908-955-7487 today, or contact us online to see what we can do for you!