Social Responsibilities of a Landlord?

Question

Hi, just thought I'd through this out to all, what social responsibilities, in your community, do you think landlords have? What contributions do landlords make to a community, from a socio-economic aspect, if any? Bill

Bill Gulley · Answer

Hi Charles, thanks, very good points too! We just had a few posts about the elderly lady that you posted and many probably think I was talking about being a bleeding heart with this post, but not exactly.....
          
          Your most important (in my mind) comment was.....landlords have a responsibility to provide safe housing, first and foremost. Not only do they have a legal obligation, but also a social responsiblity to do so. 
          
          Many of the housing regulations that exist are an extension of this basic responsibility, fire codes, building codes, providing locks on the doors and exterior lighting to mention a few.
          
          Landlords have a responsibility to their neighbors as well, to keep properties in good condition and not allow waste upon the property. One bad landlord or slumlord effects the adjacent properties, not only in the value of the properties but also there is a social aspect that effects attitudes of those living in the landlord's properties and others living nearby.
          
          The effects of poor housing conditions has a far reaching effect in any community. Take kids for example. If a child is living in substandard housing they are less likely to stay in the home, to study and have a social environment for their friends, at least the friends they would like to have. Low self-esteem begins at home and also translates into poor grades and deliquency. Did you, or do you know a kid that was or is  ashamed to go home?
          
          Slums are a magnet to those undesirables as well, drifters assume such areas are not taken care of because owners and tenants don't care. This is a sign for many to break in and squat, take shelter where they can hide out, after all no one is likely to call the authorities. It's a haven for drugs and the ladies of the streets and it becomes an area where less is expected of society!
          
          Landlords have a responsibility to interact in their community with neighbors to improve the quality of life for their tenants as well as others near by. When landlords are responsible for what goes on around them, the community tends to support them as well. City grants and low interest loans made available for repairs and improvements will certainly go to those landlords who have demonstrated professionalism in the community and participate in the community, so it can pay to be a good landlord.
          
          Landlords have a responsibility to other real estate professionals as well, in conducting business in a fair and business like manner. One landlord with a bad reputation really does reflect on others who hold similar types of properties. In a neighborhood, I have seen where one landlord earned such a poor reputation that the word spread and many people who might have rented something along that street didn't because they were not sure which property was owned by that crazy mean landlord. That was an issue I had to overcome with one of my properties due to a shister landlord in the area! He left!
          
          There are many properties that if the owner put ten thousand dollars in it, they would not rent for a dime more than they get now. This is where the slumlords are born. These landlords fail to see the long term results of their investment and are only interested in the cash flow at the moment. They are an open sore in the community that effects others and takes a toll on those who must live in or near such properties. 
          
          You'll probably notice too that these less responsible landlords are the ones that get harrassed by government officials. When I was involved in cleaning up housing in my area, we used every trick in the book to make life difficult for these social leaches, to the point that they sold out to new investors that took a different view. Those same houses that were $300 dumps in three years became $450 and $500 rentals, many with just paint, cleaning and minor repairs.
          
          Another aspect might be assisting other landlords in the business. Yes, they are in competition, but they can also work together, listing bad tenants, dead beats, and vandals.
          
           Good landlords usually have a good relationship with the police and the police actually patrol more often in areas where landlords have demonstrated a committment to the community.
          
          Landlords provide a big impact in any community. They provide jobs and purchase materials and supplies. They use professional services and add to the economic base in any community. One could suggest that local landlords should support local businesses and the economic interactions they provide can actually keep some small businesses afloat.
          
          Owning real estate has social implications in any community. It's in the best interest of property owners to keep properties in good repair, free of filth and waste. To maintain property values and provide a sence of pride for those they serve, their tenants. 
          
          Landlords can take a high road or the low one, it's more than a financial committment.
          
          Any other aspects that landlords play a role in? How do you support your community, your neighborhoods?
          
          Bill

Account Closed · Answer

I can think of a few.

Provide an alternative to home ownership for those that couldn't afford to own a home or might need to relocate quickly.

Provide a safe place to live.

There are many housing niches to be filled as well.  Many groups of people need housing - some have low income, some are elderly, some are part of special needs populations and many others. The government provides incentives to help some of these groups because they might not otherwise be taken care of.

Account Closed · Answer

Landlords can help reduce crime in a neighborhood by providing good lighting and cutting back potential places that undesirables might hide.  Providing a safe community and place for tenants can ultimately attract better tenants as well.