Tips For Maintaining A Positive Rental History

Having a positive rental history is crucial for renters. Landlords want to rent to tenants who pay rent on time, take good care of the property, and avoid problems and conflicts. Maintaining a positive relationship and track record with your landlord is key for future rentals and can even help qualify you for housing in the future. However, keeping landlords happy takes effort. Here are some important tips for maintaining a positive rental history.

Pay Rent on Time

The number one thing landlords care about is timely rent payments. Pay your rent before or on the due date every single month without fail. Being late even once can hurt your rental history and reputation with that landlord. Consider setting up automatic payments from your bank account to ensure rent is paid on schedule without you having to remember. Landlords understand life happens sometimes, but consistent late payments are a sure way to get on your landlord's bad side and damage your history.

Properly Maintain the Property

While you're renting, that property is not your own - it belongs to the landlord. So you'll want to properly maintain it as if it was your own to protect the value of the landlord's investment. This means conducting regular light cleaning, taking care of minor issues promptly before they become bigger problems, promptly reporting any necessary repairs or maintenance needs, and leaving the property in similar or better condition than when you moved in when your lease ends. Carry out repairs recommended in any periodic inspections quickly too. Keeping the property well-maintained shows respect for the landlord.

Communicate Effectively

Landlords appreciate renters who communicate clearly and effectively. If any issues do arise, address them to the landlord calmly and respectfully right away instead of letting problems fester. Provide advance notice for maintenance requests or if you'll have guests over for an extended period. Respond promptly if your landlord needs to contact you. Effective communication helps landlords trust that you'll address matters responsibly. It also allows them to be accommodating or flexible if real life issues do impact you on occasion.

Avoid Noise Complaints

Be conscientious of noise levels, especially at night or early morning. Loud music, parties, yelling, or frequent late night noise could disturb neighbors and reflect poorly on you to the landlord. Disruptive noise is a common tenant complaint that puts renters on landlords' bad sides. Consider using headphones or keeping the volumes reasonable. If other tenants are loud, try politely asking them to keep it down first before involving the landlord. Respect your neighbors as well as the landlord.

Leave the Place Sparkling on Move-Out

When your lease ends and it's time to move out, leave the rental in immaculate condition, even better than you found it. This creates a great lasting impression. Have the carpets professionally cleaned, clean all fixtures, take out trash, and make sure the place is 100% move-in ready for the next tenants. Consider fixing any small nail holes or blemishes too. A deep-clean move-out shows gratitude to the landlord and that you cared for their property. It can positively influence landlord references for your next housing application.

Renters Insurance is a Must

All responsible renters should have active renters insurance. This protects both you and the landlord if any issues do arise. For example, if a fire occurs due to negligence or an accident, renters insurance covers costs to repair damage rather than putting financial burden on the landlord. It also protects your personal belongings from events like theft, fire or water damage. Landlords appreciate tenants who are protected by insurance and avoid potential liability or claims on their property insurance. Renter's insurance is inexpensive protection that looks good to current and future landlords.

Avoid Unauthorized Pets or Guests

Unless your rental agreement specifically allows it, do not get pets or harbor any unauthorized long-term guests without permission. Extra occupants place more wear and tear on the property and can disturb neighbors. Pets also increase the risks of damage. Unexpected guests or animals are a violation of your lease terms and anger landlords. Stick strictly to the occupancy terms of your agreement. Getting approval for any changes upholds your standing as a respectful, rule-following tenant.

Do Not Withhold or Tamper with Rent

Whatever issues may occur with the property or landlord relationship, never withhold rent or tamper with rent payments as a form of retaliation. This is considered rent evasion and property damage by law. It severely damages a rental history and can result in an eviction or even legal action. If serious problems do emerge, quietly document everything and pursue resolution through lawful channels, not rent strikes orDIY repairs. Withholding money upholds none of your responsibilities as a tenant.

Follow All Community Rules

Whether you rent a house, apartment, or other community property, familiarize yourself with and adhere to any applicable homeowner/landlord association or property management rules. This often includes guidelines around noise, parking, trash disposal, yard maintenance if applicable, and more. Consistently following rules maintains harmony with neighbors and avoids complaints or violations that could bother your landlord. Even if you disagree with some guidelines, choose your battles carefully and comply to stay in good standing.

Keep References Updated

Landlords often check applicant references from past housing, so keep former landlord contact info up to date if asked to provide references after moving out. Let that ex-landlord know if you need them to serve as a positive recommendation in the future. Offer to provide them updated contact details too in case any questions come up. Positive references telling future housing providers of your reliable, problem-free tenure go a long way.

Request Inspections Before Moving In

Ask your landlord to conduct a thorough move-in inspection with you present. Note the condition of the property together on the inspection documents. This creates an official record to use later if any tenant/security deposit deductions are made that seem unwarranted based on your care of the place. Landlords typically respect tenants who thoroughly document the state of the rental from the get-go. It reduces potential future misunderstandings while showing diligence.

Conclusion

Building positive rental history takes consistent effort over time, but it's worth it to secure housing smoothly now and in the future. Things like timely payments, open communication, careful property maintenance, and compliance with rules demonstrate responsible tenancy. While issues sometimes occur outside one's control, following these tips establishes respectful tenant conduct that landlords appreciate. Maintaining such a solid rental track record unquestionably serves renters' long-term housing stability and goals.