As a renter in Noblesville, retaining a good relationship with your landlord can make life a lot easier. But on the other hand, what about being friends with your landlord? Whether you are pondering regarding renting from a friend or developing a friendship with your current landlord, there are significant points and considerations to bear in mind. Landlord-tenant friendships can work, but it does take effort. It’s a great idea to proceed carefully and adhere to quite a few simple guidelines to be certain that your rental relationship doesn’t damage your personal one.
Document Everything
The days of doing business with a handshake are long gone. If you decide to rent a house from a friend, ensure that you have a detailed lease that definitely explains your rights and responsibilities. If there are elements of your agreement that aren’t in the lease, document everything. Not only will good documentation of your landlord’s expectations protect you should circumstances change, but it will aid to hold both you and your landlord accountable.
Separate Business and Pleasure
Friendships come in various kinds, so depending on how close you and your landlord become, you may like to put in place several solid boundaries between your landlord-tenant interactions and your social time together. Avoid discussing issues related to the rental home in social settings, and keep in mind that just because you’re friends doesn’t mean your landlord is available to jump at every request you make. If you expect special treatment, this could bring about problematic matters between you and your landlord and between you and your other roommates (if any). Even as you are friends, recall that being a landlord is your friend’s business, and keep it professional.
Set Boundaries
Along with keeping your business and personal relationships separate, it’s significant to set good boundaries with your friendly landlord in other ways. Your landlord might feel that it’s totally fine to invite themselves into your home or possessions the same way a close friend might. Though doing so can most often cross a very important line between being a landlord and taking advantage of a friend. Whenever a landlord starts crossing one boundary, the probabilities are high that they will overstep in other forms. It’s up to you to make certain that doesn’t occur by nipping unwelcome behaviors in the bud. Setting good boundaries can aid in keeping your relationship with your landlord from going sour.
Anticipate Awkwardness
A friendship with your landlord can make you feel more comfortable talking to them regularly. But like all the rest, those conversations can get awkward, specifically, if you sense you are discussing other tenants or aspects of the landlord’s business that are not directly related to your rental situation. If your landlord lives nearby or spends much time on the property, you may appear pressured to engage in constant conversation or even to invite them to every social event you have. If your landlord expresses hurt feelings for not being involved in every social activity you hold and enjoy in your rental home, you may have a real issue. Although it may be awkward, it’s essential to talk to your landlord and make it evident that your friendship does not create an obligation to include them in everything you do. In addition, try not to assume that your landlord will include you in all their activities or social gatherings. Neither of you will have the advantage of blurring the lines of your relationship.
As you can tell, becoming friends with your landlord or renting from a friend can present many challenges and potential pitfalls. If you’d want to completely avoid the possibility of ruining a good friendship altogether, your best choice could be to keep things polite but professional with your landlord.
Are you looking for a Noblesville rental house managed by true professionals? Then think about getting to know our Noblesville property management team! Contact us online or call us at 317-420-8500.
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