How to Be a Good Tenant

Be a dream tenant and your landlord will have no reason to complain. Here's how to win the heart of the person who owns (or manages) the roof over your head.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleaning Supplies
• Cleaning Supplies
• Notebooks
• Writing Pens
• Computers
• Word Processors
• Notebooks

1. Know and comply with the conditions of your lease or rental agreement.

2. Refrain from damaging the premises or allowing guests to cause damage.

3. Keep your rental unit clean, and properly dispose of garbage.

4. Submit requests to your landlord in writing to avoid disputes and misunderstandings; keep copies of all correspondence.

5. Notify your landlord in writing of needed repairs to keep components in good working order.

6. Allow your landlord to enter your rental unit for safety or maintenance reasons, with proper advance notice.

7. Keep noise levels to a minimum.

8. Purchase renter's insurance to cover your personal property in the event of loss.

9. Give proper advance notice to your landlord about your intentions to vacate the property, according to the terms of your lease or rental agreement.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your rights as a tenant by becoming familiar with local landlord-tenant laws; consult a real estate attorney or local housing authority if you have questions about your rights.
• Understand the terms of your lease or rental agreement before you sign any documents.

on 1/31/2006 Remember that this is now the home in which you live. If the tap is dripping, change the washer. It's only a couple of dollars for a washer. Who wants to be hanging around for phone calls, late and dirty repair men who inconvenience you? A plumber will cost the landlord up to $100 and will get really annoyed with minor things to be done, and may delay repairs of the more important ones because of your whining.

on 11/22/2005 How thorough are they in the tenant screening process? If they are too lazy to check your credit, background, or your current employer, they are going to be too lazy to fix your toilet when it backs up. If they don't ask for all the required references, then say, "No thanks." They obviously don't care about their property, or you. They are probably slumlords.

on 11/22/2005 As a first time renter, I put up with a lot from my first landlord. She would send repairmen to the property without advance notice and things like that. You don't want to get your landlord on your bad side by complaining too much, but if they are not respecting you, speak up!

on 11/22/2005 No matter what, get all agreements in writing signed by the Landlord. Also, if you aren't getting reciepts for the rent you are paying, Demand them! Not all Landlords are crooks, but some have been known to rip their tenants off for a lot of money because the Tenant has no way to proove they have paid rent if they don't have a reciept.

on 11/22/2005 Some landlords aren't happy no matter what you do. Other landlords are "dream" landlords. If you can, check out your landlord the way he checks you out before you rent. A good landlord appreciates you and isn't as likely to raise the rent either.