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The Art of Landlord-Tenant Communication: A Comprehensive Guide

A property manager talks on the phone while showing a house.Communication is key in generating a strong relationship between landlords and tenants, as it simplifies roles and obligations. Misunderstandings and conflicts are less likely to occur when people can communicate clearly with each other. This cultivates an atmosphere of transparency, trust, and respect. This not only enhances the tenant experience but also improves the overall relationship between the parties involved. As a landlord or property manager, here are several common methods to communicate with your tenants:

  • In-Person Communication: Face-to-face interactions facilitate clarity in discourse and enable prompt inquiries and responses, particularly when it comes to complex lease agreements and rental concerns. When scheduling meetings or property visits, it is essential to exhibit flexibility in coordinating the tenant’s schedule. For in-person lease signings, make sure all paperwork is prepared ahead of time and that both parties understand the agreement’s terms.
  • Phone Communication: The phone is a great tool for landlords and tenants to engage in prompt dialogue. Landlords should avoid calling early in the morning or late at night and instead schedule calls during regular business hours, ensuring they are concise and direct.
  • Email Communication: Email is an efficient way for landlords to communicate with tenants and provide timely reminders and reports. To guarantee effective communication, landlords should utilize accurate email addresses, specific subject lines, and maintain a professional tone. Utilize concise lines, bullet points, and headings to enhance email readability, and keep copies of all sent emails for record-keeping.
  • Text Messaging: Text messaging has emerged as a preferred mode of communication owing to its convenience and quick response times. Nevertheless, it is crucial to exercise prudence in its utilization and maintain professionalism. Landlords can effectively communicate important information like inspections and rent notices through texting, but it’s vital to avoid overusing it or reaching out to tenants outside business hours to preserve a professional tone.
    • Landlords should communicate via text with politeness, clarity, and conciseness to maintain professionalism. Utilizing precise terminology and avoiding slang is vital. Sensitive issues like rent increases or eviction notices should be discussed in person or via email for more detailed conversations.
  • Written Notices: To ensure compliance with legal requirements, landlords and tenants should deliver clear and formal written notices for several cases, such as lease renewals or terminations. Landlords should use the following facts when composing written communications:
    • The date the notice is being issued.
    • The name and address of the tenant.
    • The reason for the notice (lease renewal, termination, etc.)
    • The date the lease will expire or terminate.
    • Specific instructions or requirements for the tenant to follow if needed.
    • Contact information for the landlord in case the tenant has any questions or concerns.

Landlords and tenants have to save copies of all written notices for their documentation. Moreover, landlords should make sure that the phrase they employ complies with all applicable laws and rules and that they are not discriminatory.

Alternate Communication Methods for Landlords

  1. Online Portals and Apps
  2. Social Media and Community Groups
  3. Maintenance and Repair Requests
  4. Emergency Communication

Landlords can communicate with tenants through various methods, and each has its perks and drawbacks. To cultivate good ties with their tenants, landlords must choose communication methods that correspond with their interests and their tenants’ needs. Some tenants may pick email or text for convenience, while others might choose in-person meetings or phone calls.

Choosing a responsible property management company like Real Property Management Clarity Central will make things easier and enhance the experience for your tenants. To eliminate the load of managing your property in Newark or adjoining areas, contact us online or call 614-405-2340 today. Allow us to facilitate the creation of an improved living environment for everyone.

Originally Published on November 3, 2023

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