When you’ve finally found the perfect property to rent and you’ve signed your tenancy agreement it’s important to ensure that you keep on the right side of your landlord (we’ve all heard of/ experienced a landlord horror story), and avoid any potential disputes.

We’ve created a list of suggestions to help you maintain a great relationship with your landlord and make sure your fixed term on the property is an amazing experience.

1. Don’t mess around with your rent:

Every landlord understands the occasional late payment, however always try to pay your rent early to avoid this issue. Even if your landlord is annoying as hell and picks up an argument each month, look at it from their point of view, they will have financial plans in place and bills of their own to pay – such as mortgage payments – so if your money comes in late you are putting your landlord in an awkward situation

2. Look after the property:

There’s nothing worse than visiting your property and finding it in unlivable conditions, especially if you didn’t leave it in that state before you rented it out. This is most especially important for the bathroom and kitchen – the longer you go without cleaning them, the more of a chore it becomes when you do!  Treat it with love and respect, the same way you’d treat the property if it were yours.

3. Do not fix damages yourself:

Unless your landlord has specifically given you the go-ahead to fix things broken in the property, keep your hands off! Most landlords prefer issues to be sorted out by professionals or themselves, so if you find that something is damaged or have damaged it yourself, give them a call and let them handle the rest.

4. Do not sublet the property without your landlord’s permission:

Subletting your landlord’s property unlawfully means you’ve most likely broken a term in their tenancy agreement. Your landlord can act against you and have you evicted from their property. Gain permission from your landlord before doing so, just in case it violates their mortgage and/or insurance conditions.

5. Try to be flexible about access

Although you may not like the awkwardness surrounding landlord visits, understand that they may need access for a variety of reasons including maintenance issues. This is usually done at a time convenient for you but try your best to be accommodating rather than inconsiderate. This is also the perfect time to discuss any issues that may have with your landlord.

6. Stick to the agreed terms

Ensure to keep a copy of your tenancy agreement and refer to it whenever you decide to do anything on your property to ensure that you do not go against the terms stated. Smoke outside of the property rather than indoors if you’re a smoker, do not bring pets into the property if you’ve agreed not to etc. Although this may seem obvious, breaking these agreements is the best way to destroy your relationship with your landlord and forfeit your deposit at the end of your tenancy.

7. Clean the property when your term is up

Your landlord must provide you with a clean property at the start of your tenancy, and at the end of your tenancy, you are expected to leave the property in a similar condition. You don’t have to spend loads on getting it professionally cleaned unless its written in your agreement stated in your tenancy agreement, but make sure the property is as clean as possible for the tenants moving in after you.

If you're a tenant thinking of letting a new property, don’t forget that I Am The Agent - The People’s Agent does not charge tenant fees, making it much cheaper for tenants to rent a new place and use their hard-earned money for the important stuff, like the deposit and the move-in drinkies. Check out our rental listings.

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