How to Be a Great Tenant

When renting a home, apartment, office, or shop, it’s important to get along with the other tenants, and especially with the landlord.

Neatness Counts

Show consideration to the landlord and other tenants by keeping the area in front of and around your area clean, including parking areas. Clean up after pets, especially if they stray over to a neighbor’s area to leave an unwelcome “gift,” and anywhere else where it could be a nuisance. Be careful taking the trash out; make sure it all goes into the dumpster without spilling out, and close the lid afterward to contain odors within.

Be Upfront

At some point, things break, so let the landlord or property manager know as soon as possible. If it was your fault, offer to pay for required repairs or replacement; if it simply wore out and the condition was documented when you moved in, you shouldn’t be liable for replacement. If you realize there will be a problem making a rent payment on time, discuss it with the landlord or property manager as soon as possible rather than surprising them.

Use Your Charm

There’s nothing to be gained except a bad reputation by nitpicking every tiny issue, or being antagonistic toward other tenants, even if they’re at fault. If you need a repair or situation addressed, send a polite, respectful email to the management team, with a follow-up call to make sure it was received, and allow for a few days to see the result. If an automatic renewal isn’t provided for in the lease documents, landlords may be inclined to replace high-maintenance, frequently complaining tenants.

Read the Fine Print

If the lease says “no pets,” don’t assume that your cute ferret or well-behaved toy poodle will be the exception. This also applies to adhering to policies regarding assigned parking spaces, the use of storage areas, guest policies, and rules about hosting large gatherings. The “Quiet Enjoyment” clause of the lease agreement means you can be held responsible for violating noise ordinances or other behavior that irritates or offends the other tenants. You are also responsible for your belongings, so consider obtaining renter’s insurance.

Act Like an Owner

Taking pride in your home or office is a great way to make your stay pleasant. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean making changes to the exterior without prior approval from the actual owner. Instead, consider making yourself at home by adding personal touches such as a festive doormat. Inside, hang art, using methods that can be readily reversed when you move out. If you see discarded minor trash such as a soda can, take it to the refuse area.