Building and managing tenant relations isn't easy, but it's a task you need to do if you want to keep your renters happy and your turnover rates low. So, how do you strike the right balance between being their friend and being a landlord and property manager?
You want your tenants to trust and respect you. This begins with proper communication and responding promptly to your tenants.
Use these tips to start building a landlord-tenant relationship.
State Your Expectations Upfront
There should be no confusion about what you expect from your tenants. The lease agreement should go over key points such as whether you allow pets, what happens when a tenant is late on rent, grace periods, maintenance, parking situations, guests, and other rules.
You want to avoid misunderstandings as much as possible, which is why having a clear lease agreement is so crucial. However, if tenants do have questions, make sure you give them numbers for the main office, emergency maintenance, etc.
Keep Tenants Informed
If you want to be a good property manager, you should be a proactive communicator. Send out newsletters and email blasts with the latest updates. For instance, if there's going to be maintenance in the lobby or part of the parking lot will be blocked off, be sure to inform your residents in advance.
This is an easy way to boost renter relations, as it builds trust.
Respond Quickly to Maintenance Requests
Nothing can ruin a relationship between a landlord and a tenant faster than slow responses to maintenance requests. When your renters reach out to you, either through email or by filling out a form, they usually have issues they can't handle themselves.
Whether it's a leaky faucet or a broken AC, it's the building manager's job to handle repairs throughout the building.
New landlords can often get overwhelmed with maintenance requests. It's not easy to have all the skills necessary to address common repair issues, from electrical to plumbing and more.
It helps to have an online portal for both tenants and landlords. The benefit of going digital is that tenants can submit requests quickly, and you can keep track of the repairs performed.
Working with a property management company makes your job even easier. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it might be time.
Create a Community
Take a moment to decide what makes your rental property unique. Maybe it's the location or certain amenities. Both of these can appeal to a tenant and encourage them to stick around longer.
However, there's another way to make your renters happy: creating a community.
There are many benefits to being part of a community, including a sense of belonging. Have events like barbecues or holiday parties and encourage your tenants to mingle. This can give them a feeling of happiness, which can keep them around longer.
Foster Positive Tenant Relations
Being a building manager is a lot of work, but if you create and maintain positive tenant relations, it makes your job easier.
Do you need help managing your rental properties here in Charlotte, North Carolina? PMI Amazing Spaces is dedicated to helping people like you make the most of their investments. We offer full-service property management, from tenant screening to maintenance and more.
Find out how we can help you manage your property.
