What more could your landlord want? Find out how to be a great tenant that your landlord will love with these top tips:
Gone are the days of being an irresponsible tenant and thinking you can get away with it. These days, landlords expect tenants to be well behaved and to pay their rent on time and take care of the property that they are living in. In most cases, there are also complex or neighbourhood rules that you would need to heed to.
The days of getting a rental property by simply making a phone call is long gone. These days, there is an application and vetting process and tenants often have to provide references from previous landlords, so you will want to ensure that you create a favourable track record.
Aside from paying your rent on time, Seeff’s says there are a number of other to do’s that you need to be aware of and ensure you adhere to:
1. Check your lease
– the first important aspect of being a tenant is to ensure that you understand the terms of your lease. Be sure to pay careful attention to what you can and cannot do and also what is required of you, especially insofar as rent payment and maintenance is concerned.
2. Be on good terms with your landlord and managing agent
– it is important to always be on good terms with your landlord and managing agent/s. This will be important when you need a reference later on, but more so for the duration of your tenancy. Nobody likes a difficult tenant and people do not respond well to problematic tenants either.
3. Do not be a pest
– being on good terms with your landlord and managing agent though does not mean that you should make a nuisance of yourself or be a pest either. Keep the relationship professional and only complain when necessary. Nobody likes a nit-picker.
4. Complex, street or neighbourhood rules
– if you are in a complex, then there will obviously be a range of rules that you would need to adhere to. Be sure to ask your landlord for a copy of the rules and regulations when you take occupation of the property and study them thoroughly. Ask as many questions as needed.
5. Look after the property
– as the tenant, you are obliged to look after the property and ensure that it is in a good state of repair. Be sure to take care with all aspects of the home, keep it clean and neat at all times. If anything breaks or gives trouble, be sure to immediately liaise with the managing agent or landlord to find out who is responsible for the repairs or maintenance.
6. Respect your neighbours
– it is always a good idea to introduce yourself to the neighbours as soon as you move in. Be sure to live in such a manner so as not to cause any nuisance or disturbance to neighbours. Being a good neighbour can stand you in good stead if you ever need any help.