Rent Talk

[Ben Relph]

I recently read Mike Butler's book Landlording on AutoPilot.  One of the things that is in his book is setting up a "rent talk" with new tenants before they move in.  In this talk you discuss your expectations and work to train the new tenants on how to be good tenants.  This is something that I would like to implement and I was wondering if others were doing so.  I was also hoping to get advice on things to make sure and include in the rent talk. 

Thanks,

Ben

[Shawn Thom]

Many things are covered in the lease but it is worth a discussion since most people will forget or never read the lease again after signing.

On my last rental, I explained it as being in a partnership with the tenant and we work together to make sure they have a safe, clean and well priced rental.  Partnership sounds better than saying I expect you to hold up your end.  

During that conversation we discussed: 

How to handle repair request.

What is an emergency and what isn't

Best method of communication

Expectations on rent being paid on time.  Explain you are fair, but consistent and firm and you will follow through on the lease provisions and expect them to do the same.

What things are the tenants responsibilities such as air filters changes or even small repair like tighten