{"id":3921,"date":"2015-07-14T11:20:18","date_gmt":"2015-07-14T11:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/?p=3921"},"modified":"2018-02-21T09:15:08","modified_gmt":"2018-02-21T09:15:08","slug":"make-peace-not-war-landlord-and-tenant-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/make-peace-not-war-landlord-and-tenant-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Make Peace Not War: Landlord and Tenant Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- SEO Ultimate Plus (https:\/\/seoultimateplus.com) - Code Inserter module -->\n<script async>(function(s,u,m,o,j,v){j=u.createElement(m);v=u.getElementsByTagName(m)[0];j.async=1;j.src=o;j.dataset.sumoSiteId='b68b392479b5981b8acf46565e9fe32a0734fc21a1f7c1e60121eaa6ca1a1c64';v.parentNode.insertBefore(j,v)})(window,document,'script','\/\/load.sumo.com\/');<\/script>\n<!-- \/SEO Ultimate Plus -->\n\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">A Guide for Happy Tenants and Happy Landlords<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s your <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/property\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/property;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.05wrt;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Property\" >property<\/a>. And it\u2019s their property. Yes, it\u2019s a complicated relationship between <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Landlord\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/landlord\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/landlord;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.02mx_6;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Landlord\" >landlords<\/a> and <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Leasehold estate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/leasehold-estate\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/leasehold_estate;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.03jg1x;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Leasehold_estate\" >tenants<\/a>, but it is one that can indeed be untangled so that your interests run together as one. Who knows, you might even be able to become \u2026 what\u2019s that word? \u2026 <em>friends.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Read on as I attempt to transform the impossible into the possible, bring ying alongside yang, and zip you both harmoniously together for the duration of a tenancy. Tenants, you\u2019re up first.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Advice for Tenants<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Some of us tenants can be a bit of a handful. Loud, dirty, disrespectful, late with <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"rental\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/renting\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/renting;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.01y857;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Renting\" >rent<\/a>, and a source of <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Property damage\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/property-damage\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/property_damage;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.0clxv;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Property_damage\" >damage<\/a>. Renters don\u2019t seem to always understand the stresses and strains that landlords go through from day to day, especially if said landlord has the unenviable task of managing multiple properties.<\/p>\n<p>So what can you do as a tenant to make your long-suffering landlord happier? After all, the happier they are, the more responsive to your needs they\u2019ll become right?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Step One<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Well, this first one is an obvious one. Pay your rent on time. And if you can\u2019t pay your rent on time, then call up your landlord and explain the situation to them.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/gopcampaigner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/greedy-man-asking-for-money.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"282\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many landlords rely on incoming rent to keep up with the mortgage payments on their property, which you are living in. If your late payment causes them to miss an instalment, leading their bank to come a-knocking, then they won\u2019t be too enamoured with you\u2026<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Step Two<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t live like an animal. Maybe clean your flat every now and again. Keep on top of the dishes. Sleep on a bed sheet. Remove hair from the sink.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s that you say? It\u2019s your life and you can do what you like? Well yes, you sure can. But this one isn\u2019t about your health and wellbeing I\u2019m afraid \u2013 your Mum can worry about that. This one is about the bigger picture.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/5155c762e4b0ec1768d370b1\/t\/51976ef3e4b0079d49c5d712\/1368878835726\/messy-kitchen2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"446\" height=\"297\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In a rented property, anything that goes wrong nearly always requires the landlord. And if that problem was avoidable &#8211; let\u2019s say the pipes would not have needed deep level unblocking if you\u2019d have simply stopped pouring oil and grease down the sink &#8211; then your landlord wouldn\u2019t feel that terrible exasperation every time he\/she comes round.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Step Three<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Following on from number two, be <em>proactive<\/em> with issues. If you see a potential problem around your pad, don\u2019t just leave it to get worse. The landlord\u2019s job to fix it is normally a <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Land lot\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/land-lot\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/land_lot;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.0gs32y;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Land_lot\" >lot<\/a> easier if the complication is caught early. Maybe you see a damp patch on the wall. If left to fester, this can be a major problem. But if caught early it is much easier and cheaper to solve.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/cdn.memegenerator.net\/instances\/27807910.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"343\" height=\"343\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Related to this, don\u2019t get all defensive when your landlord needs access to the property every now and again (as long as they give notice). They\u2019ll no doubt be good at spotting potentially expensive problems early. And for goodness sake, make sure the property looks at least half way to being clean. Otherwise you\u2019ll only create worry. And worry leads to hassle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Step Four<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Keep up a dialogue with your landlord. Talk to them like a human. Go out for drinks with them and your housemates. They are much more likely to treat you with higher esteem if you show them kindness and respect, making things in the long run a whole lot easier. They\u2019ll actually want to help you out, rather than seeing it as part of their job.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/resources2.news.com.au\/images\/2011\/05\/16\/1226057\/067086-drinking.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"506\" height=\"285\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Just don\u2019t get <em>too<\/em> friendly <em>wink wink nudge nudge<\/em> \u2013 that gets just a little complicated.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Step Five<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Respect your community. Complaints from neighbours means hassle for your landlord. Loud footsteps. Shouting. Blaring music. Flashing lights. Improper waste disposal. Door slamming. Over-enthusiastic night-time (or day time) activity. All of these may mean a complaint from your neighbours to the <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"council houses\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/council-house\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/council_house;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.01llhc;http:\/\/yago-knowledge.org\/resource\/Council_house;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Council_house\" >council<\/a>, the <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Estate (law)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/estate-law\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/estate_law;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.038t85;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Estate_(law)\" >estate<\/a> patrol or even the police.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/info.acoustiblok.com\/Portals\/35535\/images\/banging%20on%20the%20ceiling-resized-600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"229\" height=\"305\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The landlord will inevitably be dragged into the matter, possibly with mountains of paperwork, even though they have nothing to do with it. Can you imagine how annoying that would be?<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cBut my landlord is a dark overlord, bent on my destruction\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ok, well sometimes there is no getting on with your landlord. In this case, there are certain things you can do to help protect yourself if you suspect they are less than honourable. Take pictures of every detail of the residence when you move in. Make sure you place your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/tenancy-deposit-schemes\">deposit<\/a> in a deposit protection scheme. Read the <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"leasing\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/lease\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/lease;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.03x_d3f;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Lease\" >tenancy agreement<\/a> carefully and highlight any concerns you might have. It\u2019s worth putting in time and effort at the start.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, yes, I know the renting world is cut-throat and any lost time could mean a lost flat. But once you\u2019ve paid the holding deposit, take your time and make sure all the finer details are ironed out.<\/p>\n<p>Give this all a go and your life will get easier, I promise.<\/p>\n<p>Now, don\u2019t worry all you tenants out there, I haven\u2019t forgotten about the landlords. They will be getting their slice of advice too. But you\u2019ll have to wait for the next instalment for that I\u2019m afraid.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Looking for more information on letting a property or renting a new <a class=\"wl-entity-page-link\" title=\"Housing estate\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/housing-estate\/\" data-id=\"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/entity\/housing_estate;http:\/\/rdf.freebase.com\/ns\/m.01rtvp;http:\/\/dbpedia.org\/resource\/Housing_estate\" >home<\/a>? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/category\/guides\/letting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Letting<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/category\/guides\/renting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Renting<\/a> categories here<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search thousands of properties for sale and to let here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Guide for Happy Tenants and Happy Landlords It\u2019s your property. And it\u2019s their property. Yes, it\u2019s a complicated relationship between landlords and tenants, but it is one that can indeed be untangled so that your interests run together as<span class=\"ellipsis\">&hellip;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/make-peace-not-war-landlord-and-tenant-guide\/\">Read more &#8250;<\/a><\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":3922,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wl_entities_gutenberg":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[10,16,8],"tags":[53,51,30,47,52],"wl_entity_type":[602],"modified_by":null,"_wl_alt_label":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/love-landlord.jpg","wl:entity_url":"http:\/\/data.wordlift.io\/wl0502\/post\/make_peace_not_war__landlord_and_tenant_guide","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3921"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3921"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15347,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3921\/revisions\/15347"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3922"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3921"},{"taxonomy":"wl_entity_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thehouseshop.com\/property-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wl_entity_type?post=3921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}