Everyone dreams of having a rockstar landlord – someone who respects your space, responds to your inquiries, and helps you feel at home. But that type of relationship goes both ways. Amazing landlords want amazing tenants, too.
At Paragon Living, we treat our tenants with the utmost respect and expect the same in return. Being a good tenant means being a good neighbour, too, which is likely to improve your experience in your neighbourhood.
Being in your landlord’s good graces has many benefits, so here are five easy ways to become a model tenant.
Pay Rent On Time
This is the best way to show you’re committed to a positive relationship with your landlord. Getting rent payments in on time shows respect for those who manage the building and the neighbours you share a space with.
Paying rent starts with understanding what you can afford. Take a look at your budget, and evaluate your debt, spending and income. If you need help with budget evaluation, check out our blog on knowing how much rent you can afford.
If you’re paying rent through our online platform, RentCafe, leave yourself at least three business days for your bank account to be verified before rent is due. If you are paying by cheque or money order, drop it off at the office on the day rent is due. If you’re ever concerned your rent may be late for one reason or another, let your property manager know ahead of time. Depending on circumstances they may be able to accommodate you.
Treat The Space Like Your Own (because it is)
Your rental is your home, so treat it like your home.
Read appliance and technology manuals to understand how to properly use items like the dishwasher or heating system. Try to extend the life of appliances as much as you can. If things break, notify your building manager to get them fixed right away.
It’s important to be respectful of your neighbours. If you share a wall or are above or below another unit, keep excess noise to a minimum especially during the night. In Manitoba, quiet hours are between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., but it’s good to be mindful of noise levels throughout the day as your neighbours may work/study from home or do shift work.
Do your part to keep the whole property looking nice. Beyond keeping your own suite neat and tidy, it benefits everyone if all residents look out for things that need attention. Picking up and disposing of litter is always a good policy when you share space with others. Treat common areas like they are your own, especially garbage and recycling areas. If everyone treats their space with respect, the property will always look its best!
If you spot something that needs attention, let your manager know. Whether it’s a loose doorknob or maybe a broken baseboard, it’s always helpful if management knows about them right away.
Get Tenant Insurance
Tenant insurance is coverage designed to protect people living in a rental property. It generally includes personal property loss or damage, liability protection in the case of an accident at your property or someone else’s, and covers additional living expenses if you can’t stay in your home for issues like fire or flood.
Having tenant insurance protects you in the event of fire, theft or other unforeseen issues that are out of your control. It’s usually inexpensive compared to the potential replacement cost of your belongings. Just imagine what that could cost!
Read and understand the lease
You should always read and understand any document you sign, and a lease is no different. The lease will detail acceptable behaviours in your home, as well as rules about pets, guests, rent, deposits, fees, laws and other important information.
Reading your lease before you sign it and referring back to it often ensures you’re informed about your tenant rights and responsibilities. Your Paragon Living contact will explain your lease to you, but if you have questions, feel free to ask them!
Be a Responsible Pet Owner
If you have a furry friend living with you, make sure you’re aware of them at all times. They are your responsibility and shouldn’t affect your neighbours’ daily habits with barking or wandering. When spending time outside your home, keep them on a leash in common areas or consider putting them in a cozy kennel when they are home on their own.
Clean your home often, especially areas your pet spends a lot of time in to keep the space looking and smelling fresh. And if you’re going away, get a reliable pet sitter to look after things while you’re gone.
Now that you know how to be a role model tenant, it’s time to start thinking about where you want to live – check our Paragon Living’s current offerings on our Properties page.
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