Skip to Content

The Art of Landlord-Tenant Communication: A Comprehensive Guide

A property manager talks on the phone while showing a house.Communication is key in creating a strong relationship between landlords and tenants, because it makes roles and responsibilities clear. Misunderstandings and fights are less likely to happen when people can talk clearly with each other. This creates an atmosphere of transparency, trust, and respect. This not only enhances the tenant experience but also strengthens the overall relationship between the parties involved. As a landlord or property manager, here are some popular ways to get in touch with your tenants:

  • In-Person Communication: Face-to-face interactions make conversation clear and allow for quick questions and answers, especially when it comes to complex lease agreements and rental concerns. When scheduling meetings or property visits, it’s important to be flexible when setting up the tenant’s schedule. For in-person lease signings, make sure all paperwork is prepared ahead of time and that both parties understand the agreement’s terms.
  • Phone Communication: The phone is an ideal tool for landlords and tenants to talk to each other quickly. Landlords should avoid calling early in the morning or late at night and instead schedule calls during regular business hours, keeping them short and to the point.
  • Email Communication: Email is an efficient way for landlords to communicate with tenants and send timely reminders and reports. To ensure effective communication, landlords should use correct email addresses, precise subject lines, and maintain a professional tone. Use short lines, bullet points, and headings to make emails easier to read, and keep copies of all sent emails for record-keeping.
  • Text Messaging: Text messaging has become a way to talk to people due to its convenience and quick response times. Nonetheless, it’s important to be smart about how you use it and maintain professionalism. Landlords can effectively communicate important information like inspections and rent reminders through texting, but it’s critical to avoid overusing it or communicating with tenants outside business hours to maintain a professional tone.
    • When landlords text, they should be polite, clear, and to the point to maintain professionalism. It’s important to use correct language and stay away from profanity. Sensitive issues like rent increases or eviction notices should be discussed in person or via email for more detailed conversations.
  • Written Notices: To guarantee compliance with legal requirements, landlords and tenants should give clear and formal written notices for many things, like lease renewals or terminations. When drafting written communications, landlords should include the following details:
    • The date the notice is being issued.
    • The name and address of the tenant.
    • The reason for the notice (lease renewal, termination, etc.)
    • The date the lease will expire or terminate.
    • Specific instructions or requirements for the tenant to follow if needed.
    • Contact information for the landlord in case the tenant has any questions or concerns.

Landlords and tenants have to preserve copies of all written notices for their records. Aside from that, landlords should make sure that the phrase they use complies with all applicable laws and rules and that they are not discriminatory.

Alternate Communication Methods for Landlords

  1. Online Portals and Apps
  2. Social Media and Community Groups
  3. Maintenance and Repair Requests
  4. Emergency Communication

Landlords can communicate with tenants through various methods, and each has positive and negative aspects. To build good ties with their tenants, landlords should choose communication methods that align with their preferences and their tenants’ needs. Some tenants may like email or text for convenience, while others are happier with in-person meetings or phone calls.

When you select a trustworthy property management company like Real Property Management Steel City, it will make your life easier and make things better for your tenants. To remove the burden of managing your property in Pueblo West or neighboring areas, contact us online or call 719-948-8155 today. Let us help produce a better living environment for everyone.

Originally Published on November 3, 2023

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.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details