If you are considering renting property to as an AirBnB or a long-term rental, there’s a lot to consider. Beyond contracts, uploading pics and descriptions to rental sites, and figuring out a competitive rate, it’s also essential to be a great landlord. It’s more than just providing them with an attractive and safe place to stay. It’s also about being able to be contacted when needed, being lenient with certain things and building up a great rapport with your tenants.
If you want a long-term rental, it can be expensive and a pain if they keep coming and going. After you find good people to rent your property, it’s better to keep them. In this article we take a look at how to be a great landlord. Keep reading to get inspired.
Keep the property in a good condition.
The first and most important thing when it comes to being a great landlord, is keeping the property in a good condition. If they get in touch with you for something such as a plumbing issue, fix it promptly. Or if there is a cosmetic issue with the property that isn’t working, consider the updates as an investment in them as renters. You can find local experts like us or such as Jennings who can come and fix home issues. Or you can try and fix cosmetic aspects yourself if you are handy.
Communicate clearly with tenants.
Communication is key. Especially when it comes to the relationship between a tenant and a landlord. Ensure you get back to them quickly. If a renter gets in touch with you for any questions or with feedback, aim to always get back to them within 12 hours, but do so sooner if you can. This can really help build a relationship of trust between you and your renters.
If there is any maintenance work coming up or a new lawn care company scheduled for every Tuesday, let your renters know. No one wants to come home to find that they can’t use the plumbing or the heat is off for a few hours during a cold spell. If you need to go in, or a contractor does to do maintenance, ensure you let them know at least 24 hours in advance. Also, ensure you get their permission before you enter their home.
Be thoughtful with your renters.
Yes, it’s essentially a business relationship. Renting your property is transactional, but home isn’t. Keeping up with the little things around the property like the garden and pathways, especially when it snows, is important. Create the kind of home environment you’d like to enjoy, and your renters will stay with you longer. Oh, and if you drop off a little treat for their birthday or welcome home anniversary, that’s all the better.
Understand and follow the law.
The law is in place for a reason. Ensure you follow the law and all building codes with your tenants. These help make sure the structure is safe and your relationship with your renters is protected.
These are just a few top tips that can help you to become a great landlord. What are some top pieces of advice you have for how to be a great landlord? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
