Good communication is a key component of the tenant-landlord relationship. Rental property management is established on a foundation of trust and solid relationships with others. When performed properly, effective communication can help you grow your bottom line and help you minimize your liability. However, tenant relations and communication skills do not always come automatically. For most Weymouth rental property owners, to master these skills, they commonly should be practiced over time. To reduce liability and promote tenant relations, here are some simple methods that work with any approach to managing rental properties.
1. Make Yourself Available
One of the best techniques to encourage effective communication between yourself and your tenants is to reassure them that you can answer their calls and questions. It’s important to demonstrate a willingness to respond to them when they reach out, encouraging them to communicate more honestly and more often. By maintaining regular conversations with your tenants, you are more likely to know about developing maintenance and repair issues early on, as well as any other potential risks. In this way, you can minimize liability proactively and avoid unnecessary confrontations over the long run.
2. Offer Multiple Ways to Communicate
Today’s communications landscape carries a wide variety of methods to encourage frequent, effective communication between a landlord and your tenant. Due to this, it’s important to become familiar with your tenant and offer them more than one way to communicate with you. For most tenants, a simple phone call or email is acceptable. Others may be more willing to keep in touch with you through text or another messaging platform. It doesn’t matter which method you choose; be sure to document your communications and follow any applicable laws when your communications involve the lease or legal issues.
3. Keep It Positive
One of the primary reasons why a lot of tenants avoid talking to their landlord is that such conversations are generally negative. Many landlords only communicate to their tenants when there is a problem, which causes the tenant to develop negative associations with their landlord, justified or not. To avoid this situation and encourage effective communication with your tenant, try to communicate positive information to them as often as possible. Send them updates on property renovations or repairs, or provide them details about fun local events. Like this, when you need to discuss more serious matters, your tenants will be more willing to listen and respond.
4. Build Trust
In the tenant-landlord relationship, it’s essential to understand that building trust works for both parties. Not only do you need to trust your tenant, but they also need to trust you to communicate effectively with you. You can build trust with your tenant by keeping to your word, doing what you say you will do, and delivering promised repairs promptly. You can also encourage their confidence by dealing with them and their time with respect. Perform little, respectful gestures along with giving lots of advance notice for maintenance visits and inspections and being honest with your tenant when they ask questions. In this way, you also encourage them to help you keep close tabs on your valuable investment.
As a Weymouth property owner and landlord, minimizing liability is always a concern. However, with effective communication with your tenants, you can smoothly manage the risks and build a positive professional relationship with those renting your home. Obviously, communicating with tenants demands time and dedication, and a commitment to be accessible around the clock. If you have other liabilities, you might consider hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Associates to do the tenant relations for you. We make communications efficient and straightforward, something your tenants are sure to appreciate. Apart from that, you’ll free up your time for your other important tasks. Contact us online today or give us a call at 508-509-4485.
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