In business and in life, good communication is key to success. Communication is crucial in all relationships, including the landlord and tenant connection. The article aims to provide landlord tips for optimizing communication with their tenants. For additional tips, check out our landlord resources page.
Landlords can use the six landlord tips below for maximizing and optimizing this important business relationship.
1. Be Polite
It might sound elementary, but it bears reminding that a bit of common courtesy can go a long way. Landlords can create a positive atmosphere for good communication in a landlord-tenant relationship by being as polite as they are firm.
2. Be a Good Listener
Communication is a two-way street, but all too many people “take” more than they give. Cultivating good listening skills allows landlords to pick up key details, make relevant changes and make their property even more appealing to quality, long-term renters.
3. Discern Communication Preferences
Just as no two people are identical, no two tenants will be alike; each will have a unique communication style. Becoming adept at understanding and relating to different personality types effectively will go a long way in facilitating good communication going forward. Landlords should strive to see from the perspective of each tenant even as they communicate their own needs.
4. Find Rapport
Good rapport is foundational to positive and mutually beneficial relationships. Subtly mirroring the tenant’s speaking pace can make them feel understood and respected. For some people, short and to-the-point communication is most effective; others may need a bit more “hand-holding” and friendly conversation to feel comfortable in the business arrangement.
5. Be Clear About Expectations
Being clear from the outset about what’s expected from renters reduces the risk of misunderstandings down the road. A rental agreement with clear parameters as well as verbal reiteration of the most salient points will help to clarify expectations for the lease term. A tenant screening service can help landlords to determine ahead of time if a tenant will meet their expectations.
6. Use Collaborative Language
Making tenants feel like they are an important part of a collaborative effort will cause them to be more willing to comply with policies or make necessary changes. Landlords should avoid “giving orders” and instead use phrasing like, “It would really help me out a lot if you would ___________.”
To be a truly effective landlord, good communication with tenants is key. Landlords can use these six landlord tips for more positive relationships with all of their renters. These landlord tips are just some of the ways for landlords to improve their relationships with their tenants. For more landlord tips and tips for renting to college students, check out our blog.
Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.
