Tenant complaints can be irksome, especially if you’re trying your best to be responsive and provide an exceptional rental experience in your Dallas investment property.
While not every tenant complaint deserves your immediate time and attention, some of them are valid and worthy of a response and a commitment to making things right.
Tenant complaints always require a professional response, no matter how petty or irritating you may find them. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most common issues we see tenants struggling with, and how you can respond to them professionally.
Complaints about Maintenance and Repairs
Tenants don’t like to continue paying rent when there are things in their home that are broken or failing. This is understandable. They want to be heard, and they want their nonworking issues to be rectified. It’s important that you take every maintenance request seriously. Respond to it as soon as you can and if it’s going to take some time for you to prioritize that particular need, make sure you explain this to tenants. If you tell them why it’s going to take two weeks instead of two days, they’ll likely be understanding. One of the main reasons tenants leave their rental property at the end of a lease term is a failure of their landlords to respond to maintenance. This is a terrible way to lose a good tenant. Take care of things that are broken or aging at the property. Not only does it prevent future complaints from tenants, it also preserves the condition of your investment.Complaints about Landlord Communication (or Lack Thereof)
Another major complaint tenants have is that they can’t get their landlords to respond to their messages or phone calls. We know you’re busy – everyone is. However, if you ignore your tenants, you run the risk of damaging your relationship. You don’t have to pick up the phone every time they call. You do have to respond when there’s a concern or they need help. Even if you can’t solve the problem yourself, direct them towards other resources or support networks that can help. Don’t leave them hanging. It will only add to their frustration and desperation.Complaints about Rental Increases and Fees
Like you, tenants are sensitive about their money. They don’t want to may more than they have to for anything, including housing. When you raise the rent dramatically every year, you’re going to lose tenants. If you’re nickel and diming them and charging a separate fee for things like parking, online payments, and correspondence, you can expect complaints. Rent increases are to be expected, but don’t chase away good tenants with unreasonable rent hikes. Make the payment of their rent easy by offering online payments, electronic transfers, and single payments instead of separate bills for rent, water, pets, and trash. Always, always be transparent. Don’t try to slip a new charge past your tenants. They’ll notice it, and they’ll be angry they weren’t told about it ahead of time.Professional Dallas Property Management Can Help
The best way to manage your tenant relationships and to avoid complaints and disputes is to work with a professional Dallas property management company. When you have property managers taking care of the leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations, you won’t have to worry about phone calls, emails, and requests for help. Your property managers will be your buffer, and a good management company will make sure your tenants are well-served and having an excellent rental experience.
We can help you have a better relationship with your tenants. Contact us at OmniKey Realty.
