As a renter in Forest, establishing a good relationship with your landlord is a great thing. But can you be friends with your landlord? Here are some important considerations to remember if you are contemplating renting from a friend or building a friendship with your present landlord. Landlord-tenant friendships can work, but it does take effort. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your rental relationship will not ruin your personal one.
Document Everything
The days of doing business with a handshake are long gone. If you are going to rent a house from a friend, ask for a detailed lease that clearly states your rights and responsibilities. Have all elements –everything– documented in the lease. This documentation of what the landlord expects from you will protect you should circumstances change. It will also establish accountability between you and your landlord.
Separate Business and Pleasure
Friendships come in varied forms, so make sure you set boundaries with your landlord for your social time and landlord-tenant interactions. Do not discuss rental home-related concerns in social settings, and respect that being friends with your landlord does not mean he has to accommodate every request you make. Special treatment like this will surely cause problems between you, your landlord, and other tenants or roommates. So, remember, even as you become friends, being a landlord is your friend’s business, and keep your dealings professional.
Set Boundaries
Separating your business and personal relationships is a way to set good boundaries with your friendly landlord. Your landlord might become comfortable inviting themselves into your home or possessions as a close friend would. But, doing this crosses the line between being a landlord and taking advantage of a friend. When a landlord starts crossing a boundary, it becomes easy to overstep in other ways, too. You can prevent this from happening by stopping these behaviors once they start to surface. Healthy boundaries will prevent your relationship with your landlord from going sour.
Anticipate Awkwardness
A friendship with your landlord can make you feel comfortable interacting with them regularly. But, sometimes, these conversations can become awkward especially if you start discussing other tenants or facets of your landlord’s business that are not related to your rental situation. If your landlord resides nearby or is often on the property, you might feel pressured to engage in regular conversation or even invite them to your social events. It can be a big problem if your landlord feels left out if he is not involved in every social activity in your rental home. It could be awkward, but you have to make it clear that your friendship does not mean you are under any obligation to always include them. In the same manner, don’t assume to be included in your landlord’s social gatherings. Neither of you will benefit from blurring the lines of your relationship.
As you can see, it can be very challenging to maintain being friends with your landlord or renting from a friend. If you want to avoid the possibility of ruining a good friendship, it is best to be polite but professional with your landlord.
Are you looking for a Forest rental house managed by true professionals? Then think about getting to know our Forest property management team! Contact us online or call us at 434-215-3028.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
