The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not be current. This website may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; we do not recommend or endorse the contents of any third-party sites. Readers of this website should contact their attorney, accountant or credit counselor to obtain advice with respect to their particular situation. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or not act on the basis of information on this site. Always seek personal legal, financial or credit advice for your relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney or advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective employers.
Credit.com receives compensation for the financial products and services advertised on this site if our users apply for and sign up for any of them. Compensation is not a factor in the substantive evaluation of any product.
Many people dream of one day having a home of their own. But since buying a home can be very expensive, on the road to making that dream a reality, we rent. There are pros and cons for both living situations. As a renter, you may not have to worry about maintenance but you do have to deal with a landlord. Here are some quick tips for how to protect yourself while dealing with landlords.
Your landlord is probably a good person (or a good company), but it’s best to be prepared should any problems come up. Keep records of everything. This includes emails, letters and even the details of phone conversations. Know when you spoke and what you talked about.
Definitely ensure you have a complete copy of the lease. That may sound obvious but one time I took over someone else’s lease and was only given a copy of the transfer document. When I asked politely, the management company provided me the full copy.
Some management companies and landlords send bills for the rent. But you may get the bills only a day or two before rent is due. If you want your payment to be received on time (and have a record that it did) consider springing for the extra few bucks to get confirmation notification that your rent check arrived. That is, if you still mail in your rent. While some landlords still insist on checks, many allow tenants to pay online. This can then be set up automatically.
Some landlords go above and beyond, but it’s a good idea to know what the landlord must do for you. Read up on the rights and laws for renters in your state. They vary and can change, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of it. Tactfully letting your landlord know that you are aware of the rules can be helpful when you need things done.
If your landlord has specified that all communication should be through email, don’t text him or her at all hours of the day and night (unless it’s truly an emergency). Respect your landlord’s time as you want your time respected. If your landlord doesn’t specify a preferred method of communication, just ask. Make an effort at the beginning (like right after you move in or even before) to get the relationship off on the right foot.
Above all, keep calm. Yelling at your landlord won’t solve anything. It’s OK to be firm and persistent when there’s a problem that needs your landlord’s attention, but never lose your temper. You want to stay on the best possible terms with your landlord and keep the relationship civil.
Remember, someday you might find yourself on the other side of the relationship — as a landlord.
Image: iStock
March 11, 2021
Personal Finance
March 1, 2021
Personal Finance
February 18, 2021
Personal Finance