We’ve all heard horror stories about the landlord who is a huge jerk, or incompetent or just plain unfriendly, but they’re certainly not all that way. In fact, most landlords are good, genuine people.

Landlords are usually entrepreneurs, trying to operate a business. Dealing with landlords has similar ins and outs as any interpersonal relationship, and keeping that relationship in good standing is in your best interest as a renter!

Here are some ideas for building the best relationship possible with your landlord. You definitely may need their assistance sometime, and every little bit counts!

Be good to them

The first and most obvious point to consider is to be a great renter. Landlords have to deal with all kinds of drama every day and if you make their day easier, they’ll be super grateful. Say hi to them in the hallway, be grateful for any assistance they give you, don’t make people lodge complains about your apartment, that kind of thing. You’ll find that if you get on your landlord’s good side, they’ll be good to you! If two apartments need fixing, why wouldn’t they go to the one they like first, right?

When there’s an issue, be forthright and concise

Try to deal with everything like the business transaction that it really is – if something needs fixing or replacing, don’t approach your landlord like an ex-boyfriend and complain, simply tell them exactly what the issue is in the most efficient way possible – less “I can’t believe that my windows are broken!” and more “My kitchen window isn’t sliding out like it should, could you please get someone over to take a look at it?” Don’t make them decipher what you want, be clear!

Be sure to get everything in writing

One of the most important ways to secure yourself from fraud or any other kind of trouble is to simply have an ongoing written conversation with your landlord in the event anything comes up. The great thing about these modern times is that you can easily keep track of everything by email! This protects you from any kind of wrongdoing because you have a trail of evidence every time you need something from your landlord. Keep yourself protected and keep your business relationship working great and keep an ongoing archive of everything that happens between you and your landlord – you never know when you may need it!