How to maintain a good relationship with your tenants

Today is Valentine’s Day, an occasion where we show appreciation towards the people that matter to us. Whether it be friends, family, or otherwise, it is important to value the relationships we have with other people – and this is no different for landlords and their tenants.

That is why today we have put together a guide to provide our landlord readers with advice on the best ways to manage relationships with their tenants.

Understanding how to deal with people is an important skill in the buy to let sector, and as a landlord, your role largely involves supporting your tenant and catering to their needs. You should be mindful and attentive to your tenants’ wellbeing and make sure that you are doing what you can to nurture the relationship correctly from the start.

Hamilton Fraser’s guide, ‘The 5 Cs: Hamilton Fraser’s key soft skills for landlords’, lists some essential skills that can help landlords to attract and maintain reliable tenants.

Let’s take a look at some key tips that will help you to maintain a positive relationship with your tenants.

1.Be accessible

Make sure that you provide your tenant with a clear and direct line of contact in case they have any concerns about the property, or need to get in touch with you for any other reason.  If your property is managed by an agent, you may still want to consider giving the tenants your contact details in case of an emergency.

Doing this will show the tenant that you genuinely care and will give them a sense of trust and confidence in you as their landlord.

2. Communicate

Make sure that you take steps to maintain a communicative relationship with your tenant. Be forthcoming and help them to feel comfortable discussing their concerns with you. Having an amicable relationship can help to resolves disputes easier, and can often help to avoid them altogether.

Show your tenants that you are taking any issues they raise seriously by being open, displaying active listening skills, and asking questions.

It is also important that you are clear about your requirements and make sure that you consider the way you explain things to your tenant – some issues are sensitive and you may have to adjust your approach when necessary.

3. Be understanding

As a landlord, it is important for you to be understanding of your tenants’ needs. There are times where you may be faced with difficult situations with your tenant and property, and it is important for you to keep a level head and consider what is also best for the tenant, not just yourself.

Although you need to carry out your duties as a landlord, and you rely on the income that your property generates, some situations you may have to approach delicately. For example, when notifying your tenant about sensitive issues such as rent increases, rent arrears, or property inspections, you should avoid being confrontational or demanding. Some situations require a level of empathy, particularly with good tenants who are usually dependable.

4. Be reliable

One of the main responsibilities you have as a landlord is to be reliable and dependable. Your property is more than an asset – it is also someone’s home, and you have a duty to make sure that you are carrying out your responsibilities as well as you can.

This involves being attentive, taking your tenants’ concerns seriously, and making an effort to resolve issues as soon as possible.

You should always aim to deal with issues within a reasonable time frame. For more complex issues that require more time, such as severe repairs, you may need to explain to your tenant that the issue is being resolved and that it may take a while, but you can keep them updated on any developments. Following these tips can help you to maintain a great relationship with your tenants, and in the words of Landlord Action Founder and Hamilton Fraser Brand Ambassador, Paul Shamplina, “A happy tenant is a happy landlord!”

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