Communicate Clearly
Communicate clearly, repeatedly, in writing and often. When I was teaching in the classroom I learned, Tell them what you are going to do, Do it, Tell them what you did.
In property management I can’t begin to tell you how often we repeat the same thing over and over. People only hear a fraction of what you tell them.
In any kind of interaction with a potential tenant all the way through the day they move out you need to communicate verbally, then followed by an email or letter that summarizes the converation and what was agreed to. This way people have time to respond if there is a misunderstanding. Keep all communication in writing because after time 2 people will remember the same even completely differently. It isn’t saying one is lying, it is just they remember the situation from their perspective.
Communication is written, verbal and non-verbal and visual. Present the info in as many different formats as possible. I take photos of the property before the tenant moves in, I do a detailed move in report in writing and I allow the tenant to add to the move in report once they have moved into the property. When they move out I take photos again, do the detailed move out report against the move in one I did and then I communicate the information in a letter accompanied by their security deposit check.
If you keep your communication clear, detailed, and documented you will have a successful relationship with your landlord or tenant.
Last bit of advice – always try putting yourself in the other persons position so as to understand their point of view. However, never break the rule about following the lease.
Please check out my website at www.PortolaRentals.com if you are interested in properties in Santa Cruz or have rentals in Santa Cruz, CA.
Kathleen Richards
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Your article gives me a good idea from a renter’s perspective – I’ll be moving into a new rental next month, and I had never thought of taking pictures of any points of interest during the initial walk-through.
Melissa – A picture is worth a thousand words..it is always a good idea to document the condition of your property at move in and at move out this goes for both the owner and the resident. People remember things differently and this helps to ensure you get your full refund. Glad to know this is helpful information for you.
Kathleen