PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Landlord and tenant relationships
By Turnie Morolong
In days gone by, a tenant would only contact his or her landlord when
reporting a problem while the landlord’s main contact with the tenant
only occurred if the rent in a particular month had not been paid or
there was an upcoming increase in costs.
The key is following through on your end of the relationship. For
example, this can be achieved by being a landlord who shows
respect and care for tenants by being accountable and responsive to
maintenance requests. Getting off on the right foot with tenants early on
will set the pace of the relationship for the duration of the lease.
Fostering a relationship with tenants as a landlord is
beneficial because:
• Tenants that have good relationships with their landlords are most
likely to take care of the property.
• Trusting relationships are better for business.
• If a tenant feels comfortable in your place, there is a higher likelihood
they will renew their lease and reside in your property for longer.
How can a landlord achieve
good relations with his tenant?
It is of paramount importance that a healthy and amicable
relationship between the landlord and the tenant be
nurtured in order to encourage easy communication
between them at all times. When communicating with
a tenant it is essential that the landlord is professional,
courteous and respectful. This will help reduce any
frustration or animosity arising in the event of any
negotiation between the parties.
A landlord should make time to meet his or her tenant
occasionally and not only when there is a problem to be
reported. In this way the landlord creates an opportunity to
deal with problems before they become crises.
A harmonious relationship between a landlord and a tenant is highly
beneficial for both parties. A business relationship works best when
established from the beginning. A solid landlord and tenant relationship
consists of both sides respecting one another and appreciating what
each is bringing to the partnership. For the tenant, a solid relationship
with the landlord means going about your daily life without unwanted
interference. For the landlord, this means an occupied property and a
steady stream of rent. This becomes a win-win situation for both.
For the landlord, the tenant is essentially the customer. So to be
successful, the landlord has to form a solid business relationship with
the tenant. Even if the tenant is not particularly professional towards the
landlord, it is recommended that the landlord remains professional and
respectful, treating the tenant the way you would want to be treated if
the situation was reversed. A relationship that is built on mutual respect
will benefit any landlord.
8
In any relationship, trust is essential. Showing reliability in
dealing with tenants, keeping appointments and delivering
on promises is the best way a landlord can win trust.
Property management, just like any other business, is
becoming more customer orientated. It requires a more
proactive and efficient approach. All regular maintenance
should be done with minimal disruption and inconvenience
to the tenant.
Of course, the day-to-day pressures of life mean that it
isn’t always possible to have a harmonious relationship
between a tenant and landlord. While there may be
nothing much a landlord can do to prevent a missed rental
payment, there is plenty that can be done to ensure an
amicable relationship for the duration of the lease.
ISSUE 30 - JUNE 2017