How Can We Change the Perception of the Property Owner vs. Renter Relationship?

The relationship between the Property Owner and the Renter is most often a professional and cordial one. The Property Owner or “Housing Provider” provides the property, and the Renter pays their rent and hopefully loves their apartment and community in return. The Property Owner and Renter relationship can be far more complicated than that if either party fails to fulfill their obligations.  As most of you know, many relationships do not always sustain themselves on the best of terms.  Problems and disputes may arise over time, and “things” can go off track.

The Property Owner and Renter relationship is usually stereotyped as a rocky one. Most perceive that Renters fear their Property Owner as being too controlling and authoritative, and subject to being exploited by their Property Owner. Meanwhile, the Property Owners might be concerned about a  Renter’s ability to pay the rent timely and avoid damaging their property.  It isn’t rocket science to maintain a smooth Property Owner / Renter relationship if both parties want that. What each party needs is a certain level of understanding of thier rights and obligations.  Here are various areas to consider when striving to maintain a better Property Owner / Renter relationship.

· Be Certain to Have a Lease in Place Between Property Owner and Renter

Perhaps the most essential ingredient keeping the Property Owner / Renter relation intact is the contract between them. The agreement must be transparent and should not have any hidden clauses. The agreement should abide by the local and state regulations. There should not be any terms that are hard to understand or do not follow the exact letter of the law.  It is the responsibility of both the Property Owner and Renter to stick to the agreement and carry out all their obligations.

· Professional and Friendly Behavior

The Property Owner / Renter relationship should always be a professional one.  But it does not mean you cannot be warm and pleasant to each other. Be sure to stay friendly, cordial and professional at all times when you need to inquire regarding any issues with your Renter and their home or neighborhood.  Occasionally, check in with your resident(s) to make sure everything in their apartment is in good and clean working condition and keep record (date and time) of all communications with them including any issues addressed for future reference.

Residents are obliged to pay their rent even if there is an issue in their apartment unit.  However, if you neglect to timely take care of an issue this could turn a good Renter into a bad one so keep good customer service in mind when dealing with your residents.  As a Housing Provider, you are required to check the smoke alarms (and other items if you list them out on the 24-hour notice to enter).  Take this opportunity to take care of anything that requires repair and keep good notes of this as well. Be respectful of your residents and their belongings – this includes pets.  Do not photograph their personal items instead only photograph items that you the housing provider are required to repair.  Do not become overly friendly and personal with your residents – keep things at arms-length.

· Insurance and Repair Work

Insuring for the risk of loss at a property is the Property Owner’s responsibility; however, you should require all Renters in their lease to have and maintain renter’s insurance. Keep good records of when it may expire and be sure you have been added as an additional insured. This could save you thousands of dollars and tons of grief and conflict with your Renter if a disaster happens.

Apartment repair work is the area where most disagreements occur. It is the Property Owner’s responsibility to repair major problems like plumbing, heating, windows, doors, walls, etc. and those items that should be spelled out in a Renter’s lease.  Renters are obligated to report any issues they are having in their home and this should also be made clear in the lease.  Renters need to know what they are responsible for when they are facing issues especially if they caused it.  It really does take good communication, prompt response and a love and respect for the community to make everything work.  Our Renters must want to be a part of a good community and that should be said right from the beginning.

Your Lease should not allow Renters to make any alterations to their unit or the property without permission; however, if they need to add shelves or cabinets, they are reasonable.   This is really the key to any situation – be reasonable and respectful.  Do the right thing and likely it will be reciprocated.