How to attract and keep good tenants

You’ve done the work and invested the time to get your property ready to rent. But what can you do to attract and keep great tenants? Here are some useful tips to help you build better relationships and attract the best tenants for you.

Before anything else, understand what sort of tenant your property is suitable for. For example, if you have a small 2 bedroom city centre apartment, it’s probably more suited to young professionals rather than a family. Then, highlight the features of the property and location that would attract your target audience – for example, if there’s a primary school nearby, it would be good to promote this to a family with children.

It’s all about creating the right appeal for your chosen audience, as well as ensuring that your property meets all the necessary renting standards, lettings regulations and has up-to-date certificates.

The secret to keeping great tenants

Now that you’ve found great tenants, how can you ensure that they’re happy in your property so that they stay for a long time, and you don’t have to start your tenant search from scratch every so often?

As every property, landlord and tenant is different, every relationship will be too. A positive landlord-tenant relationship starts from the moment you market and present your property to potential renters. Here are a few factors to help you build a good relationship.

Be open and honest

A key pillar to a good tenant-landlord relationship is open and honest communication. State any requirements clearly so that any confusion can be minimised or completely avoided.

Provide reasons

If you or workers need to gain access to the flat for any regular safety checks, it's important to give the tenants plenty of (written) notice. Some tenants may not be as aware of the necessary regulations and legislations that landlords need to comply with, which is why offering a brief explanation helps in building great tenant relationships.

Have one main method of communication

Using an agreed communication channel and recording key discussion points in writing helps to build a great relationship foundation. If you do this, both parties will know the best way to get hold of each other, and it also makes it easier to find information from past conversations.

Be reliable

Rarely does everything run smoothly when living in a house or a flat – things break or need to be replaced. So, when the tenant notifies you that something has to be fixed, get it done as soon as you can. Depending on the situation, it may take some time to book the right worker – in this case, it’s important to communicate this to your tenants and keep them in the loop as best you can.

Show understanding

Changes in regulations and circumstances may sometimes mean that you have to put rent prices up. Be understanding and, if necessary, discuss options with your tenants. Avoid being confrontational or demanding, as these behaviours may only hinder you towards achieving the best outcome for both of you.

Last, but certainly not least, stay up-to-date on landlord-tenant laws and any lettings regulations. With over 160 regulations to keep track of, it can be tricky to know what’s what. So if you’re looking for the easiest and safest way to find your path through lettings' law, we can help.