What Makes The Best Tenants… The Best Tenants

ADVICE ON HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TENANCY

There are about 44 million housing units in the U.S. today and the vast majority are fully occupied. Over ⅓ of the population rents and that number continues to grow as a result of the current real estate market and nationwide housing shortages. Although the “American Dream” has historically been painted with home ownership at the center of it, renting a home is a comfortable lifestyle for millions and like anything else, there are ways to maximize the rental experience. As a property management company that’s been working with tenants and property owners for over a decade, we’ve got some time-tested observations and tips to help you get the most out of your rental experience.

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Here are three quick recommendations to ensure your relationship with the property owner (or property manager) are strong, as that is the key to creating an experience where someone else’s home really becomes your own.

#1: PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME…OR JUST A LITTLE EARLY

As a tenant, one of your two primary responsibilities is to pay your rent. Landlords rely on this rent to subsequently pay the mortgage and other monthly expenses. And it’s no secret that anyone with monthly bills prefers consistency and some breathing room before due dates.

Many states have a grace period or some other leniency before any consequences for late payment can kick in…but if your goal is hassle-free tenancy, which it should be, then none of that should even enter into play. Your goal should be to have your rent in your landlord’s hand (or bank account) by the first of the month at the latest. For a minor touch that requires very little on your end but provides outsized positive impact, pay it one day early.

Paying your rent on time, every month, can be viewed as simply a transaction, but for owners it shows them that you value the property and you appreciate the opportunity to live there. Simply paying your rent says, “I’m upholding my end of the bargain”. Paying on time (or early) say, “Thank you”. And property owners who feel appreciated are much more likely to take care of the things that are important to you when you ask.

LEARN MORE: TENANTS ARE BOTH THE CUSTOMER…AND THE BOSS!

#2 COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

Above, we said that one of your primary responsibilities is to pay your rent. Well the other is to help take care of the property. The easiest way to do that is to communicate with the owner whenever there is a maintenance need or an issue that needs attention. Often tenants we work with express that they feel they’re complaining too much when they keep submitting service requests, but in reality owners rely on tenants to let them know what the property needs. Tenants are the eyes and ears of the owner’s asset and if you don’t report when there’s a leak or issues with rodents (for example), the problems are only going to multiply and get more costly.

It’s also important to communicate in a way that is professional and considerate. Be direct and brief. Keep your opinions to yourself. Letting the owner know there are ants in the hallway and you’ve been seeing them for several days now is very helpful. Telling the owner the tenants upstairs are messy, awful people and that their trashy lifestyle is attracting pests is less effective. The first message says here’s a problem that needs a solution. The second presents an instant headache and potential conflict and is actually less likely to be addressed as quickly as the owner is not looking forward to following up with you.

The other key to effective communication is photographic evidence. To return to the ant example above. Taking a photo of the ants will likely show a trash bag or debris that doesn’t belong there and the owner will get the full message. It is also essential in creating more efficiency for landlords. Rather than traveling to the property to inspect, and then run out for materials, a photo or two gives them the scouting report they need to show up prepared with an action plan…and that goes a long way!

LEARN MORE: RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS CANNOT NEGLECT THEIR COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE

#3 TREAT THE HOME LIKE IT’S YOUR HOME:

Believe it or not, most owners would love for you to live in their property for the rest of your life. The more you think of their rental property unit as “your home”, the more likely you are to help keep it in great condition. By paying on time and communicating when there are needs, you are reducing hardships for owners and that is a huge value for them. When you treat your rental like your home you actually add value to the property. It’s the proverbial win-win!

Without exception, our Nexus team members can get a feel for the state of the tenancy just by visiting a property. Little things like personal gardens or outdoor sitting areas, welcome mats, your name on the mailbox, and signs on the door tell all visitors that this is a place the tenant takes pride in and enjoys. Cigarette butts or wrappers around the driveway tell yet another story. Environment matters and the more you contribute to creating a positive atmosphere, the more you’ll continue to feed that win-win relationship. If an old tree branch is hanging over an outdoor area you clearly spend time in (remember those photos), the owner is much more likely to spend money to create more comfort for you. If that tree branch is over a pile of debris or a broken down car, or they’re always waiting a couple days extra for your rent to come in, they’ll likely let nature decide.

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MAINTAINING BALANCE:

Like most relationships between parties rooted around a financial exchange, maintaining balance is key. Rent prices are very high currently but that doesn’t mean landlords are cashing in. While rent is up, so are mortgage interest rates, property insurance, maintenance costs, taxes, and pretty much all expenses associated with property ownership. Inflated costs help justify these elevated rents, but they don’t justify owners neglecting their responsibility of creating a comfortable place for their tenants to call home.

And the best way to ensure owners are focused on that responsibility is to do your part as a tenant. Pay your bills in a way that shows you appreciate the opportunity and are cognizant of their own financial obligations. Communicate in a way that is best for the property and reminds the owner that you are there to help take care of their asset. And go ahead and take pride in your home. You might not own it but you’re in the same position as some 44 million across the country. Your home is what you make of it and it all starts with helping to foster a positive relationship with the landlord and the property itself.

Speaking of relationships, Nexus Property Management® is a company that’s been in the business for over a decade and we specialize in cultivating strong relationships. Nexus has been managing multi-family and single family properties since 2013. We continue to craft and perfect our best practices around win-win solutions for clients and tenants alike. If you’re interested in learning more about Nexus’ services and you're in one of our many territories, contact any of our teams across Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

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Mick Lefort is the General Manager of Nexus' New Haven County Franchise Office and the Vice President of Operations for Nexus Property Management®, a National Property Management Franchise that manages all types of rental property from single family homes or condos to large apartment buildings and complexes.

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