A positive landlord-tenant relationship is crucial to any rental experience. Most landlords will go to great lengths to find and keep qualified, trustworthy tenants. Those who honor lease terms, respect the property and display financial responsibility.
However, your desirability as a tenant goes beyond a good credit score and a clean background check. There are certain qualities that will make you stand out as a tenant in your landlord’s eyes and certain qualities that are immediate red flags.
Are you the type of tenant that helps landlords breathe easier or the type they warn each other about?
The Top 10 Qualities of a Good Tenant
What qualities do landlords look for when evaluating a candidate? What makes a great tenant? Tenants who pay their rent on time, take care of the property, and have good references from other landlords. Here are the top 10 qualities of a good tenant.
1. Pay your rent on time
A good tenant is one who pays their rent on time, or the first time the landlord receives a payment from them. If there is any problem with paying, the landlord should be notified as soon as possible. Make sure that you pay for the entire rent on time so that you receive all of the benefits that come with that. That includes the extra protections that are included in your lease agreement.
2. Keep the property in good condition.
With everything being stored inside the property, cleanliness is very important. Make sure that you keep the property as clean as possible. If the trash is accumulating, take care of that immediately, or the landlord will have the option to replace it with a collection service. Make sure that the lawn is mowed, if there is one.
3 & 4 Keep in touch with your landlord by asking questions and reporting issues.
Tenants must communicate with their landlord in the most efficient way possible. If you have questions, or need to report problems to the landlord, make sure you have their contact information handy. Report problems right away, don’t wait for someone else.
5. Keep the property clean
It’s up to you to make sure you don’t leave a mess. Also, make sure that any garbage you bring home is not just left for someone else to clean up. Make sure it’s all put in the trash.
6. Keep your property safe
Do your part to keep down crime in your apartment building. Watch for suspicious persons, lock your vehicle and your rental unit when going out, and don’t leave things outside that may attract thieves.
6. Be Truthful
Tell your landlord when you have guests that will stay longer than a week. If your sister comes from out of town and wants to stay with you, your landlord most likely will not care as long as it is not more than two weeks within a 30 day period. Tenants are allowed to have guests. However, should that guest decide to stay for a longer period you should let your manager know or put them on your lease.
7. Notify the landlord of maintenance issues
Maintenance issues can be handled quickly and efficiently if done through the proper channels. Let your manager know right away if something is not working in your apartment. It is often less costly to repair an item than replace it.
8. Follow the rules written in your lease
A great tenant is someone who knows what is and is not allowed in their apartment building. Following the terms on your lease will keep you from making mistakes that could get you evicted from your apartments.
9. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter who they are or their position. You should be kind to the maintenance personnel, as well as the assistant manager, leasing agent, and anyone else who works on the property.
10. Purchase renters insurance
Renters insurance is designed to help cover the loss or damage to protect your personal property inside your rental unit. Renters insurance can cover your furniture and appliances, electronics, clothes, shoes, etc. Renters insurance covers the cost of damage caused by break-ins, fires, storms and impact damage from a fallen tree, and more.
Being a good tenant is more than just paying rent on time. A good tenant wants to stay a tenant where he or she lives, so they conduct themselves in a manner that is acceptable to the management so they never have to worry about losing their home.
