5 Tips For Good Tenant Relations - Park City Property Management
I my time at a Park City property management company managing Park City long term rentals I have learned a few things about maintaining a positive tenant relationship. It isn't always easy and in fact as a property manager you sometimes have to be the bad guy. Ultimately the relationship between a landlord and a tenant amounts to an agreement. A landlord agrees to rent a piece of real property to a tenant and provide them with certain services along with that property. A tenant agrees to pay for the use of that real property and abide by certain restrictions on that use. A tenant may also be obligated to perform certain acts in regards to the property such as mow the lawn, change light bulbs and keep the place clean.
Disagreements or problems in the tenant and landlord relationship typically arise when one party is failing to fulfill it's portion of the agreement. Maybe the tenant isn't mowing the lawn regularly or the landlord isn't responding to maintenance requests in a timely manner. Today I would like to discuss five tips that I have found will help establish and maintain good tenant relationships in Salt Lake City property management.
1. Setting Expectations - The best way to avoid disagreements or misunderstandings is to have a clear understanding between both parties of what the expectations are in the agreement. If there are certain rules that the tenant must abide by then these rules should be presented to the tenant prior to signing a lease. Often rental properties are part of a home owners association or planned community that requires residents to abide by certain rules or restrictions. A landlord should notify tenant of any rules, preferably as an addendum to a lease agreement. If there are specific maintenance responsibilities that are the landlord's responsibility then there should be established channels for a tenant to file a maintenance request should the need arise.
2. Be Professional - You should always treat every tenant or potential tenant in a professional manner. Even if your rental property is your former home sentimentality should not rule the decisions you make for the property. Be aware to how you should comport yourself when it comes to things like fair housing laws, disabilities and service animals. Never respond emotionally or unprofessionally to a tenant. Even if you've had a horrible day and the last thing you want to hear is a maintenance request from your tenant it is not your place to be rude or dismissive. Park City property management has no room for unprofessionalism.
3. Properly Screen Tenants - This step is crucial to avoiding problems down the road. Just because a person seems nice on the phone or in person and is willing to move in right away does not mean they are a good fit for you or your property. Take the time to check references and rental history. Verify employment and run a good background and credit check. This property is your investment so make sure you complete your due diligence with every tenant.
4. Respond Quickly To Requests - When you receive a maintenance request from your tenant you should respond as quickly as you can. Also be aware that certain items may constitute a habitability issue and you are required by law to begin making repairs within a specified amount of time. Even if the item seems trivial it should be important to you. Taking on a request quickly and professionally will go a long way in Salt Lake City property management.
5. Know When To Say No - There comes a time when even the best tenants ask for something that is not possible or out of the scope of the rental agreement. The best way to handle these situations is to be up front with the tenant that their request is not possible and give them some explanation as to why. People appreciate being treated like thier concern matters, even if it can't be resolved.
If you would like more information on creating good tenant relationships, or further information about Park City property management in general click the link below for a free consultation. You will receive valuable information specific to your property that will help you make an informed decision. You will also receive a free, no-obligation quote on our property management services. At CC Realty we specialize in making investment property ownership a trouble free experience. Please contact us today for your free consultation.
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