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Finding a great rental can be hard. But when you finally snag one, it’s up to you to make yourself impossible to evict! By making yourself a dream tenant, you can increase your chances of staying in your home long term.
So exactly what makes a good tenant? Landlords might not always be looking for the obvious. Don’t worry, our guide has got you covered.
This is your definitive guide to what makes a good tenant.
Contents
Timeliness
We couldn’t start a discussion of what makes a good tenant, without talking about timeliness. You could be the most charming tenant on earth, but if you don’t pay your rent on time, you’re going to face serious issues.
Landlords do want more from their tenants, but first and foremost, you need to pay your rent and all your bills on time. Landlords have responsibilities too. They may need to pay the mortgage payments on the property or have other bills to take care of.
Always paying your rent on time will immediately get you in the good books. Set up a regular payment and make sure it never fails to go through.
If for any reason, you will be late with your payment, talk to your landlord first. Be open and let them know when you will pay.
This makes it much less likely that they will start eviction proceedings. Learn more about eviction laws to understand your responsibilities.
Build Mutual Trust
The process of building trust between tenant and landlord begins with the application. Fill it out in full detail. Don’t hold anything back that the landlord needs to know.
Provide your landlord with all your legal and financial documentation promptly. This allows them to run credit and background checks easily. This will help to set their mind at ease that you are going to be a reliable tenant.
Your application also gives them a chance to see how stable you are. If you’ve been in and out of properties every 6 months, it might start alarm bells ringing in the landlord’s head. If you do have such a record, be forthcoming with an explanation of why things are different now.
Continue building trust through open and honest communication. Minor issues will always arise, such as small plumbing problems, broken door handles, and other minor repairs.
Check your lease so that you know which of these is your responsibility, and which you need to refer to the landlord. Minor repairs may be permitted under your lease. Taking care of these yourself without going to the landlord can build their trust and show your respect for them.
Build a relationship in which you work together, and both feel like you’re on the same team. The way that you communicate has a lot to do with this.
Respectful, clear, and kind communication – it’s the oil that lubricates the relationship and keeps it running smoothly.
Show Consideration
All landlords are interested in keeping their rental properties in good order. This not only saves on costly repairs in the future, but it also helps to protect the value of their asset.
You can show consideration for the landlord by promptly reporting issues that he or she needs to address.
Have you noticed an infestation of wasps on the property? Are you having an issue with the kitchen or bathroom plumbing? Is the stove on the fritz?
You may also notice more serious, structural issues. Cracks may be developing on the interior or exterior walls.
You may have noticed signs of subsidence. By promptly reporting these to the landlord, you show that you respect the property and want to keep it in tip-top condition.
Landlords can get a good idea of how considerate a tenant you are by contacting your previous landlords. Be sure to provide them with their details so that they can provide references. If you’re a good tenant with a good track record, they’ll be happy to sing your praises!
Also, try to accommodate the landlord when he or she needs access to carry out inspections or repairs. In most states, 24 hours notice is mandatory, but you can also waive this right on occasions if convenient. Doing so when possible will help to keep the relationship running smoothly.
Keep the Rental Clean
We all like to live in clean houses. Sure, it takes a lot of work, but it’s a great way to prove yourself to be a dream tenant!
Keeping your house clean is about more than just hygiene. It also means less maintenance for the landlord. You’re also less likely to get bug infestations.
Follow Your Lease
Does your lease have something to say about pets? What about smoking? Showing consideration to the neighbors?
Every lease includes clauses like these. If you’re going to be a dream tenant, you need to know them and follow them.
Landlords dread noisy tenants. They disturb other people’s right to the quiet enjoyment of their homes, and they are hard to deal with. A landlord may have to initiate eviction proceedings which are costly and time-consuming.
By abiding by all the terms of your lease, you ensure that your landlord never has to worry about any of these things!
Renew Your Lease!
If you’re as good a landlord as you sound (and so far, you sound great!) then your landlord will be very keen for you to renew your lease. Finding new tenants costs a lot of money, takes a lot of time, and is filled with risks!
Keeping hold of reliable tenants is the way to make a success of owning a rental property. Follow our ‘what makes a good tenant’ list and your landlord will practically be begging you to renew each year.
The Verdict: What Makes a Good Tenant
The answer to what makes a good tenant is clear: be honest, pay your rent on time, stick to your lease, and renew each year! A good tenant is a landlord’s dream. A great relationship with your landlord gives tenants peace of mind as well.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, we’ve got plenty more for you! Head over to our Real Estate section for more helpful hints and tips.
