A proper tenant screening process usually includes checking a prospect’s income level, credit rating, employment status, criminal background, and rental background. 

Doing this will significantly increase your chances of renting to a desirable tenant. Consequently, you’ll enjoy minimal stress and optimum return on investment. 

If you are just starting out, consider hiring an expert property manager to do the tenant screening for you. 

Communicate with the Tenant Regularly

This is also another recipe for a great landlord-tenant relationship. When you regularly stay in touch with the tenant, it shows that you care for their well-being and don’t just see them as cash cows. 

Additionally, it can help nip potential conflicts in the bud before further escalations. Ideally, make a point of communicating with your tenant once every month.

Provide the Tenant with Multiple Communication Channels

Don’t rely on just one type of channel when it comes to communicating with your tenants. More often than not, landlords rely solely on emails to relay info to tenants. Unfortunately, emails are easy for someone to miss.

That’s why it’s important for landlords to ask the tenant what their preferred method of communication is early on. Some can prefer texts over emails, emails over phone calls, or even snail mail over any other method. 

Inspect the Property Regularly

Choosing the best tenant isn’t enough to be a successful landlord! You’ll also want to complement other best practices with regular property inspections. Regular inspections can help you in multiple ways.

One, you may be able to catch issues that the tenant may have missed. Two, you may be able to check for any potential lease violations, such as illegal property alterations. And three, it may help ensure legal compliance when it comes to the tenant’s health and safety.

Respect the Tenant’s Peace and Quiet Enjoyment

Sure, it’s your property. However, the lease agreement also guarantees the tenant uninterrupted use of the property for a specified period. During this time, you must abide by the lease, as well as all applicable federal and state laws. 

Under California law, landlords must abide by the following rules when it comes to entering a tenant’s rented unit. 

• You must have a legitimate reason for entry. These include inspecting the unit, carrying out maintenance, and showing the property to prospective buyers or renters. 
• You must provide the tenant with an advance notice of at least 24 hours, unless during emergencies. This notice must be in writing. 
• You must enter during normal working hours or as agreed with the tenant. 

Respond to Maintenance Issues on Time

As a landlord, you need to be as responsive as possible when it comes to maintenance issues. When a tenant notifies you of an issue, respond as quickly as you can. Let the tenant know that you’re working towards a solution, and keep them informed about the repair process. 

California law requires that landlords make repairs within 30 days of receipt of the written request from the tenant. 

If you fail to do so, the penalties can be severe. Including, the potential of the tenant breaking their lease, and the tenant making the repairs by themselves and deducting the costs from the rent. 

Draft a Solid Lease Agreement

Having a solid lease agreement is key to having a better relationship with your CA tenant. Make it detailed, yet concise. It should contain details about the property, as well as both you and your tenant’s rights and obligations. 

Let the tenant know about:

• Rent-related details, such as the amount of rent, late fees, and grace period. 
• The amount of security deposit and conditions for its return when the lease ends. 
• Who is responsible for what when it comes to repairs and maintenance.
• The term of the tenancy. 
• The landlord has the right to enter the property. 
• The occupancy limits. 
• Any policies the tenant may need to abide by, such as the guest or pet rules. 

Conclusion 

There you have it, some tips on how you can have a better relationship with your tenant. Being a landlord is all about customer service. The better you are at it, the better your overall experience is going to be. 

If you have a question or need the services of an experienced and reliable property manager, look no further than Peak Residential. We have been helping tenants and homeowners in Sacramento since 1982. Get in touch to learn more!