Communication Between Tenants & Landlords
by Lorena D'Amico, Senior Property Portfoilio Manager
Communication Between Tenants & Landlords
For any tenancy agreement to be successful, communication between all parties is the key. This includes a clear understanding between the tenant, the landlord and the property manager. Having a property manager who is across all information, whether trivial or major, will ensure the tenant maintains a safe and harmonious living arrangement and the landlord can enjoy peace of mind for their investment.
When leasing a property, the landlord wants to ensure their new tenants are appropriate and will look after their investment, and the tenant wants to ensure they are moving into a property which is well maintained and offering what is being promoted. With this in mind, clear communication is essential from the outset, and it’s primarily the property manager’s responsibility to ensure all parties are up to speed every step of the way.
There are many steps to setting up a new tenancy agreement, from negotiating contract terms, the level of rent, lease particulars and any special conditions relevant to the property. It’s essential both the tenant and the landlord are made fully aware of the agreements in place before they sign any documentation. The property manager must also ensure the information they provide is not misleading either party in any way before agreement is made.
Communication Breakdown
A breakdown in communication often occurs for matters relating to rent increase or maintenance.
If damage occurs in the property, whether by fault of the tenant or not, the property manager must be notified as soon as possible to ensure the damage is repaired in a timely manner. The property manager is charged with overseeing all repairs, which includes arranging appropriate trades people, advising the landlord of the situation at hand and ensuring the tenant is able enjoy safe living conditions with minimal disruption. If there is a breakdown in communication when it comes to damage or required repairs, matters can get out of hand with tenants wanting to vacate the property or disagreements between who’s at fault or how the matter should be resolved.
Rent increases can sometimes cause disagreements during a tenancy agreement. It’s essential all parties are aware rent will inevitably increase over time, so it’s important such increases are communicated appropriately, but are also fair and reasonable and in line with relevant legislation. When a rent increase is pending, the property manager is required to write to the tenants advising them of all the relevant information. We recommend the property manager speak with both the landlord and the tenant before simply writing to the tenant, in an attempt to first agree on a fair and reasonable increase. Getting the tenants agreement before they receive a notice of rent increase can often save a lot of hassle, although it’s understood prior agreement may not always be possible.
There is a risk, when increasing rent, the tenant will not agree with the increase and wish to move out as a result of the demand. This can be detrimental to the landlord if it means their property will be vacant for a period of time, and essentially defeat the purpose of requesting more income for their investment in the first place. The property manager should be able to gauge what is fair and reasonable in this regard, and resolve any disagreements before it comes to a tenant wishing to vacate a property.
Communicating – The Key
Ensuring a rental property is maintained appropriately is in the best interest of both the landlord and the tenant. This can be assured by open and clear communication of all parties, and by ensuring the property manager keeps everyone well informed of all matters relating to the property, leaving little room for error.
For more information about your rights and obligations as a Landlord or Tenant, please feel free to call our office on 1300 726 082 and speak with a John Hopkins Property Portfolio Manager who can assist you further or click here.
ss