Here’s some great tips that are simple, common sense suggestions to help provide strong references for you when you apply for a new job, a new apartment or hopefully a mortgage when the time is right. Being a good tenant, while important to the landlord, is even more important for you and your own future.
5 Steps to Being a GREAT Tenant
1. Be honest on your Application.
It is just plain nuts to try and cover-up any credit or eviction problems in your past. “The truth always comes out.” The last thing you want to do is lose the landlord’s trust and faith in you. Your credibility is one of your greatest assets as a new tenant.
2. Read the Tenancy Agreement.
Ask questions if you don’t understand it, and keep a copy in a safe place. Know the rules and your rights, and understand what you have signed up for.
3. “Say what you do and do what you say.”
Keep your appointments with the landlord or property manager, return the necessary paperwork when you say you will, produce the security and first month’s rent when requested and never ever try to sneak a pet into your rental unit! If you are unable to pay your rent on-time, let them know — tell them when you can pay it — and then do exactly what you say you are going to do — when you say you are going to do it. This is very important!
4. Treat your new living space as if it’s your own.
Notify your landlord immediately if there’s a necessary repair or any unexpected damage. For instance, ignoring a plumbing leak could lead to an expensive bill and an unnecessarily larger fix than if you had spoken up right away. Landlords and property managers are quite sensitive to these kinds of situations. Just pick up the phone, make the call and get it on the record quickly. Keep your place clean and tidy. Landlords just hate it when they see their property being disrespected. The reality is that they will feel personally disrespected.
5. Be a good neighbour.
Watch your noise levels and keep the outside, as well as the inside, of the property tidy and clean. If you are allowed to have pets, keep them under control too. Be respectful of others’ rights to peace and quiet.
