The Dream Tenant…

Do you ever wonder why so many landlords and superintendents look you up & down before handing over a rental application? For most tenants, respecting the property that they rent comes naturally. Unfortunately, not all tenants show the same courtesy. It is this group of renters that cause property mangers & owners immense stress.

We have all heard them right? The nightmare stories about the tenant that trashed a newly renovated apartment or who wouldn’t pay rent because it cut into the beer budget. Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to find a place that will let you bring Fido along? The concerns of landlords are quite real. The time and money that they are forced to spend when evictions or repairs are needed can be quite substantial. It is no surprise that they ask so many personal questions during a showing or interview. You can reassure a landlord that you are a safe bet by being open and honest. If an interviewer senses that you are spinning a line, they may just put your application at the bottom of the pile. Tell them about the lifestyle that you live. Let them know how many will be staying in the rental and whether or not you have a pet. You will be much more comfortable in a space that accepts you as you are.

 One of the biggest complaints from landlords is about tenants that don’t pay their rent on time. What may seem like a minor delay to you in getting the rent check in can be viewed as a red flag by a property owner. Prepare direct deposits or post dated cheques if you are not in a position to meet face to face. This simple act can establish a positive reputation with your landlord that can be extremely beneficial when you need a reference for a job interview or credit application. A tenant that can complete minor repairs in a rental unit can be a blessing for a landlord. Greasing a squeaky door hinge or tightening a loose doorknob are simple tasks that any tenant can manage. Just be sure to check with the property owner before changing the locks or painting the walls your favorite shade of orange. It is always a good plan to find out if there is a policy on decorating or security. The owner may offer to pay for the materials for upgrades in some cases if the resident makes the repair. If you do choose to change the shower head or customize the ensuite with a fashionable toilet seat, hang on to the original fixtures. The owner will appreciate you putting this back when you move out of the unit.

Being a considerate tenant applies to neighbors as well as to the landlord. Keeping the noise to a reasonable level while entertaining is a common courtesy. Have you ever been awakened in the middle of a deep sleep by the sound of furniture being moved in the apartment above you? What may seem innocent to one tenant can be very disruptive to another. It is a good idea to ask a neighbor what noises travel into their place when you first move in. It may help you to avoid an awkward or even embarrassing situation later on.

Finally, leave your rental in the same or better condition than you found it. If everyone followed this rule, allot of stress would be avoided. There will always be those that trash apartments & leave behind the disgusting mess of garbage and junk. This is a situation that many landlords have encountered and one that all owners dread. Most tenants leave their units in reasonable condition with only normal wear and tear to be left behind. If you truly wish to have your landlord singing the praise about your stay with them, why not take the extra time to give the floors a good clean & be sure to remove that last bag of garbage before you hand in your keys. This may seem like overkill but remember; the positive comments from a previous landlord about your impeccable reputation can make you the first pick for that dream job or help to secure the financing on your next vehicle purchase!