Being a good tenant can produce many benefits when it comes to re-negotiating a tenancy agreement or being asked to renew your tenancy for subsequent terms. Here are five ways you can help nurture an excellent relationship with your landlord.
Paying Rent Early
Let’s get this obvious one out of the way first. Of course, all landlords will appreciate timely rent payments, but there’s more to it than just keeping the landlord happy. Getting your payments in just a few days early as often as possible will set you in good stead should you suffer any financial hardship causing you to have difficulty paying either the full rent amount or any of it by the due date. If that should happen, then contact your landlord as soon as you know and not only explain your situation, but also how you intend to rectify the rent arrears. A previously excellent payment record will greatly help you in this situation.
Know Your Tenancy Agreement Inside Out
Before even signing anything, make sure you have read and understood every word in your tenancy agreement so that there are no surprises further down the line. You can also try to negotiate for any other clauses you feel are necessary, such as a verbal agreement between you and the landlord for them to tend to the front garden (for example). In that instance, it’s worth including it in the agreement so there’s no arguing over vaguely-remembered verbal agreements.
Keep to All Clauses and Agreements
This ultimately breaks down into not breaking the terms of your contract. Technically, a landlord has the right to evict you if you break any of the clauses in the tenancy agreement, even if they are unlikely to over some of the less important ones. By keeping to all the agreed terms, you show yourself to be an ideal tenant that your landlord would be foolish to let go which is something that may benefit you via minimised rent increases when it comes to re-negotiating the agreement at the end of the fixed term.
Make Friends with Your Neighbours
This is especially important if your immediate neighbours are homeowners and not fellow renters like yourself. They will be aware of the higher turnover of residents in their neighbouring house and will likely have the contact details of the letting agent responsible for the property, if not the landlord themselves. Develop a friendly relationship with them so you can watch each other’s houses while away, but also so they can raise any issues they have with you directly (such as loud music).
Take Care of the Property
Damage obviously affects your deposit in a big way but will also annoy your landlord and likely have them refusing to renew your tenancy agreement even if you manage to avoid being immediately evicted. Keeping the place clean, inside and out, will also impress the landlord and make them want to keep you on as tenants.
Some of these tips for being a good tenant might seem like common sense, but it’s worth keeping an eye on them, especially if you are younger and new to renting properties. Ultimately, being a good tenant is not just good for your landlord but will greatly benefit you as well.
