Good Landlords, Attract Good Tenants

To date, I have lived at 20 different rental properties during my adult life, and I can tell you from personal experience, that I wasn’t the problem tenant. I knew what needed to be done to ensure my own peace of mind and if it wasn’t done, then I knew how to give notice and start looking for another place.

I have to admit that some landlords were far better than others, because they did the following:

1. They read the lease contract and never changed what was said by misleading statements, false information or manipulative tactics.

2. They followed up whenever I had an issue.

3. They kept drama under control and off the property.

4. They explained to me what was expected and gave me my much deserved credit whenever I did something that helped them.

5. They were fair when it came to my security deposit and recognized how well I took care of every place I stayed.

When residents and tenants work together to ensure a place is well-maintained and rules are followed, you can’t help but stay with certain companies. After 20 moves in various states, I must say that there are good landlords, apartment staff, and rental properties in this world you just need to know where to look. Check out reviews online. Research neighborhoods and check out surrounding ones. Learn more about the property rental company and what others’ experiences have been. Don’t settle for a residence just because it has impressive amenities, certain affluent people live there or nearby, and a great move-in special is being offered. Sometimes features are highly marketed to overshadow the problems in and around the community. Know what you are getting into, before signing a lease contract. Do read your contract well and watch for those places in the lease where the tenant pays extra if one thing or another isn’t done and what rights you and the landlord have in the event that something happens and you are late or can‘t pay your rent.

Nicholl McGuire