Do Unto Your Landlord As You Would Have Them Do Unto You

Doing unto others as you would have done to yourself is an old adage that seems suited for a time long since passed. With much of the world seemingly in chaos today, it seems appropriate and long past due to reflect on this statement as a means by which to improve the world around us. In this blog, I will discuss the importance of being a responsible tenant, different ways you can achieve this, and how taking care of your landlord ultimately means taking care of yourself.

Taking care of your landlord boils down to being a responsible and respectful tenant. This is vital if you wish to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, and have an enjoyable living experience. Being a responsible tenant shows respect for the property you are living in and the person who owns it. By taking care of the space you are renting, you not only ensure that it remains in good condition for yourself and future tenants, but you are also showing appreciation for the opportunity to live there. This can lead to a positive relationship with your landlord, which can be beneficial to you in many ways.

One way to be a responsible tenant is to communicate effectively with your landlord. This means reporting any maintenance issues promptly, and paying rent on time or letting the landlord know if you are going to be late. By being proactive and respectful in your communication, you are showing that you value the property and the relationship with your landlord. They in turn will show that they value you as a tenant.

Taking care of the property as if it were your own, and reporting maintenance issues promptly are excellent ways to show respect and responsibility. Keeping the space clean and tidy helps to prevent unseen damages or needed maintenance issues. By treating the property with care and respect, you are not only benefiting your landlord, but you are also creating a comfortable and safe living environment for yourself.

Being a responsible tenant also means being considerate of your neighbors. This includes maintaining the landscaping, keeping noise levels down, respecting shared spaces, and following any community guidelines set forth by your Lease or community. Many of the rules and regulations imposed by your lease were designed to promote neighborly standards and friendly actions. By being a good neighbor, you are contributing to a positive living environment for yourself and everyone in the building or your community. Adherence to your Lease and the rules of your community are excellent ways to show respect for not only the property and landlord, but yourself as well.

Following these simple steps will help in maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord. As a result, you are more likely to have a smooth renting experience. This can lead to receiving benefits such as the timely completion of needed maintenance, potential property upgrades or improvements, and recurring lease renewals. By treating the property with care and respect, you are creating a comfortable and safe living environment for yourself, which can lead to a happier and more fulfilling living experience.

If a landlord knows you have been respectful and responsible with their home the landlord is likely to be more forgiving of accidental mishaps or minor damages. The landlord is more likely to waive late penalties or provide additional grace periods if you have trouble paying the rent. When it comes time for you to move on to other accommodations, they will be more inclined to write a good letter of reference which can assist you in your search for a new home.

Responsible and respectful tenants are often the first tenants to receive promotions or other perks that may be available to them from the landlord or through the community. These could come in the form of thank you gifts, discounted activities, or waived fees for specific services. Happy landlords are more incentivized to try and keep quality tenants at the renewal period which can result in additional benefits or discounts. On the contrary, tenants who are irresponsible or disrespectful will see increased rents, less leeway when it comes to rental payments or damages, or even the termination of their lease.

In conclusion, being a responsible tenant is not only important for maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord, but it also benefits you in the long run. By taking care of the property, communicating effectively, and being considerate of your neighbors, you are creating a positive living environment for yourself and those around you. Call it karma or good mojo or whatever, but what goes around comes around. So remember, when dealing with your landlord, or boss, or friend, or foe, or complete stranger, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The net result may just be a better future for yourself and the world.