Landlords are an expected part of renting and while we have the option to choose our preferred rental, we can’t select the landlord. Sometimes you might be lucky to have a landlord you get along with while other times you might not.
Nevertheless, it’s important to have a good relationship with the landlord because he or she will tackle whatever issues you might have with regards to renting. A good landlord will ensure everything runs smoothly but a difficult one might frustrate you. Fortunately, these tips will help you deal with a difficult landlord.
Clear Communication
If you need the landlord to do something in your rental and he or she isn’t responsive, ensure your request is clear and explain its importance. Remember, landlords obtain various requests from different renters and they might perceive some as trivial when they’re actually important.
Therefore, a difficult landlord will probably consider most of your requests unimportant. If you require something, indicate what you need as well as the reasons why it’s important. For instance, if your cabinet is about to fall off, make it clear and inform the landlord that you need it fixed immediately.
On the other hand, if it’s something minor like a leaking faucet, give them some days to handle the problem. You should also inform the landlord of the best time to repair the problem. Generally, the nicer and more patient you are, the better.
In the event that something comes up that the landlord is unwilling to resolve, you’ll have to do some more work. While you could try negotiating if necessary, it’s worth examining your state’s tenant laws. Although every state is somewhat different, you could file a complaint if the landlord is breaching any rights by not responding to your request. Just ensure that this is the last resort.
Recognize Your Rights
If you have a lease, you must recognize the laws that protect you as a tenant. For instance, the landlord is responsible for providing access to fundamental necessities like heat and running water. Therefore, he shouldn’t postpone heater repair or plumbing issues for months.
You’ll discover that numerous municipalities have laws which govern things such as rent increases, security deposits, and inspections. Before you confront your landlord, ensure the law is on your side.
Take Photos
You must always be prepared for a difficult landlord to find ways of ending your lease agreement. Lease termination might not suit you when conflicts emerge because of your family, work, or school. Therefore, you might have to do whatever it takes to remain there until your situations change.
Take photos along with written communication to document the problems in your rental unit. You could use a digital camera to take pictures or video of the repairs or damages that haven’t been handled.
It’s also important to take photos when you’re ready to hand over the apartment’s keys to the landlord when it’s time to move out. They’ll come in handy in case a dispute arises over the security deposit.
Finding a reasonable landlord isn’t always the case when hunting for a rental. However, it’s important to find ways of establishing a good relationship with the property owner. In case you find yourself with a difficult landlord, these tips will prove invaluable.
For more information on how to deal with a difficult landlord, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.