6 Invaluable Rules for Being a Landlord But Not a Jerk

Landlords have a bad reputation. There’s a stereotype of a money-hungry merciless landlord that has persisted for centuries, dehumanizing regular homeowners. In fact, the term has so much bad blood behind it that at Belong we don’t even like using it. Instead, we refer to landlords as the more human and accurate description of  homeowners. Equally, we prefer ‘residents’ to ‘tenants’. 

Because having a rental home is more than just property ownership. It’s a vital community service for people who need a place to call home. A growing number of Americans aren’t in a position to own a home or may even prefer the flexibility of renting when moving for work or looking for opportunities in a new city. 

Providing shelter to a person or family has a significant impact on their lives. While it can be financially lucrative, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. If you want to be the kind of homeowner who can be a landlord without being considered a jerk, there are ways to be kind and considerate without losing out financially.  

Here are 6 invaluable rules for being a successful ‘landlord’ but not a jerk:

1. Don’t think the worst of people
2. Maintain good communication
3. Don’t cut corners
4. Avoid discrimination and judgment 
5. Be reasonable with rent increases
6. Partner with companies who reflect your values

Rule #1: Don’t think the worst of people.

Even though you’re currently a homeowner, there was probably a point in your life when you were on the other side of things — when you were living in a rental. You may even be renting now while someone else is in the home you own. 

As a renter, did you (or do you) make yourself at home? Did you ever invite a friend over to see “the landlord’s house?” Or did you simply say “let’s have dinner at my place”? 

Belong thinks it’s important to keep that dynamic in mind — to remember that when you own a house or apartment on the rental market, you’re not leasing out a dead space. You’re inviting someone to make themselves at home.

Just as people say “nobody ever washed a rental car”, there is an untrue belief that renters won’t care for places they don’t own. Yet if you do your due diligence to find great people who want to live in your home and treat them as such, there’s a good chance they will have pride in your home. They may even leave it in even better condition than when they arrived. 

Rule #2: Maintain good communication.

One of the most important rules to follow as a homeowner is to maintain good communication with your residents. Whether it's about a rent increase, a repair, or a dispute, keeping the lines of communication open and transparent can help you avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. 

Particularly if you self-manage a home, it’s important to create an environment of mutual respect. Be considerate of their privacy, and make sure to give them notice before entering the home. Don't harass them with endless phone calls or emails, and try to be understanding if they are experiencing financial difficulties or personal issues that may affect their ability to pay rent on time. That’s not to say you shouldn’t enforce the rules of the lease agreement, but be careful not to treat them with contempt simply because you own the place they call home. 

Rule #3: Don’t cut corners.

Another thing that gives landlords a bad reputation is the desire to let things slide. From dodgy paint jobs, ignoring dead plants in the yard or taking your time making repairs, there is no shortage of cost-cutting short cuts for homeowners. 

But when you show a lack of commitment, you are sending signals to your resident that you don’t care about the home, which begs the question: Why should they? When you demonstrate you love your home – by quickly and responsibly investing in its maintenance – you are encouraging “love it back” behavior.

What’s more, something wonderful happens when everyone in a community works together to maintain houses: the values increase. And there’s a great deal of data which shows the tragic opposite is true: neighborhoods decline in value when people stop caring.

Rule #4: Avoid discrimination and judgment.

It's illegal to discriminate against tenants based on their race, religion, gender, or other protected categories. Make sure to treat all applicants and residents equally and fairly, and don't make any assumptions or judgments based on their background or appearance. Be open to different lifestyles and cultures, and try to accommodate peoples’ needs and preferences as much as possible.

Rule #5: Be reasonable with rent increases

Rent increases are a common occurrence in the rental market, but it's important to be reasonable and considerate when raising the rent. Make sure to give your residents ample (and legally required) notice before raising the rent, and try to keep the increase within a reasonable range. 

If your residents are long-term and reliable, remember that huge price hikes could send them packing and cost you money with vacancies and looking for new people just like them. 

Read more about the best way to price your rental home to attract long-term residents in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle or Miami. 

Rule #6: Partner with companies who reflect your values.

Self-managing a rental home is not for everyone. Those who take on the responsibility themselves often find it much harder to avoid inherent ‘jerkiness’ purely from the emotionally draining and time-consuming nature of property management. Try being nice when a furnace stops working at 11pm! 

Hiring a property manager isn’t always the quick-fix answer either. Think about the lengths that large hotel brands and vacation rental services like Airbnb go to make people feel comfortable and even “at home” when they’re staying with them. And yet traditional property management services — the very businesses who are supposed to be finding everyday living accommodation for people — do the complete opposite. 

Belong is changing that. Its human approach is turning the rental experience into a world-class hospitality service for both you and your residents. Unlike traditional property management services, Belong provides a complete end-to-end service with full transparency. Belong matches houses with residents that are looking for a long term place to live — somewhere to call home. 

Find out how Belong can both optimize your passive income opportunities and help you be a respected homeowner here.