Communication is key - especially in lettings

Communication is key - especially in lettings

Great landlord and tenant relationships don't tend to just spring up overnight. They require some nurturing ‐ and fundamental to that is the need for positive (and plentiful) communication. Most of us have experienced a situation in which communication broke down at some point, whether that's business or personal. Poor communication is often cited as the number one reason for relationship break ups, as well as conflict in the workplace. It can leave everyone angry, frustrated and talking at cross purposes. In the lettings world, great communication helps to make sure expectations are managed and obligations met. We've become experts at ensuring our landlords and tenants get the benefit of effective communication ‐ here's how.

Everyone deserves to be heard

Whether it's tenants with complaints or landlords with specific property care requirements, listening is as much a part of communication in a lettings relationship as saying your bit. Where communication is poor and requests or problems are ignored this only tends to escalate issues that could be minimal if swiftly and effectively dealt with.

Ambiguity just muddies the waters

It's crucial to be clear about expectations and arrangements otherwise different parties might have very different ideas about what they're getting and what is expected of them. Written communication often comes in useful in a lettings context, as it provides evidence of agreements and what was discussed.

Responsiveness is essential

It's all very well being a great listener but communication has little meaning if there is no action that follows it. That could be something as simple as responding to a tenant email asking for a repair or acknowledging a request for access from a landlord. Taking action within a reasonable timeframe is what converts great communication into positive long term relationships.

Building a rapport has a lot of benefits

Mastering the art of positive communication can help to build rapport and this makes most landlord and tenant situations easier to deal with. When two parties get on with each other there is a degree of empathy and this can help to encourage patience and avoid the traditional pitfalls that undermine many lettings situations. Building trust through good communication is the basis of productive and mutually beneficial relationships.

Assertiveness is part of the process

Setting clear boundaries and learning when to say no are also an important part of the process of nurturing good communication and positive landlord and tenant relationships. Essential to this is having a sound understanding of the legal position of everyone involved and who is required to do what. Working with a letting agent can be incredibly useful in this context, especially for landlords who either don't have a good grasp of the relevant law or don't have the time to get into it.

For both landlords and tenants, clear and consistent communication provides a firm foundation for a sound relationship. Working with a letting agent with strong communication skills helps to ensure that the experience is positive for everyone.