Good communication is a key component of the tenant-landlord relationship. Rental property management is based on a foundation of trust and great relationships with others. If implemented right, effective communication can help you grow your bottom line and help you minimize your liability. However, tenant relations and communication skills are not generally natural. For several Copper River rental property owners, to master these skills, they typically need to be practiced over time. To reduce liability and promote tenant relations, here are some easy strategies that work with any approach to managing rental properties.
1. Make Yourself Available
One of the greatest methods to encourage effective communication between yourself and your tenants is to tell them that you can answer their calls and questions. It’s imperative to demonstrate a willingness to respond to them when they reach out, encouraging them to communicate more honestly and more often. By having consistent conversations with your tenants, you are more likely to discover developing maintenance and repair issues early on, as well as any other potential risks. Like this, you can minimize liability proactively and avoid unnecessary confrontations over time.
2. Offer Multiple Ways to Communicate
Today’s communications landscape brings a wide variety of methods to encourage frequent, effective communication involving a landlord and your tenant. For this reason, it’s crucial to get to know your tenant and to give them more than one way to communicate with you. For other tenants, a simple phone call or email is enough. You may discover that others are more inclined to communicate with you through text or another messaging platform. It doesn’t matter which method you prefer, 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 main reasons why a lot of tenants avoid talking to their landlord is that such conversations are commonly negative. Most landlords only ever 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 you can. Give them updates on property renovations or repairs, or send them details about fun local events. In this manner, when you have to talk about more serious matters, your tenants will be more eager to listen and respond.
4. Build Trust
In the tenant-landlord relationship, it’s important to be aware that building trust works in both directions. 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 treating them and their time with respect. Conduct tiny, respectful gestures like delivering lots of advance notice for maintenance visits and inspections and being honest with your tenant when they ask questions. In this fashion, you also encourage them to help you keep close tabs on your valuable investment.
As a Copper River property owner and landlord, minimizing liability is always a concern. However, with effective communication with your tenants, you can easily manage the risks and build a positive professional relationship with those renting your home. Undeniably, communicating with tenants takes time and effort, and a willingness to be available around the clock. If you have other activities on your platform, you might consider hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Platinum to do the tenant relations for you. We make communications easy and convenient, something your tenants are sure to appreciate. Aside from that, you’ll free up your time for your other important tasks. Contact us online today or give us a call at 559-425-8550.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
