Tenant Relations: 4 Ways You Can Minimize Liability Through Communication

Good communication is a key component of the tenant-landlord relationship. Rental property management is based on a foundation of trust and great relationships with others. When executed properly, effective communication can help you grow your bottom line and help you minimize your liability. Yet, tenant relations and communication skills do not usually fall into place. For many Waterford rental property owners, to master these skills, they usually must be practiced over time. To reduce liability and promote tenant relations, here are a couple of basic steps that work with any method to managing rental properties.

1.   Make Yourself Available

Probably the ideal way to encourage effective communication between yourself and your tenants is to tell them that you can answer their calls and questions. It’s necessary to demonstrate a willingness to respond to them when they reach out, encouraging them to communicate more honestly and more often. By having frequent conversations with your tenants, you are more inclined to understand developing maintenance and repair issues early on, as well as any other potential risks. In this manner, you can minimize liability proactively and avoid unnecessary confrontations afterward.

2.   Offer Multiple Ways to Communicate

Today’s communications landscape provides a wide variety of methods to encourage frequent, effective communication concerning a landlord and your tenant. For that reason, it’s critical to become more acquainted with your tenant and give them more than one way to communicate with you. For other tenants, a quick phone call or email may be enough. Others may be more eager to communicate with you via text or another messaging platform. Regardless of which method you prefer, make certain 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 reasons numerous tenants avoid talking to their landlord is that such conversations are frequently negative. Many landlords only contact their tenants when there is a problem, causing 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 frequently as possible. Provide them updates on property renovations or repairs, or notify them about fun local events. Therefore, when it comes time to address more serious matters, your tenants will be more likely to listen and respond.

4.   Build Trust

In the tenant-landlord relationship, it’s necessary to remember that building trust works on both sides. Not only should you trust your tenant, but they also need to trust you to communicate effectively with you. 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 handling them and their commitment with respect. Make minor, respectful gestures such as providing lots of advance notice for maintenance visits and inspections and being honest with your tenant when they ask questions. Thusly, you also encourage them to help you keep close tabs on your valuable investment.

As a Waterford property owner and landlord, minimizing liability is always a concern. However, with effective communication with your tenants, you can confidently manage the risks and build a positive professional relationship with those renting your home. Obviously, communicating with tenants involves time and attention, as well as a desire to be accessible around the clock. If you have other responsibilities, you could think about hiring a property management company like Real Property Management Hartford Metro/Greater New London to manage tenant relations for you. We make communications quick and easy, which your tenants are sure to appreciate. Additionally, you’ll free up your time for your other important tasks. Contact us online today or give us a call at 860-436-9955.