If you’re a landlord in Australia, you know that it can be a challenging but rewarding career. There are many things to keep in mind when renting out a property, from finding the right tenants to making sure the property is well-maintained. But how do you become a good landlord in return? Often, landlords focus so much on finding the perfect tenants that they forget to be perfect landlords in return.
Respond to Messages and Fix Problems
If your tenant messages with a question or issue, make sure to respond as soon as possible. No one likes feeling ignored, and your tenants are no different. If there’s a problem with the property, make sure to fix it as soon as possible. No one wants to live in a place with broken appliances or leaky faucets. When tenants don’t feel important or valued, they’re more likely to move out.
Be Flexible
Life happens, and sometimes tenants need to break their lease. Maybe they got a new job in another city or need to downsize for financial reasons. Whatever the reason, try to be as flexible as possible. If you can, allow them to sublet the property or find a new tenant to take over their lease. The more flexible you are, the better chance you have of keeping good tenants.
For example, it might be that they need to delay rent payments for one month because one tenant has just started a new job. If you’re flexible, the tenants will go above and beyond to look after the property.
Give Warning When Selling
You’ve checked the property’s value on PropertyPricer and you’re ready to sell. But what about your tenants? Since their living arrangements could be about to change dramatically, it’s only fair to give them a warning that the property is on the market. If possible, sell at the end of a contract and give plenty of warning rather than selling the property in the middle of a contract.
You should also give them first refusal if you do receive an offer. This means they can match the offer if they want to stay in the property. In some cases, tenants save while renting and then purchase from the owner once they’re ready. Before putting the property on the market, at least allow your tenants to reject the property rather than finding out that it is on the market later (you could save yourself lots of hassle by finding a buyer immediately!).
Keep Up with Maintenance
Under Australian law, landlords are obligated to keep their rental properties in a good state of repair. This means that you should regularly inspect the property and fix any issues as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could be liable for damages.
It’s also a good idea to have a regular cleaning schedule for the property; this will help to keep it in good condition and make it more attractive to potential tenants. Discuss with tenants what you will cover and what they should cover – for example, this includes window cleaning, garden maintenance, and property inspections.
Be Kind and Fair
Most importantly, be kind and fair to your tenants. They are, after all, human beings who deserve to be treated with respect. If you’re fair and reasonable, they will return the favour. You’re taking a risk on the tenants, but the tenants are also taking a risk on you and your property; many landlords forget this.
If all parties are fair and kind, there’s no reason why a positive relationship can’t exist between landlord and tenant!
