4 Things Great Tenants Hate

So you have a great tenant - that's fantastic, they are what all landlords hope for. They pay their rent on time, they look after your property and they are undemanding.

However, they can still get frustrated and want to move. Do you want to know what drives them over the edge? Here are a few areas that you control, that could drive them out. So take heed.

1 - Great tenants don't like being bugged.

They don't like it when neighbors (especially in an apartment complex) throw wild parties, they don't like drug dealers in the neighborhood and dealers' clients knocking on their door, and they don't like you showing up early Saturday morning wanting to get stuck into the garden.

Good tenants want to live undisturbed in a safe neighborhood. So if there is activity that is going on in the area that is annoying or unsavory, then work with the owners of the properties to sort it out.

As for you showing up 8am on a Saturday morning. Don't! Call your tenants first (at least 48 hours in advance) and work out a time that's good for both of you.

2 - Great tenants hate lack of follow-through.

You say you will be round to fix that leaking tap, but you don't. You say that you are 'planning on painting the property within the next 6 months', but you having even thought about paint colours - a year later. You say you will deal with the noisy neighbor, but the neighbor is still being noisy.

Your tenants, like everyone, don't like being lied to. Yes life gets in the way and you are busy and yes there isn't always money there, but at least keep your tenants updated. Let them know that 'sorry I was coming to fix the tap last week, but ended up in the hospital, I'm sending 'XYZ' around to get it sorted. Sorry.' Communicate with them if there is a problem, and really only promise something if you do intend to follow through. No, using the word "planning" doesn't get you off the hook, that implies that you are seriously considering it.

3 - Great tenants hate it when you're rude

Well that's a no-brainer, nobody likes rude people. It doesn't matter if you are having a bad day and you have problems of your own, your tenant is your customer and you have to treat them with kindness and respect. If things are really bad your end, you can explain that you have 'world war 3' starting at your place and you will call them back in an hour' - and do so. People understand that life happens, just don't take it out on your tenants.

4 - Great tenants hate being unappreciated.

Great tenants are great customers, they know it, you know it. So treat them as such. If the tenants went above and beyond, say thank you. If they have been in your property for a long time, what little upgrade can you provide that is a good way of saying 'we appreciate your business'? It's not difficult, think about what you would like if you were the tenant.

So as a landlord, what do you think tenants hate?