How to be the Perfect Tenant – 7 Top Tips for a Harmonious Relationship With Your Landlord

Want to know how to be the perfect tenant? 

Let’s start with some good news. Surprisingly good news, even.

If you are a fabulous tenant you are in demand. In a world where everything is getting more expensive, and life has become just that little bit more difficult – you are a dream. Yes, you, Mr or Ms. Perfect Tenant. You are in much sought after.  

Landlords really want to rent their properties to you.

Why? Because especially if you plan to be a long-term tenant, you are the path of least resistance. You make your landlord’s existence simpler, easier and less stressful. You fulfil their buy-to-let ambitions, and are part of their overall property portfolio scheme.

Never underestimate how valuable you are.

And yet, perfect tenants are hard to find. Property agencies, of which we are one, will go to enormous lengths to source reliable, professional tenants; those with a proven track record of responsibility, financial stability, and a tendency to follow the “rules”. Which, in our opinion, are pretty easy and which make reasonable sense.  

Landlords aren’t just looking for people with good credit scores, or people without nefarious backgrounds and criminal records – that’s somewhat of a given. They’re also after tenants with certain key qualities. Which are? Read on to find out more.

So, are you keen to know how to be the perfect tenant? Let’s start with the most obvious one on the entire planet:

1. Pay Your Rent

And, pay it on time. 

Your tenancy agreement enables you to live in someone else’s property based on the strict understanding that you will pay him or her for the privilege of doing so. It is, in effect your number one job and your main priority as a tenant. Most likely, your landlord relies on your rent to meet their mortgage commitments, so failure to pay on your part can have knock-on consequences all round.

Should the worst happen, and for whatever reason you can’t pay your rent, the following is so important it’s in capitals: DO NOT IGNORE THE SITUATION. Landlords are, in our experience, reasonable people. But, you must face the truth, and act accordingly. Have a look at one of our previous blog posts “Help, I can’t pay my rent” for some key guidance on this uncomfortable worst-case scenario.

2. How to be the Perfect Tenant – Look After the Property

…As if it were your own.

OK, it’s NOT yours, but it most certainly is your home. Taking care of the property is the best way to secure a higher proportion of your deposit when you leave. (Don’t forget: inventory clerks have super-human attention to detail and will notice everything.)

Additionally, living somewhere pleasant, clean and comfortable is a matter of pride. Your home should be your castle, offering you a safe haven at the end of the day. You can’t kick back and relax in a tip now, can you? Mess equals stress, so keeping it in a good condition makes it a more pleasant place to come back to.

Normal wear and tear are to be expected. However, do keep your side of the bargain, by looking after the carpets, cleaning the windows, and pulling up the weeds in the garden – if you have one.

3. Let Us Know About Maintenance Issues

A tiny leak may not stay tiny. It could, if left unrepaired become an expensive headache for your landlord.  Here at Clarity, we’ll always inspect the properties we look after on a regular basis. This isn’t to catch you out, it’s to check that everything is OK, so do let us know if you spot anything. We work with reliable tradespeople, who will carry out any necessary repairs promptly, and to a high standard.

But. There’s another side to the coin. And it’s this:

4. Be Dependable and Resilient

Is it REALLY an emergency? Can you sort it out yourself, instead of calling us?

Again, we’ve written about this, and you can find out lots of good advice on our page, “What to do in an Emergency”.  Sometimes, what you think is a situation in extremis, whilst uncomfortable or upsetting, may not be the responsibility of your letting agent or your landlord. Examples include:

• Getting locked out, or forgetting your key
• The lights going out
• A broken washing machine
• A water leak (one of the conditions of your tenancy is to know where the stopcock is)

Obviously, there will be emergencies – a flood, a fire, or if you smell gas (call 0800 111 999 for this last one) but on the whole, staying ahead of the game and maintaining your independence – for example leaving a key with a trusted neighbour – should be high up on your To Do list when you rent a property.

We have an out of hours service, with all the information you need, and you can reach us on 01273 253 000.

5. Follow the Terms of Your Lease

A standard lease will prohibit any illegal activity in the property, or any behaviour that threatens the safety and wellbeing of your community. Especially in Brighton and Hove, we live in close proximity to one another, so do take this into consideration when finding somewhere to live.

For example, if you have agreed to keep noise to a minimum between 11.00am and 7.00am, it’s fair for you to abide by this regulation. Regular, all-night parties are not only inconsiderate to your neighbours, you could be in breach of the law. So, beware.

Although some tenancy agreements now allow pets, landlords are within their rights to refuse this. Pets, lovely though they are can and do destroy fixtures and fittings. So, read and understand your Ts and Cs carefully.

So, there you are.

Five ways to show you how to be the perfect tenant. 

Above all, agencies and landlords are after honest would-be renters who communicate well and who are easy to deal with. In other words, folks with integrity. For balance, we think that renting is a two-way street, as you can see in another of our previous blogs, “How to be the Perfect Landlord”.

Are you keeping your side of the bargain?

Therefore, always offer accurate information about your employment status and income, your tenancy history, and whether you have any criminal convictions. During your tenancy, make yourself available and easy to reach. Look after your home, pay your rent, and keep to the terms of your agreement – and all will be well.