As a renter in Little Elm, establishing a good relationship with your landlord can make life a great deal easier. But, on the flip side, what about being friends with your landlord? Whether you are seriously taking into consideration renting from a friend or developing a friendship with your current landlord, there are relevant factors to take into account. Landlord-tenant friendships can work, but it does take effort. It’s wise to proceed carefully and put to use these simple guidelines to really see to it that your rental relationship doesn’t actually ruin your personal one.
Document Everything
The days of doing business with a handshake are certainly long gone. If you plan to rent a house from a friend, always ascertain that you have a detailed lease that fully 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 certainly, it will also actually help keep both you and your landlord accountable.
Separate Business and Pleasure
Friendships come in several classes, so according to how close you and your landlord become, you may need to firmly put in place clear boundaries between your landlord-tenant interactions and your social time together. Avoid discussing issues related to the rental home in social settings, and always bear in mind that because you are friends doesn’t imply your landlord is available to jump at every request you make. If you expect special treatment, this could set off misunderstandings between you and your landlord and between you and your other roommates (if any). Even when you are friends, call to mind 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 relevant to set good boundaries with your friendly landlord in other areas, equally. Your landlord might feel that it’s all good to invite themselves into your home or possessions the same way a close friend might. But in truth, doing so can, in many cases, cross a very important line between being a landlord and taking advantage of a friend. If a landlord starts crossing one boundary, the possibility is great that they will overstep in many other ways. It’s up to you to keep for certain that it doesn’t come to this by nipping unwelcome behaviors in the bud. Setting good boundaries can help keep your relationship with your landlord from going sour.
Anticipate Awkwardness
A friendship with your landlord can help you feel more comfortable talking to them regularly. But having said that, like any other, those conversations can get awkward, especially if you deem 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 too much time on the property, you may inadvertently be 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 host and enjoy in your rental home, it may indeed be a concern. Despite that it may be awkward, it’s vital to talk to your landlord and make it specifically be known that your friendship does not create an obligation to include them in everything you do. Also on the flip side, try not to assume that your landlord will include you in all their activities or social gatherings. Neither of you will gain anything from blurring the lines of your relationship.
As you can clearly see, becoming friends with your landlord or renting from a friend can present many challenges and potential pitfalls. If you’re keen to avoid the possibility of ruining a good friendship altogether, your best option may perhaps be to keep things polite but professional with your landlord.
Are you looking for a Little Elm rental house managed by true professionals? Then think about getting to know our Little Elm property management team! Contact us online or call us at 469-820-0088.
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