Friendly relationships
Tenants and landlords are traditionally seen to be on opposite sides.
The relationship between a landlord and tenant is vitalto a successful and stress-free tenancy. It’s a partnership that thrives on mutual respect, understanding, and clear communication. Whether you're a seasoned landlord or a first-time tenant, here are some insights on how both parties can build a healthy, professional relationship.
Communication is crucial
Open and honest communication is the backbone of any good relationship. From the outset, clear expectations about responsibilities, such as maintenance, rent payments, and property care, can prevent misunderstandings.
Landlords: Respond promptly to tenant concerns and ensure all agreements are in writing. Whether it's about repairs or changes to the tenancy, transparency gains trust.
Tenants: Notify your landlord immediately if issues arise. A dripping tap today could lead to water damage tomorrow, so early communication saves everyone trouble.
Understand your legal obligations
Both landlords and tenants have legal responsibilities, and adhering to them helps avoid conflict. By knowing and respecting each other’s rights, disputes are less likely to occur.
Landlords: Provide a safe and habitable property that complies with the most basic health and safety standards. Keep up-to-date with your property certificates and other obligations as a property owner.
Tenants: Respect the terms of your lease. Paying rent on time and keeping the property in good condition are fundamental duties.
Maintenance and repairs
Property upkeep is a shared responsibility, but clarity about roles is key.
Landlords: Be proactive about maintenance. Regular inspections (with prior notice) can address potential problems before they escalate, and address repairs efficiently when they're reported.
Tenants: Carry out minor tasks like replacing light bulbs or unclogging a drain, and report major issues promptly.
Mutual respect benefits everyone
If you treat your tenant with respect, that should hopefully pass on through them to your property too. Respect builds rapport.
Landlords: respecting a tenant's privacy is paramount; you might own the property but it's your tenant's home, and they have a right to enjoy their time there without unexpected visits.
Tenants: respecting the property and keeping it clean and damage-free shows consideration for the landlord’s investment.
Handling disputes calmly
Conflicts can arise, but resolving them amicably should be the goal. A calm, solution-focused approach helps both parties navigate disagreements effectively.
Tips for Resolution:
- Have an open discussion about what you both intend to achieve as a reasonable outcome of the situation
- Document the issue clearly with evidence (e.g. photos of damage).
- Consider mediation if an agreement cannot be reached directly.
Honesty is the best policy
Tenants who feel comfortable with their landlord are more likely to report issues before they become major problems. It can be quite an intimidating thing, calling or emailing the person who has so much power over your living situation. Having a cordial relationship means they report it earlier and we can handle any problems quicker.
Good neighbours can become good friends too...
It is worth introducing yourselves to the neighbours, whether you are a landlord or a tenant. It means you have an extra set of eyes who will spot anything suspicious or problematic at your property and it also means any social issues, such as noise complaints, might be dealt with one to one rather than having to get any other organisations involved.
If nothing else, it is always good to get to know new people and your neighbours can be invaluable allies, whether in accepting parcel deliveries or thwarting potential burglars while you are away on holiday.
But don't get too friendly...
Be careful to keep your relationship friendly, but professional. It should always be about business. The moment it strays into a friendship is the moment landlords and tenants may feel that they can start taking advantage. That might be late rent payments, it might be avoiding some repairs to the property; and it makes that conversation all that more difficult if you are friends too.
Are you involved in a dispute with your tenant or landlord? Why not call our office on 0845 838 2890 for a friendly chat and free advice on how to resolve the matter.