What makes a great tenant?
Finding the perfect tenant for your rental property can be daunting for any landlord or property manager. It’s not just about finding someone who can pay the rent on time and take good care of the property. A great tenant is someone who is communicative, responsible, and respectful. However, some other qualities go into making an exceptional tenant.
We’ve put together a list of ten things that our professional Property Management team look for, including those who:
1. Are reasonable and effective in reporting maintenance issues:
It’s important to report any maintenance issues as soon as possible and be clear with the details. That way, your property manager can quickly address the problem and ensure the property is in good repair. It’s also important to be reasonable in your expectations for repairs, especially if they’re not urgent. Your Property Manager will want to fix it quickly, so be patient and trust that they will address the issue as soon as possible.
2. Contact their Property Manager if there are any issues, especially with paying rent.
There is nothing that can’t be solved through good communication. Communication is key in any relationship, especially between a Property Manager and a tenant. If you have any issues or concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them up to your agent. This includes problems with paying rent or other financial matters.
And if you are experiencing any issues that may delay your rental or utilities, get on the front foot early and let your agent know in advance. This helps them to plan and avoid any potential issues arising from late or missed payments. It’s also important to communicate when the problem will be rectified so they clearly understand the situation.
3. Are open to receiving inspection feedback.
Love or hate them, routine inspections are necessary to maintain a property. Be open to receiving feedback from these inspections, even if it’s not always positive. Remember, the feedback is not personal. It’s meant to help you maintain the property and avoid any issues down the track.
4. Recognise the processes for maintenance, routines and rent payments.
Paying attention at the sign-up appointment is crucial to understanding the Property Manager’s procedures for maintenance, routines, and rental payments. By understanding this information, tenants can stay on top of their responsibilities and avoid any misunderstandings or issues that could jeopardise their tenancy.
5. Doesn’t cancel routine inspections unless absolutely necessary.
Routine inspections are important for maintaining the property and ensuring it is safe and habitable. Try not to cancel these inspections unless it’s essential, such as in the case of an emergency. Cancelling routine inspections can lead to issues going unnoticed and becoming more serious over time.
6. Is communicative and responsive.
As a tenant, being communicative and responsive to correspondence is something Property Managers love. This means responding promptly to emails, phone calls, and other forms of communication. Confirming receipt of any correspondence will ensure no misunderstandings or communication breakdowns.
7. Maintains the property as if it is their own.
Property Managers (and Landlords) love tenants who treat the property as if it were their own. This means maintaining it in good condition and reporting any issues promptly. Also key is being respectful of the property and the surrounding community by following any rules or regulations that are in place.
8. Is an educated tenant.
A tenant who knows how it all works is usually a pleasure to work with, and there are far fewer arguments. Being an educated tenant who understands how the rental process works can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for you and your Property Manager. This means understanding your responsibilities as a tenant and following procedures according to the lease agreement. It can also help to avoid any potential arguments or misunderstandings.
9. Are easily contactable.
Being easily contactable is important for maintaining good communication with your agent. As well as responding promptly, it’s also vital to keep your contact information up to date so there are no communication breakdowns. If you have updated contact information, let your Property Manager know immediately.
10. Can relate to the road bumps of home ownership and dealing with trades.
Maintenance issues inevitably arise with property, such as the air-conditioning breaking down in the middle of summer. The key is to be patient and understand that repairs may not always be immediate. Avoid making unreasonable demands or expectations, issues will be handled as a matter of priority.
Effective and regular communication between property managers and tenants is essential to a successful partnership. A great working partnership means issues become easily resolved, and expectations managed.
The professional Property Management team at McGrath Real Estate know the importance of staying in touch with both our tenants and landlords and keeping them up-to-date with everything related to the property.
If you’re looking to move into a rental property and you’d like to work with a property manager with a more communicative approach, phone our office on 8350 4200, or drop into 42 Brighton Road, Glenelg.