Communicating with a resident can get tiring. We know this. There are a plethora of things you need to make sure they know—but there are things we’re sure you’re forgetting. Check out this tongue and cheek (but still totally relevant) list of the Five Things You Should Tell Your Tenant (But Don’t):
- Complain more—you’ll never know if there is a major issue if they never tell you! Be sure to explain to your residents the difference between necessary complaining and things out of your control. Broken shower: complain. Nosy neighbor: nothing I can do. You might also want to explain the difference between an emergency and non-emergency.
- Your neighbor is not my problem—so often residents get involved in neighborhood drama. Whether it’s a hunk of junk blocking a part of the yard or a noisy dog, make sure your tenant knows you cannot and will not intervene in neighborly bickering, especially if the neighbor isn’t a fellow tenant. Let your resident know the only thing you have control over is complaints made against them and ensure your lease addresses noise complaints, property lines and the like.
- I’m not actually managing your unit—be upfront with your tenant and draw a clear distinction between you and your property management company especially in cases where the tenant’s needs are being turned over the property manger during the lease terms. You’ve hired a property manager for a reason; you don’t want to handle the day-to-day. Perfectly understandable. Just be sure to let the tenant know who they should be communicating with.
- The HOA can be stupid strict—the majority of your tenants won’t think twice about initialing a lease clause about the charges they’ll incur if the HOA serves a complaint. In fact, most tenants won’t grasp the scope of the restrictions unless you spell them out. Provide your tenants with all of the rules and regulations when they sign the lease. Let them know any complaints will be charged to them if they have resulted from their actions.
- I can be stupid strict when it comes to the lease terms—be clear in letting them know what will get them evicted. So many tenants assume a landlord won’t evict them if they take care of the property or develop a chummy relationship. Clear up any misconceptions about your seriousness and interest in complying with any and all lease terms.
Happy Renting!