There is a lot of focus on being a good tenant when it comes to renting, putting less emphasis on being a good landlord. But really, it needs to be a two-way relationship. As a landlord, you provide an important and essential need, and with that power comes great responsibility.
What helps you to be a good Landlord
This piece will take a look at what makes a good landlord, and how you can implement these into your practice.
It is a business for you but a home for them
Many people will advise you to treat being a landlord like a business, and while that is definitely useful to some degree, it is vital that you understand that what is a property business for you is a home to someone else. It is a place where someone feels safe and creates a space just for them. Remembering that will make sure you understand your role as a landlord but also as a human.
For whatever reason, someone needs to rent or has chosen to rent your home, and that position of power should not be taken lightly.
Get help on hand
Having ‘go to’ people on hand when your tenants experience issues will make resolving the problems quick and efficient before excessive damage occurs. This can be particularly important if your tenant is experiencing a broken boiler in winter, is experiencing no water, or even a burst pipe that needs to be seen right away.
Knowing you can get the problem sorted as fast as possible will give both you and your tenants a piece of mind. Not only do you not want your tenants to be uncomfortable, but you also want to keep your house in good condition, and issues like this can really cause structural damage if left too long. Not to mention that tenants have rights against certain issues that create non-habitable states.
Putting a plan in place such as total property management can make sure that you get help as and when you need it, which can take a weight off your mind when emergencies strike, along with many other benefits.
Put safety first
The safety of your tenants should come above all else, so be sure to make sure your property has had all of the legal checks to ensure the home is fit for purpose. Gas and electrical equipment are subject to inspection, fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should be featured both upstairs and downstairs, and everything needs to be checked regularly to make sure they are in safe and working order.
Keep your distance
If you are new to being a landlord, you might feel the need to ‘hover’ or check up on your home and tenants regularly. Try to quash those feelings, understanding that the property you own is now their home, and they have the right to enjoy it undisturbed. Feel free to schedule an inspection in 6 months after they have settled, but the more they are left alone, the more comfortable they should feel and the better your relationship with them will be.
Think ahead
Getting your home ready for your new tenants by thinking ahead of time can make all the difference to their settling inexperience. Whether they are moving down the road or they are coming from a different city, having some finishing touches or essentials can make a great impression and much easier for tenants on their first day. These small gestures could be toilet rolls, cleaning products, dishcloths or sponges, some tea and coffee, or even some snacks too if you want to go the extra mile.
Kind gestures such as these will not go unnoticed and will more than likely be reciprocated while they take care of the house.
Final words
These are just a few ways in which you can be a good landlord to someone, which is essential for every tenant. If you treat them well, the likelihood is that they will treat you and your property well too.
