When a tenant raises a concern or complaint, the landlord should be proactive, rather than reactive. It can be easy to get defensive when a renter complains about things like noise, repair issues, or pests. Landlords want to believe their property is immune to issues like these. However, they happen every day, and it’s crucial to confront them with a positive attitude. Maintaining relationships with tenants is the most important part of being a landlord. If your tenants are happy, you have a much better chance of running a solid business.
Follow These Steps When a Tenant Raises a Concern
- Listen with an Open Mind and Be Compassionate
Just like it’s difficult to address a tenant’s concern, it can be equally hard for tenants to reach out. Asking for help may make them feel uncomfortable, like they are bothering you. If they’re taking the time to confide in you, it’s important that you listen. Whether they’re upset about a disruptive neighbor or they have a leaky faucet, always hear them out fully. Try not to interrupt your tenant or correct their point of view. Never escalate an argument when a tenant raises a concern; instead, show compassion and patience. If they seem to be overdramatizing the situation, it may be possible that you’re misunderstanding them. Be sure to ask lots of questions and put yourself in their shoes to see the issue through their eyes. If you were experiencing the problem, how would you want it resolved?
- Encourage Communication Throughout the Process
When a tenant raises a concern, make sure they’re able to contact you after discussing the issue. Let’s say, for instance, that a tenant visits you to raise a concern about another tenant’s noise level. You may tell them to wait and see if it’s a one-time problem or if the same thing happens repeatedly. If the other tenant decides to start throwing loud parties once a week, you want to know about it as it’s happening. Give your tenant a number they can call to reach you. You shouldn’t be on-call all the time, but you should have a plan in place for after-hours complaints. This way, the tenant can take action in the middle of the night if they need to.
- Handle the Concern Right Away
There are a lot of things you can do to prevent or resolve tenant issues, but the most important step is to address the problem as soon as possible. It’s true that every concern is unique and may not require immediate attention. That being said, it’s always better to handle things sooner rather than later. Taking notice of a request or complaint is crucial to preventing the situation from deteriorating further. You don’t want to forget about it and leave the problem unresolved. Your renters should know that you value and respect them. Respond promptly when a tenant raises a concern and ensure that the problem is resolved within an appropriate timeframe.
Partner with All County Denver Metro for Expert Property Management Services
All County Denver Metro Property Management is here to help property owners have confidence in the quality of their tenants and the security of their property through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to pricing rent to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. For more information about what to do when a tenant raises a concern, call us today at (720) 575-6100. We also offer complimentary quotes!