Proactive Landlording or asking for trouble?

Question

The set up: I'm a newb REI with my 1st property rented out. My partner, on the other hand owns several other properties and has 10 years experience.

We had an issue with heat in one of our units recently. After the issue was resolved, I texted the renters a day after and asked if everything was OK. My partner believes that this is opening ourselves for the tenant to just complain about something else. But for me, I don't consider the issue really closed until the tenant is satisfied with the result.

So, my question for you all, am I being foolish or wise?

Account Closed · Answer

@Stephen Zipp If you view landlording as mostly a service business, then your instincts are right. I consider following up on an issue to be great service and I commend you!

If you and your partner don't share the same basic philosophy of conducting business, it may not work. You should discuss the larger issue.

Anthony Cimino · Answer

Hello,

I am the partner.  Stephen's management style was "let the other guy deal with it".  He currently has no idea who the tenants are, has done nothing in the way of paying bills, taxes, mowing lawn.

Stephen learned nothing from this post and is the worst landlord.  A tenant recently had a heat issue, I asked her to call him while I dealt with it.  Stephen didn't even pick up the phone!

He has also refused to sign the sales listing with an agent I found.  Stephen is a partner that ruins landlording for so many people.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

@Stephen Zipp  Decide what your management style will be. I think you did the right thing and it shows you are customer service oriented. I venture to guess you do have experience serving people and that translates nicely over to working with residential rental property.

Attention to maintenance needs is one of the top satisfiers among tenants. If you show you care about the property and take care of it, you are more likely to have tenants who take care of it and it is also more likely they will stay long term.

What if the issue with the heating had not been fully resolved? What if the tenant doesn't tell you about things when they need maintenance/repair because they are too shy or they don't want to be seen as complaining? By checking in with tenants and asking them if everything is okay, you are more likely to gain valuable knowledge about them and the needs of the property.

If your partner approaches managing properties with the mind set that tenants are complainers, that is what he will get. Change that around to hearing what tenants say as valuable feedback, appreciate they are willing to share their thoughts and learn from what they say to improve your business.

If tenants ask for something reasonable, attend to it and thank them for bringing it to your attention.  If they ask for something not so reasonable or for something you are not prepared to provide, let them know that too. Be polite, firm and fair. Show them respect and that is what you are likely to receive in return.

If tenants are trouble makers or rule breakers, there are effective ways of dealing with that too. Take a listen to BP Podcast #83... Profitable Landlording with Integrity. There are effective ways to handle rough situations too, preserve your peace of mind, and protect your monetary interests.

All the best to you! Welcome to Bigger Pockets too!

Brandon Hicks · Answer

I agree with Michael Noto. That said, you both have good points on the matter. However my view is more aligned with your partners. I make the assumption that once my guy fixes something that its been taken care of. No need to follow up.

I took your path early on then as I accumulated more and more units Ive switched over to not following up.

Michael Noto · Answer

This is something you should probably discuss with your partner.  You guys being on the same page about any and all issues going on with the property if you are both active owners.

Maybe he has a good reason for saying what he did?  Just a thought.

Proactive Landlording or asking for trouble?

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