You have just rented a flat and the last thing you wish is to make things more complicated during your stay at your new home. You don’t want there to be any misunderstanding, the only thing you want is to start that stage you had been waiting so long in the best possible way.
That’s why you can’t ignore a very important figure, someone that will make things easier for you if you take care of your relationship with him. Yes, you know who we are talking about: the landlord. If there is someone that can make things much easier for you, that’s him. A great deal of your wellbeing will depend on the cordiality between both parts. Therefore we are prepared to assist you, because that relationship must become a guaranty of success.
Here are a few pieces of advice to keep the landlord satisfied with the tenant.
1. Submit all documentation requested: Getting off to a good start is important, but there isn’t anything worse than a lie to let everything go down the drain. As regards legality, you must always tell the truth. If the owner says that you have to accomplish certain requirements in order to live in his flat, try to avoid deceit. Present all necessary documents and don’t manipulate your revenue figures. If you don’t meet the profile, you should look for another house.
2. Don’t be ashamed to ask: You don’t have to feel intimidated. Ask, ask and keep on asking if you are not quite sure about something. Everything has to be clear before they give you the keys. Ask how much he charges as deposit, which is the payment method, even if you have permission to paint the walls. You don’t want to end up regretting the decision you made because you didn’t ask enough.
3. Read the contract carefully: Nothing should be overlooked, not even the small print. Read the contract from cover to cover to avoid unnecessary and unpleasant surprises. The owner will be grateful if there are not misunderstandings because of something that appeared in the contract but you didn’t see. Although it looks like a “brick”, please, read it. It can save you a lot of trouble later.
4. You have to pay always on time: It may seem obvious, but this is the core of the philosophy of the rental process. You need to pay every month the specified amount if you don’t want to be severely punished. If there is any month where you have problems to pay, tell it to the owner right away.
5. Take care of your flat: Don’t cause significant damages in your flat if you want your security deposit back. Take care of the house as if it was yours. Remember that you will lose your money if you damage its facilities.
6. Respect your neighbors: Your new neighbors may not know you, but they do know who the owner of your flat is. In a community of neighbors there are no secrets. That’s why you’d better get on well with them if you don’t want your owner to be upset with you because you didn’t turn down the volume that day at the housewarming party.
You have to follow these instructions exactly if you want to make progress with the owner of your new house. This doesn’t mean that you should become friends, it doesn’t set the beginning of a great relationship. But there is some truth in all this: respect these principles and everything will be fine.