OK, you've just moved in to your first rental home or maybe not your first and now landlords are a necessary part of the renting experience. From now on, you will have to deal with a landlord or property manager. However, the relationship between a landlord and a tenant does not have to be strained and developing a positive relationship with your landlord will make both of your lives easier, so here are a few invaluable tips for establishing a positive relationship with your landlord:
Pay your rent on time
This is a key to good interactions with your landlord. They care about getting their rent, so try your very hardest to get it in on time, and you guys should have no problems. Some places provide a grace period of several days, and some charge a fee for each day it's late. Regardless, make sure you can pay your rent on time BEFORE you sign a lease!
Always be respectful
If your landlord talks with you about a noise complaint, or any other sort of problem, be respectful of what they have to say. Don’t become defensive and be as helpful as possible. It helps to have your landlord on your side.
If you have any sort of problem with the landlord whether it be a noisy neighbor, security deposit, or anything else, be as nice as you can. You won’t have too much interaction with them, and being rude, or over demanding to them won’t get you anywhere.
Handling Maintenance Issues
Whether you lived in your own home, or coming from an apartment complex, living in a single family home is different. Stuff happen, burst pipes, toilets, HVAC and even floods. The landlord has no control over that, however, how the landlord handles a situation is what makes a difference. Distinguish if your situation is an emergency or something that just need routine repairs. Fill out a maintenance request form (or if you landlord doesn't offer that option, call them) and be reasonable with your expectations. Don't make emotional phone calls and start yelling, that won't get you anywhere. Don't be rude! If your landlord is reputable, they will make every attempt to repair what needs to be done in a reasonable time frame. However, what may seem urgent to you, may not qualify as an emergency and may take longer to have repaired. Check your landlord's maintenance policies prior determining urgency of your repair. Be respectful in your communications and don't be over demanding. Tenants who behave rudely or are being unreasonably demanding, usually will fall to the bottom of the priority list.
In conclusion, always be respectful! A reputable landlord will want to make sure their investment is in good working order. Work with the landlord, it's a team effort to keep a house well maintained.
If you are searching for houses for rent in Stone Mountain, Decatur, Lithonia, East Point or College Park, contact us. Our rental properties are rehabbed from top to bottom.
Facebook: As you narrow your search for rental properties in College Park, GA, you begin thinking about decorating your new home. You may be on a budget, but you can still have a fabulous rental home with functional decor that matches your personality and style.
Twitter: Are you searching for house rentals in #StoneMountain? Check out these easy, inexpensive ways to make your #houserental feel like home.
For more information on rental homes, tips, tricks and more, check back with us in our Rental Tips Blog. Don't forget to check out our Rental Home Decorating Blog and our Resident Buzz Newsletter.