As a renter in Delta, developing a good relationship with your landlord can make life a lot easier. But, on the flip side, what about being friends with your landlord? Whether you are contemplating with regards to renting from a friend or developing a friendship with your current landlord, there are essential points to take into consideration. Landlord-tenant friendships can work, but it does take effort. It’s a brilliant idea to proceed carefully and apply a small number of simple guidelines to see to it that your rental relationship doesn’t damage your personal one.
Document Everything
The days of doing business with a handshake are long gone. If you’ve come to the decision to rent a house from a friend, make certain that you have a detailed lease that simply and clearly explains your rights and responsibilities. If there are elements of your agreement that aren’t in the lease, document everything. Not only will good documentation of your landlord’s expectations protect you should circumstances change, though it will definitely help to hold both you and your landlord accountable.
Separate Business and Pleasure
Friendships come in plenty of types, so subject to how close you and your landlord become, you may need to make and put in place appropriate and clear boundaries between your landlord-tenant interactions and your social time together. Avoid discussing issues related to the rental home in social settings, and call to mind that just because you’re friends doesn’t insinuate your landlord is available to jump at every request you make. If you expect special treatment, this could give rise to problematic issues between you and your landlord and between you and your other roommates (if any). Even though you are friends, always remember that being a landlord is your friend’s business, and keep it professional.
Set Boundaries
Along with keeping your business and personal relationships separate, it’s essential to set good boundaries with your friendly landlord in other areas, as well. Your landlord might feel that it’s absolutely fine to invite themselves into your home or possessions the same way a close friend might. But in reality, doing so can most often cross a very important line between being a landlord and taking advantage of a friend. If and when a landlord starts crossing one boundary, the chances are great that they will overstep in other ways. It’s up to you to make sure that doesn’t come about by nipping unwelcome behaviors in the bud. Setting good boundaries can foster to keep your relationship with your landlord from going sour.
Anticipate Awkwardness
A friendship with your landlord can help you feel more comfortable talking to them regularly. But as a matter of fact, like all else, those conversations can get awkward, primarily if you believe you are discussing other tenants or aspects of the landlord’s business that are not directly related to your rental situation. If your landlord lives nearby or spends most of their time on the property, you will seem pressured to engage in constant conversation or even to invite them to every social event you have. If your landlord expresses hurt feelings for not being involved in every social activity you host and do in your rental home, you may have real trouble. Though it may be awkward, it’s critical to talk to your landlord and make it clear that your friendship does not create an obligation to include them in everything you do. Furthermore, try not to assume that your landlord will include you in all their activities or social gatherings. Neither of you will gain any benefit from blurring the lines of your relationship.
As shown, becoming friends with your landlord or renting from a friend can present many challenges and potential pitfalls. If you’d rather want to avoid the possibility of ruining a good friendship altogether, your smartest move may possibly be to keep things polite but professional with your landlord.
Are you looking for a Delta rental house managed by true professionals? Then think about getting to know our Delta property management team! Contact us online or call us at 970-314-7123.
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