Property managers always have a lot of questions for tenants when they apply for a property, but sometimes the tenants have questions too, and not just when applying for a property. Here's a selection of questions that tenants commonly ask that may not always have the most obvious answers:
Who is my landlord?
This is not always easy to answer, especially if the landlord wants to remain anonymous or lives next door for example. Of course, tenants see the l rental provider's name on their lease, but property managers are under no obligation to give them any more information than that. Keeping boundaries between the rental provider and the tenant is one of the main reasons to have a property manager after all.
I can't pay my rent this month - can I have an extension?
Each agency has their own processes around rent collection and arrears - some specific to the type of software they use, and others as a developed policy by the agency. Detail of this is usually provided at the time the lease is signed so responses to tenants' requests for later payments will always comply with this. In times of hardship (such as unemployment, illness or bereavement) a compassionate approach should be taken, and arrangements made where possible that will support the tenant, but without too much detriment to the rental provider. Good communication in these instances is essential.
Can I get a pet?
Though their original lease may have stated no pets allowed, tenants can request to amend this over time. This has been particularly relevant in recent years with some states changing legislation in the tenants favour around being able to keep pets. The rental provider may be adamant they don't want pets in their property, but if the state laws say otherwise, the choice may be out of their hands.
Why has my rent gone up?
Many tenants don't factor ongoing rent increases into their decision when signing their initial 12-month lease.
Managing expectations as they renew each time and in advance of rent increases helps gradually train them to expect and manage the increased expense.
Can I hang pictures?
Similarly, legislation has changed around tenants hammering things into walls too. Where previously permission from the rental provider was required, now there is more leeway in favour of the tenant, so check your state's tenancy laws for updates. There has been a shift in recent years to allow tenants more freedoms to make properties feel more like home - the freedom to choose to have pets and pictures being the first step.