Should landlords bother getting to know their tenants?
A recent survey of 1000 students found that only 60% have a good relationship with their landlord. A further 33% said there was a general lack of communication between them and their landlord.
These results suggest that a significant number of landlords just cash the cheques and sit back once a property is let. But is that enough?
Establishing a good relationship with tenants, particularly with students who tend to move around more than professionals or families, can mean that the property is well looked after and any problems are reported quickly.
No student wants the landlord inviting himself to a house party or turning up unannounced early in the morning. But knowing that there is someone who will happily take the call if something needs looking at is very reassuring.
Worryingly, 40% of students have experienced a total lack of response from their landlord after they have reported maintenance issues. This sends the wrong message, if it looks as if the landlord doesn’t care about the state of the property then why should the tenant?
Only 36% of students said they had not experienced any issues at all with their landlord. If landlords want to see happy tenants in their student properties year after year then it’s time to start getting to know them.
Small personal touches like a bottle of wine or pack of beers left for new tenants on their moving day can make a world of difference, as can a simple phone call or note welcoming them to their new home.