Communicating with your tenants is vital to your success as a landlord. If you want to make sure your tenants are happy, you should make sure you communicate with them in the best way possible.
There are several ways to communicate these days with texting, calling, email, and social media. Of course, you can also communicate in-person. Let’s look at a few of the tips you can use to communicate better with your tenants.
4 Tips for Better Communication with Your Tenants
1. Honesty is the Best Policy
From any advertising you do to find tenants to the lease to handling maintenance issues, you should always be honest. Nothing good comes from trying to beat around the bush or flat out lying to a potential tenant or a current tenant.
The last thing you need is an upset tenant because you were not honest and upfront. Whether it’s about when the rent should be paid or about how long a maintenance job will take, always communicate honestly.
2. Communicate With Your Tenants Chosen Method
Sometimes, you cannot delay communication and a phone call is necessary. However, when you need to communicate with your tenant and it’s not urgent, choose their preferred communication method. As long as you have the ability to text, email, or call, use the method they prefer.
3. Always Show Respect
One of the best things you can do to make sure you communicate well with your tenants is showing respect. When you have mutual respect with your tenants, communicating is a bit easy. They will respect where you are coming from when you show respect for them.
One of the best ways you can show respect is not calling tenants or sending messages at any time of the day. You should also avoid the pop-in, since in most states; it’s illegal to show up without giving 24-hour notice, anyway.
It’s best to provide your date and time in writing before just stopping by the property. Anytime a maintenance worker plans to show up or anybody else from your property management team, a written notice is the best policy.
4. Be Understanding
You are a landlord, not a dictator. Don’t let the little bit of power you have go to your head. We are all just human and understanding where your tenant is coming from is important.
If your tenant tells you they will be a day late paying rent, a little understanding can go a long way, especially if they are always on time and good tenants. It’s not worth ruining your relationship with good tenants due to a minor issue.
Communication is one of the biggest keys to success as a landlord. This comes into play when you choose a property management company, as well. Make sure the company you choose provides good communication with tenants.
With excellent communication, you will keep good tenants happy and they will stick around longer. This helps to pay off when you’re trying to make a profit from your income property.
