5 Ways to Get Your Tenants to Take Care of your Rental Property

Having a rental property can be a great investment. Today’s housing market provides an excellent opportunity for investors to get a great deal on properties and, consequently, give their renters a great deal as well. Because of the circumstances that benefit both owner and renter, finding renters to fill a vacant property is often not difficult.



Of course, that’s not to say that renting out a property doesn’t come with its challenges – because it certainly does. The difference is that those difficulties arise once the tenants have moved in.



One of the biggest sources of tension between tenants and owners is the condition in which the tenants keep the property. Owners want tenants who will treat their property as if it were their own, and will leave the property in as good condition as when they moved in. Tenants, on the other hand, have a hard time treating a property that they don’t "own" with a high level of respect.



So what’s an owner to do? Read on to learn about 5 ways you can manage your tenants so that they are more motivated to take good care of your investment.



1. Start from the beginning


A good, long-term renter is going to be worth much more to you than a bad, short-term one. Don’t get desperate and settle for a renter that you find questionable, just to fill the space. Taking your time to find a quality renter will pay off later!



2. Deep clean



Your tenants will be more likely to maintain an already clean property than they will be to deep clean it themselves. If your property is empty, invest a little time and money into getting your property in tip-top shape, and don’t be afraid to point out to potential renters that you have done so. If you already have renters, consider hiring a maid to come (either as a one time thing or once every few months) and do a deep clean. It won’t cost you much, and your tenants will be more likely to treat the space well.



3. Get it in writing



Consider tailoring part of your rental agreement to cover condition of the property. If you are having issues with current tenants, try presenting them with a new agreement that covers the problems. More likely than not, they will appreciate having your terms laid out clearly.

4. Take some responsibility



Think about keeping some maintenance responsibilities under your care. For example, you could handle exterminators, landscaping, or heating/cooling unit tune-ups. Your tenants will appreciate having a landlord that is actively involved in maintaining the property, and you will rest easier knowing that certain things will always be taken care of.



5. Use a quality property management company



An experienced property management company can be an excellent mediator between you and your tenant. This company can help you find quality tenants and set expectations for property maintenance that will keep everyone happy. Often, property management groups have connections with repair companies to provide you and your tenants with fast, high-quality service. They can also help you deal with "trouble" tenants and major disputes. Consider hiring a property management company to help you manage your tenants!





When managing your tenants, it’s important to remember to keep communication open, and to be understanding of their needs. They want this experience to be a positive one, too! Set realistic expectations and guidelines that both you and your tenants can meet and be happy with.