How to Build a Good Relationship With Your Landlord

A strong, healthy relationship — whether with a romantic partner, friend, relative or your boss — is usually based on the same core values: transparency, trust, respect, flexibility and a touch of empathy. Therefore, the same ingredients are necessary to build a good relationship with your landlord or your property manager. In fact, this connection may even dictate how comfortable you feel in your apartment.

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent, the first interaction with the landlord or property manager is paramount. Fortunately, there are several ways to find out if they will be a good partner for you in the long run. Start by asking them how they stay in touch with their renters or the last time they upgraded the property. This will help you determine whether they’re interested in the renters’ wellbeing.

If you’re just starting your journey as a renter, know that most landlords hire a property manager to screen tenants, as well as collect rent and complete other administrative tasks. In some cases (and particularly for single-family rentals), the landlord handle all these procedures.

Of course, it’s not easy to find the perfect landlord or the ideal property manager, but the good news is that any relationship can be improved. More important, you have the power to create a more efficient collaboration with the owner or the manager of your apartment. So, without further ado, here are some tips on how to make this happen.

1. Communicate

Communication is an essential part of any kind of partnership. Specifically, stay in touch with your landlord and reply promptly to any calls or messages you might receive from them. Likewise, keep communication clear and concise and avoid unnecessary emails, texts or calls. Consider the issues you want to communicate and make sure that it’s something your landlord can help you with before hitting send or calling.

2. Be transparent

This one is related to communication: Be confident when talking to your landlord or your property manager to inform them of any problems that might arise. Know that eviction is often the last resort, mostly because it’s a long and costly process. There are other solutions to explore before getting there, so make sure that your relationship with the landlord is based on honesty.

3. Connect

Connection means taking communication to the next level. Meet face to face with your property manager or landlord, if possible. If not, an online meeting or a call could also work. This is a great way for you to exchange information. In particular, find out about any updates or plans for the property and let them know about any issues you might be dealing with in relation to your rental.

4. Be respectful

Respect the property and its owner and manager. Remember that someone invested money in the space you’re living in to make you, the renter, feel at home. So, in turn, take care of the property and inform them if anything gets broken.

Moreover, showing respect draws a respectful attitude from the other person and goes hand in hand with empathy. Try putting yourself in your landlord’s shoes before making a claim or a statement. Similarly, focus on being assertive when communicating to convey what you need without disrespecting the other individual.

It goes without saying that you should also respect your neighbors and the community you live in. This will make you a good neighbor and can also make a difference in your partnership with your landlord or property manager.

5. Trust Them

Trust is a firm belief in truth, ability, and reliability of someone or something. This should be a key component of the renter/landlord relationship. It’s also a two-way street, so make sure your landlord or property manager knows this. In particular, keep your promises and do what is expected of you. (Mainly, pay your rent on time.) This theory is best tested during emergency situations. While it’s not ideal to have to go through such events, make sure you follow the rules of the building and any instructions you might be given in times of distress.

6. Be proactive

This is a great skill to have, especially in more difficult situations. Stay on top of things when it comes to your rental apartment and inform your landlord or property manager whenever a problem occurs. Try to offer a solution as often as possible. In the end, this is for your own wellbeing and comfort. The sooner your work it out, the better.

If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term lease, there are shorter, more flexible options you can look into. We also have some extra tips on how not to lose your deposit and continue building a great renter-landlord relationship.