What Added Services Do You Provide As A Landlord?
Written by The Landlord on 08 May 2009Personally, as a Landlord, I don’t believe that tenants are paying just for a roof over their head. I believe they’re also paying for a service from thier Landlord. They’re paying for a Landlord that will help make their living experience a little easier. That’s just my personal opinion, of course. I know some landlords have a more straight forward approach:
here are the keys, just make sure you pay rent on time. Now leave me alone.
I’ve learned the hard way that good tenants are precious, consequently shouldn’t be mistreated or undervalued. A landlord is only as successful as their tenants want them to be. What I mean by that is that only good tenants will make a Landlord wealthy. The bottom of the barrel tenants will make a landlord poor.
So many Landlords right now are losing out on thousands of pounds because they have tenants that are falling in arrears. So, if you’re a landlord, that actually has a good tenant that makes payments on time, I always think it’s worth going that extra yard to make them happy. If a tenant wants you do something (with in reason) which you’re not legally obligated to do- FUCK IT, just do it. Fucking just do it.
I’ve had my fair share of shitty tenants, but I’ve also had my fair share of good tenants. Believe me, the good tenants really do appreciate everything a Landlord does for them, and it works both ways- they’ll remember every little detail when you fuck them over or come across as unreasonable.
It should be a Landlords duty to keep their precious tenants happy, even if that means jumping through hoops now and then. The consequences of being a total kiss-ass definitely have its perks. A tenant that’s treated well will hesitate to look for new accommodation when the tenancy expires, that’s for sure. And that’s a great incentive for landlords to go beyond their obligated duties. Finding new tenants can be expensive, and a lot of hassle. Think about that next time your tenant wants you to spend £30 repairing the garden fence.
I’ve been inspired to write this blog post because recently one of my tenants informed me that the grass in the back garden was growing long, and their lawnmower had packed up. Of course, maintaining the garden isn’t my responsibility, but he asked me if there was anything I could do to help as he didn’t want to buy a replacement. I told him that I could arrange a manual lawnmower for him, just to help keep the garden a little neat. He was really grateful, and I could tell he appreciated my assistance.
Going that extra yard, helping with something so little; providing that extra unnecessary service is something my tenant will remember and appreciate when it comes to the end of the tenancy agreement. He’s a fab tenant, and I want to emphasise on the mutual respect we have for one another. He shows that respect by paying on time every month, and I show that same level of respect by being trying to assist in any way I can.
Here are other non-obligated services I have done in the past for tenants:
- A tenant had a wheelie bin stolen, so I called the council to get a replacement
- When a new tenant moves in, I usually transfer all the utility bills over for them. I don’t do that just for an added service, but for my own peace of mind as well
- I leant one of my tenants a TV when his broke. It was only for 2 weeks, but still…
- One of my elder tenants needed help moving some furniture into the property, I volunteered to help
- Due to bad weathering the garbage men skipped the regular pickup day. My tenant was concerned because he had a big pile of black bags. He informed me of the situation and mentioned he was concerned about attracting rats. I said i’d dispose of the rubbish for him at the local skip. Granted, he could have done it himself, but he didn’t know the area well, so I just did it for the sake of ease
- At XMAS, as a good will gesture, I usually drop off a bottle of wine
- When an issue is reported to me (i.e. something needs repairing), I always keep my tenants fully informed by regular SMS updates.
I didn’t mention anything in the list worthy of superman status, but I did little things that show I do want them to enjoy their tenancy with my full support. I sincerely believe my tenants do appreciate what I do, and in the long run I believe I’ll taste the fruits of my labour.
As a landlord, do you provide any extra services, or have you done anything for the sake of keeping your tenant sweet?
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7 Comments - join the conversation...
Dan
2
At Xmas I usually drop off a bottle of wine.
@Dan: Yeah, I always keep my tenants informed by SMS when an issue is raised- I like them to know what the progress is!
3
If they act like children/animals they get the one servivce they rely on more than anything these days removed until the issue is sorted. Oh the power - I feel like a demi god when I do it! Apparently last time when I was really wound up - I thought I walked in in a manly fashion, explained the situation and removed the modem. What actually happened was (and this was MY critical appraisal afterwards) was I flounced in like a prima donna, handbagged the tenants, threw all my toys out of the pram and stropped off like a petulant chav!
24 hours later 2 of the tenants turned up at the letting agency heads bowed and close to tears whilst the agent and I harranged them mercilessly whilst trying not to laugh. Almost time to do it again so watch this space. Will try not to act like Paris Hilton next time!
4
5
I personnaly think that tenants would be happier in the building and may even be prepared to pay more for a landlord that provides a good service. They can grow within the building provided, and you can help them develop.
I see property as being more of a product that you can sell to customers, and if the tenants are happier, they are more likely to stay.
Russ
6
I am a tenant, and a very stressed out one at the moment. It is a long story but I'll try and be brief:
As soon as I moved in, others living in the house told me how unhelpful our landlord actually was. Bascially, all he cares about is getting his rent. If you want things done around the house, don't hold your breath. He'll make promises that he won't keep.
Recently, we discovered some mice in the house. We started mopping the floors with bleach and cleaning all the surfaces before going to bed, ensuring that there was no food left out. But the mice kept coming. Then someone pointed out that there are holes leading from the outside into the house- directly. I thought this was a bit ridiculous as our landlord refurbished the house himself and did all the electric etc. by himself (not a very good job either). Anyway, I told him about these holes and the mice and he said to me "it's not my problem". He kept blaming us for the mice and refuses to close up the holes. If we get anyone else to do it, he said the tenants (WE) would have to pay for it. I told him that I called Health and Safety and asked whether this was the tennant's responsibility and they said that it was the Landlords. Even after this, he refuses to fix it. When I got angry and said "This is the law though, I read it, I can show it to you" he said to me "Grow up!"
I'm beginning to have my doubts about this man. Earlier when I was about to sign my contract with him, I pointed an error (a typo) in one of the articles as it was incorrect and he said "nothing is incorrect with the contract."
You must understand that I earn minimum wage and I cannot afford to lose my deposit over this and I had to sign as the place I was living in before was a lot worse. I don't know who else to turn to or whether I have a good argument against my landlord.
I cannot stand the fact that I am paying him my hard-earned money and he is doing absolutely nothing in return, and on top of that he insults me.
I need some very good advice with a trustworthy phone number or contact.
Please help!
7
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* Provide them with a bottle of wine now and then or for those who do not drink some other treat.
* Allocate them 4 hours of my time free of charge to help hang mirrors/pictures etc (this way i have not got some pillock being let loose with a drill).
*If and when there is an issue I ensure it is actioned as soon as possible, keeping them updated on progress by text or email.
* I provide them with wireless broadband free of charge. This way if there is ever an issue with things such as the house being a tip, unclean or them being unreasonable with utilities useage I just go around and remove the modem and stop their service. Funnily enough they do seem to stop taking the piss after their lifeblood is removed. It's like turning off the life support system!
Jools
1