The ideal tenant, for any property manager, is one that pays their rent on time, isn’t disruptive to the community, and doesn’t constantly complain about the property. However, what if your tenant is too quiet? Here are the reasons why you won’t be hearing from your tenants and why you should care.
Not all landlords or property managers have the ability to stop in and physically pick up a check. If you can, it is good practice. This will give an opportunity to create a connection: seeing your tenant and seeing your property together. Tenants are less likely to do worse if they are expecting a visit each month from the landlord.
Damages
Most tenants won’t inform the landlord regarding damages done to the property. Damages such as holes, shelving issues, and various damages requiring minor repairs can easily be kept under wraps. Some will attempt to fix them on their own to avoid dings to the security deposit. Others may just keep racking them up, not expecting to get their deposit back. Either way, this can mean a delay in re-renting the unit and perhaps larger repairs for not being able to catch it when it was something small.
Pets
It is always important to obtain a security deposit. However, if you allow pets, that’s even more of a reason why security deposits are vital. Unless regular landlord visits are made, there is no way to know if there is a violation by the tenant. Not always, but sometimes, pets can be disruptive to the community and cause costly expenses.
Cleanliness
Most screening processes don’t include the question, “Do you consider yourself neat and tidy or a hoarder?” Even if it did, I’m sure the answer given will be no. Upkeep of the unit will deter pest problems, health problems and a huge clean-up bill at the end of a lease. A visit to the property, at least bi-monthly, will allow a manager to know if things are getting out of hand.
Smoking
Smoking is another hard one to enforce. Most times you don’t even have to enter the home to tell if the tenant has been smoking or not, but if regular visits aren’t in the cards, this is one you will have to deal with on the backend.
Painting/Holes
To keep things simple, most units are decorated in neutral colors. Tenants like to personalize the space by adding their own touches with wall hangings or painting, and rarely get permission. Both can delay the time between rentals for construction work. Be sure to address what can and can’t be done with your tenant prior to move-in and the expectations on moving out.
Hopefully, these issues are few and far between. By building a rapport with your tenant from the beginning, they will be more likely to communicate any issues with you. Being an involved landlord/management company will keep tenants happy, and be less of a headache for you.
