Renting is an ideal situation for many people. Others rent because they have to. Whatever the reason for renting, you can’t escape the fact that you have a landlord who controls many of the things you do. Having a bad relationship with the landlord can make the living situation very uncomfortable and difficult. Work to build a positive relationship with your landlord with these tips.
Pay Up
Want to make your landlord happy? Always pay your rent on time. If the landlord has to constantly chase you down for the rent, he won’t be happy. You may have a grace period of a few days, but try not to use it. Paying your rent no later than the first of the month keeps your landlord from getting irritated. If you know you can’t make rent by the first one month, contact the landlord right away so he isn’t left wondering if you’re going to pay.
Keep It Up
Just because you don’t own the unit doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat it well. Your landlord will appreciate your efforts to keep the house clean and in good working order. When you sign the lease, you should be told exactly what type of maintenance you need to do, such as changing furnace filters, mowing the lawn or watering the landscaping. Keep up your end of the agreement to keep a positive relationship with the landlord.
Follow the Rules
You might not like all of the rules or restrictions from your landlord, but you agreed to them when you signed the lease. Don’t push the limits when it comes to the expectations your landlord has. If he says no pets, don’t sneak in a cat. If you have assigned parking, stick to those spots. Ignoring the rules you agreed to is a quick way to upset your landlord and create tension in the relationship.
Communicate Clearly
You most likely won’t talk to your landlord too often unless there is a problem. But make sure you use clear communication when you do need to talk to him. Find out the best way to contact your landlord. Some prefer a call. Others prefer an email so they have a record of all of your requests. Find out if there are certain hours you should contact the landlord. An emergency is an exception, but for non-emergencies, the landlord may want you to call only during business hours, for example.
Have Patience
Just like you have lots of relationships and responsibilities to manage, so does your landlord. Your leaky faucet may be a pressing matter in your life, but a burst water pipe in another unit is more of a priority for the landlord. Many landlords have regular jobs and simply rent out an old home as part-time income. If you constantly bug the landlord or have no patience, he is likely to get irritated quickly.
