What are the Qualities of a Great Tenant in Nashville, TN?

Lee Blackburn

Being a good tenant is probably something that comes naturally to you; and today, we’re discussing some of the things that can really make you stand out as the type of resident that landlords and property managers are eager to attract to their properties. 

It’s not always as simple as paying rent on time and taking care of the home (although those things are extremely important). Being a great tenant is about communication and relationships. It’s also about trust.

Great Tenants Build and Maintain Good Relationships

You’ll be living in your home for at least a year, so it’s important to establish a good relationship with your landlord or property manager. This doesn’t mean you need to become close, personal friends. You should keep the relationship professional and respectful. Some of the things you can do to ensure you’re upholding your end of the relationship include: 

• Communicating promptly. Answer phone calls and return messages. 
• Be flexible when maintenance is needed or inspections are scheduled.
• Pay rent on time. Don’t make your landlord chase you down.

A good relationship will not only make your current tenancy more pleasant, it will also ensure you get a great reference in the future when you decide to move and you need to rent another home. A good landlord will make an effort to communicate with you proactively and transparently. Return the favor by being honest, accessible, and straightforward.

Great Tenants Work Hard at Being a Good Neighbor

It’s important that you’re considerate when you’re renting a home. No one likes to live next door to noisy neighbors who have no respect for other people. If you have pets, make sure they don’t bark or leave messes in communal areas. Clean up after them and make sure your dog stays leashed. At night, turn your music and your television down so you don’t disrupt the people next door. Treat your neighbors the way you want them to treat you, and everyone will have a better rental experience. 

Great Tenants Maintain Their Homes

The property you’re living in may belong to someone else, but it’s still your home. Take pride in where you live. While your landlord is responsible for making repairs and maintaining the home, you need to do your part to keep it clean and in good shape. Change light bulbs when they burn out, and keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by changing out your air filters regularly. 

Always report maintenance and repair issues promptly. That running toilet or small leak under the sink may not seem like a big deal right now, but if it’s left untended for weeks, it’s going to turn into a major catastrophe that’s expensive to repair and inconvenient to you. Always report these issues, no matter how minor they might seem. 

These are just a few of the ways that you can be an exceptional tenant. If you’d like to talk more about your rental experience, please contact us at Omni Property Management.