Although some commentators might like to tell you that being a buy-to-let landlord is more trouble than it’s worth, for the majority it’s a great way to generate a second income without having to work two full time jobs. But don’t take this the wrong way: you’ll still need to put in the effort to keep your tenants feeling satisfied. If you don’t listen and respond to their needs, they’ll end up moving on to a new home at the end of the tenancy agreement, and they’ll more than likely tell others to keep away. So, if you’re trying to think of ways to please your new buy-to-let tenants, follow our sound advice:
Be Responsive and Be Positive
One of the reasons why landlords could get a bad name is that they don’t listen to the needs of their tenants. That’s why you should do everything you can to ensure you’re listening to the requirements of your residents and being there for them when they need you to be. A good way to do this is to have a monthly face to face meeting, maybe just for half an hour in a local café or pub so that they can give you feedback and you can respond in a direct manner. If you can’t do this though, even giving your tenants your email address is a good start and better than many landlords do.
Furnish the Property to Keep Standards High
Nobody wants to live in a property that looks like it hasn’t been redecorated and refurnished in 10 years. If you’re trying to keep your tenants on your side, do the responsible thing: refurbish and refurnish the property when it needs it. This doesn’t have to be a costly affair, and if you take advantage of online specialist retailers for your furniture needs, you’ll be able to get high quality furniture at affordable prices.
Be Fair
Finally, the best thing that you can do to keep your tenants on your side is to be fair to them. Don’t increase their rent unnecessarily and without due notice, repair appliances promptly when they need repairing, and return their damages deposit as far as is reasonable. By doing these simple (and what should be standard) things, you’ll keep your tenants on your side, and increase the likelihood of them renewing their contracts with you at the end of the agreed period.
So there you have it – some of the best ways to keep your tenants happy. Ultimately, if you treat them well they’ll respond positively to you in return.