How to Keep Good Tenants

Every now and then a landlord find that they have the perfect tenant. This tenant takes care of the home as if they own it, keeping it clean, repairing any damage they make, and notifying you immediately if anything goes wrong. In addition to that they always pay rent on time with no excuses. No landlord in his right mind wants such a tenant to get away. Here are some things you can do to keep Good Tenants.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• good personality
• good repair person

1. Treat your tenants with respect. As a former tenant, who was also a good tenant, I would sometimes not renew my lease because I felt my landlord was disrespectful. I would move even if everything else was perfect. No one wants to rent from someone who they feel looks down on them or distrusts them without reason.
2. Take care of the home. When a good tenant asks for a reasonable repair, you need to have it completed quickly. Thirty days is a good time frame for a non-emergency repair. It the tenant feels that you don't care about the home or them, they will move.
3. Show them appreciation. I like to thank my good tenants and let them know just how much I appreciate them. A Christmas card and other notes of appreciation are helpful.
4. Send a lease renewal with a reasonable increase. Good tenants will be aware of when their lease is about to expire and will start apartment shopping if they do not have a reasonable lease renewal agreement in hand. Therefore, you should make sure the lease renewal is sent to them 30-60 days before their lease expires and try to raise the rent as little as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• develop a good relationship with your tenant
• do not become too chummy with your tenant as some might take advantage of friendliness