It doesn’t have to be difficult forming and maintaining a good relationship with your tenant. In fact, having a good relationship with your tenant and more importantly getting the tenancy off to a good start will set the tone for the rest of the time the tenants remain occupants of your property.

1.    Offer a warm welcome

When you meet to show a potential tenant around your property, look at your body language and ensure that you are open, professional and friendly. When you finally meet to exchange keys, again look at your demeanour. If you appear unapproachable and moody, then straight away you will give your tenant a wrong impression, and this makes some people unwilling to cooperate from the get-go.

2.    Don’t ignore your tenant

Be prompt in your responses, and it will pay off. Just because it is a business relationship, doesn’t mean it can’t be friendly and it is crucial NOT to dismiss everything that comes out of their mouth straight away. If you are lucky enough to have a great tenant, then be a great landlord. Ultimately, if you make the tenant feel respected, they will think of you as professional, courteous and more likely to treat your property with respect.

3.    Treat the property as if you were living in it

This will not only highlight that you are trustworthy and reliable but is also more than likely going to make the renters treat the property with respect. If something needs fixing then fix it, after all, you wouldn’t live in a property with broken lights and a leaking toilet system so why should your tenants? When a tenant informs you about some damage, set up a time to come and inspect it. If you and the tenant agree it is not an emergency repair, set up a time that works best for them. Once you inspect the damage, schedule the repair immediately. Remember to obtain the tenant's permission before entering the property.

4.    Compromise and put yourself in their shoes

Be realistic and treat tenants how you would expect to be treated. If they have been a fantastic renter, paying their rent on time and one month inform you that they may be late with a payment, then be willing to understand. Obviously, if it becomes a regular occurrence, then this is a different matter. Exercise compassion and remember that everybody is human.

5.    Follow guidelines

When things do go wrong, don’t always take matters into your own hands but instead refer to the contract. Always follow the guidelines outlined in the tenancy agreement, which has been signed by all parties. If the matter hasn’t been addressed then check on local forums and get expert advice before acting.

6.    Stick to your word

If something needs fixing then fix it promptly. If you don’t reply to messages for weeks on end or don’t stick to something you promised then how can you expect to gain trust from your tenant? A landlord/tenant relationship works both ways. Likewise, if you promised to send over a reference for a previous tenant, make sure you do.

Remember being a good landlord will ultimately grant you, good tenants, making your renting journey a whole lot easier! If you are a landlord and have any questions, then please get in touch today.