Good communication is a key component of the tenant-landlord relationship. Rental property management is built on a foundation of trust and good relationships with others. When done well, effective communication can help you grow your bottom line and help you minimize your liability. Tenant relations and communication skills, on the other hand, are not necessarily natural. For most Mohave Valley rental property owners, to master these skills, they usually must be practiced over time. To reduce liability and promote tenant relations, there are a few recommendations that work with any strategy to managing rental properties.
1. Make Yourself Available
One of the best ways to encourage effective communication between yourself and your tenants is to let them know that you can answer their calls and questions. It’s important to demonstrate a willingness to respond to them when they reach out, encouraging them to communicate more honestly and more often. By having regular conversations with your tenants, you are more likely to learn about developing maintenance and repair issues early on, as well as any other potential risks. In this way, you can minimize liability proactively and avoid unnecessary confrontations later on.
2. Offer Multiple Ways to Communicate
Today’s communications landscape offers a wide variety of methods to encourage frequent, effective communication between a landlord and your tenant. Because of this, it’s important to get to know your tenant and offer them more than one way to communicate with you. For some tenants, a simple phone call or the email may work best. You might find others are more willing to engage with you through text or another messaging platform. No matter which method you choose, 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 causes of the tenants that they avoid talking to their landlord is that such conversations are often negative. Some landlords only reach out 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 possible as you can. Give them updates on property renovations or repairs, or provide them information about fun local events. In this manner, when you do need to discuss more serious matters, your tenants will be more willing to listen and respond.
4. Build Trust
In the tenant-landlord relationship, it’s important to note that building trust works in both directions. Not only do you want to trust your tenant, but they also need to trust you for you to be able to communicate effectively with them. 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 with respect. Make small, respectful gestures like giving lots of advance notice for maintenance visits and inspections and being honest with your tenant when they ask questions. This way, you also encourage them to help you keep close tabs on your valuable investment.
As a Mohave Valley property owner and landlord, minimizing liability is always one of the concerns. But with effective communication with your tenants, you can do better to manage the risks and build a positive professional relationship with those renting your home. Of course, communicating with tenants takes time and effort, and a willingness to be available around the clock. If you have other things on your plate, you might consider hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Northern Arizona to handle tenant relations for you. We make communications easy and convenient, something your tenants are sure to appreciate. Plus, you’ll free up your time for your other important tasks. Contact us online today or give us a call at 928-757-7368. Let’s have an awesome experience.
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