How to Be a Good Landlord and Avoid Disputes With Tenants

Landlords and tenants often do not get along due to various conflicts. Tenants expect too much, while landlords sometimes do nothing but collect the rent. Sometimes there are issues about who will pay for repairs. Tenants sometimes fail to pay rent on time or leave their place a mess.

Since the landlords are the ones in charge, it is often up to them to be the better person and try to help their tenants as much as possible. So how can a person be a good landlord without being taken advantage of?

Landlords do more than the bare minimum. They go the extra mile to take care of issues, such as repairs or pests. Landlords should do their best to show tenants they care. Being caring makes tenants more loyal.

Landlords have to keep in mind that they are entrusting tenants with their property, which may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Depending on how landlords treat their tenants, their tenants will protect it or destroy it. When landlords don’t care, they create unhappy tenants, and then they wonder why they can’t find decent tenants. It’s all about building a relationship.

Issues are likely to occur in a rental property. The place gets infested with mice. There is a leak in the kitchen sink. The toilet is clogged up. However, tenants are often afraid to bring up these issues because they fear a rent hike or even eviction. Punishing the tenant, however, is illegal, so tenants need to understand their rights.

However, the problem cannot be fixed if the landlord is unaware of it. Tenants should not be afraid to call and work on a solution to the problem. Don’t be shy, especially if it is a serious issue.

While the goal of a landlord is to get a tenant to move into their property, there is the chance you could be too eager. Some landlords are blindsided by anyone with a ton of cash on hand, but landlords need to be careful. It’s important to be diligent with background checks. Don’t neglect to ask for references. Make sure you get a responsible tenant who will pay rent on time.

The main thing to keep in mind is that being a landlord is not an easy job. You cannot just be focused on collecting rent payments. There is much more to the job. If you’re not willing to help your tenants resolve issues and make them comfortable, then this isn’t the job for you.

Seek Legal Help

It is not uncommon for tenants and landlords to have issues with each other.  Landlords can evict and sue tenants who do not follow the rules. Tenants can also file claims against negligent landlords.

It is important to understand the matters involving landlord/tenant disputes. Fort Lauderdale landlord/tenant dispute resolution lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you learn your options so you can resolve your dispute quickly and effectively. To schedule a consultation, call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/T049-C032-S014-a-tenant-s-advice-on-how-to-be-a-better-landlord.html