At Sarasota
Management & Leasing, we are occasionally asked by our
landlords, "Whose side are you on?" The answer is, "Yours!"
Everything we do is focused on
maximizing our owners' cash flow. However, part of that process
entails keeping costs down , your property rented, and staying out of court.
What many landlords don't realize is that a happy tenant is usually a low-cost tenant. If tenants
are comfortable with their rent payment and not receiving pressure from their landlord or property management
company, not only are they more willing to make their payment on time, but they
often cause less damage. They also tend to stay in the property for longer
periods of time.
However, if a landlord causes friction
and hard feelings with their tenant, it is often to their detriment.
When the tenant is mad at the landlord, their outlook on their home is changed,
and they no longer view it as a peaceful, welcoming, comfortable place. In
response, they may not want to pay their rent on time, and may begin to look
for another place to rent. If they move out, they are less inclined to leave
the property in good condition.
Once they have vacated, the landlord will face higher turning costs including
new paint, carpet cleaning, and miscellaneous repairs. Things may even be
missing. In addition to those costs, the property
will be vacant
for a time, adding up to a significant
loss of revenue.
This is not to say that you should let your tenant continue to send in late
rent payments, or fail to keep your property tidy and in good repair. At Sarasota
Management and Leasing, we have years of experience in finessing these
situations. We have learned how to preserve relationships with
our tenants by treating them with respect, while educating them on what is
reasonable and expected. It is often the difference between a happy resident-and a
confrontation. It is also the difference between maintaining your property as a
profitable investment, and taking a loss.
