Tenant relationships are a huge part of a successful rental experience. The way you work with your residents will also impact what you earn and whether you’re able to keep your investment property profitable.
If you’re working with an Indianapolis property management company, you’re in luck. You won’t have to worry about your tenant relationship at all because your property managers will take care of that part of the process. When you’re an independent landlord, however, you’re the single point of contact for your residents. The way you respond will determine what kind of relationship you have.
Landlord and tenant relationships should be cooperative and respectful. Here’s how to build great relationships with your tenants in Indianapolis.
Communicate Expectations Before Move-In
One of the best ways to establish a professional and positive relationship with tenants is by communicating as much as possible before they even move in. When you’re sharing the lease agreement and answering questions, take some time to discuss the parts of the lease that are likely to really matter. This will include:
Rent collection policy. Help your tenants pay rent on time by discussing when rent is due, how it should be paid, and what the consequences are for late payments.
Maintenance processes. Tenants need to feel comfortable understanding how to request repairs and report problems.
Expectations around property condition and cleanliness.
You also want to talk about landscaping and snow removal. Who is responsible? How does it work? When tenants have all the information they need before they move in, you’re establishing a good relationship. This will help you throughout the tenancy.
Make Maintenance a Priority
Responding right away to maintenance issues is good for your tenant relationship and it’s also good for your property. You won’t retain your residents if you’re slow to take their repair requests seriously. Be proactive and approach even simple repairs with a sense of urgency.
Make it easy for tenants to report maintenance. Encourage them to let you know right away when something is wrong. It shows them you want to make it right, and it also shows them that you care about the condition of your investment property. How do you think tenants will treat your rental home if you show them that you don’t care enough to maintain it?
Maintenance requires a partnership between you and your tenants. This partnership needs a good working relationship.
Show Tenants You Appreciate Them
Gratitude is often underrated.
Just saying thank you for those on-time rental payments demonstrates to your tenants that you don’t take them for granted.
Share your appreciation in real ways. When rent is paid on time for nine consecutive months, say thank you with a gift card for a local coffeehouse. This is just one way you can keep your relationship meaningful. It will contribute to tenant retention and a smoother rental process.
Open communication, easy conveniences during the lease term (like online rental payments and maintenance requests), and basic gratitude and kindness will go a long way with your Indianapolis tenants. Make your relationship a good one, and everyone will have a better rental experience.
If you’d like to talk about this or discuss how we manage our tenant relationships as your Indianapolis property managers, please contact us at Red Door Property Management.
