How can we work towards a mutually positive relationship to ensure a successful tenancy? Some of the most common downfalls throughout maintaining a positive relationship with your property manager or agent could include the following as a tenant.

A Lack of Communication:

• Communication – If you feel something has been missed whether it be maintenance or you feel unheard in regards to a particular renting issue. Call or email again. As you would be surprised at the amount of issues your PM (Property Manager) is resolving, they may be inundated and your correspondence may have gotten lost or other things popped up in further urgency.

Sometimes that reminder email, when raising the issue politely may be the spark that ensures they follow this item up again.

Please do ensure you allow enough time for the particular issue if a response has been provided. Sometimes trades are inundated with work that they require a longer time line, when attending for other emergency repairs.

• This also translates through communicating legislation, if you have been provided with legislated reasoning as to the response of a particular item. There is nothing further that can really be said, as this is the decision.

If you feel this decision is incorrect, you are always entitled within your tenancy rights to contact the RTA information provided within their contact information. To discuss your rights & obligations as a tenant.

The RTA website also provides further information regarding questions that are frequently asked, & general tenancy information.

Respectful conversations between all parties.

Mutually respectful conversations whether that be through email, phone or another form of communication. Within the agent’s employment rights, if a conversation is turning in a negative manner. For example: degrading, vulgar, offensive or any other form of negative language. The conversation may end, within the rights of the recipient.

• Ask for Approval beforehand. Following legislation requirements for items such as pets, changes you might wish to make to a property being approved firstly (structural or surface) – hooks in walls, altering the properties inclusions & landscaping. Always ask for approval in writing beforehand.
• Please remember you are renting this property, whilst you are using the property’s purpose as your home throughout your leasing period. The property is owned by the lessor; with the agent’s responsibility being to ensure this is maintained on their behalf within the legislated requirements.
• The Property Manager acts as a middleman between the tenants, owner/s, tradesmen etc. Adhering to legislation requirements and ensuring all parties are met within their rights whilst maintaining the property on behalf of the owner. A juggling act to say the least.

• Be kind. (We are all human, we all have good/bad days) Being kind never made the world a worse place to live.

Please work with your property manager, to ensure everyone is able to work towards a happier environment & make each other’s journey a little brighter together.