Your search for the perfect apartment or rental house is nearly over. You’ve found a nearly perfect place: it’s in the right school district and you can just afford the rent - it’s got everything you need, all for a fair rent.
But there is one serious problem: you met with the landlord and he is an obnoxious jerk. It’s his way or the highway. So the question becomes this: should you skip this place and keep looking, or swallow your pride and hope for the best?
We’ve all heard stories from renters who claim they have the landlord from hell. Is there a secret to finding a great landlord?
I believe the answer is yes, and that there are five secrets. And the more you know about them, the more likely you are to be happy in your new home:
Let’s do a countdown from 5 to 1:
5. REPUTATION
Find out what other properties are operated by this landlord, and talk with current residents about their experience. If it’s an apartment complex, that’s easy: just talk to occupants. If it’s a single family home, ask the landlord what other properties they handle.
How the landlord gets along with other residents (and even the neighbors) will likely give you an idea of what your experience may be.
4. TENANT RETENTION
Try to find out how long the average tenant has stayed in the past. Frequent turnover reveals a landlord with poor customer services and possibly a bad attitude when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
A smart landlord will regard residents as assets to be preserved and cultivated, and that attitude will manifest itself in a longer average tenancy.
3. PROFESSIONALISM
Is the landlord a licensed real estate professional? Georgia landlord-tenant laws impose higher standards on licensees than on the public in general. Also, is the landlord a member of a trade association such as the Realtor or the Realtists? If so, they will likely be more customer oriented.
In addition, Realtor and Realtist members agree to practice their trade under a code of ethics that works to protect the public.
2. FLEXIBILITY
Know that your landlord will expect you to pay your rent on time.
But if a property manager has authority to display some level of flexibility, it can be extremely helpful to you in an emergency situation.
If you get the impression that there is absolutely no room for adaptability to circumstances, you might want to move on.
1. CONSUMER FOCUS
Some landlords, especially professional management companies, have adopted a customer oriented approach that aims to please the tenant in every situation possible.
They take pride in their customer service, and demonstrate it in their actions.
They are obviously organized and efficient in their operation, and genuinely want their residents to be happy in their new homes. If you find a landlord like this, just sign the lease!
(In the interests of full disclosure, I am a licensed real estate broker in Georgia, but I am not a member of any real estate trade association, so I have no axe to grind.)
The bottom line: While a “mom and pop” landlord situation may sound appealing, it more often than not leads to frustration and poor service when you need it most.
Look for professional management that wants you to stay forever, and treats you with respect. You’ll be happier in the long run.
Atlanta native John Adams is a real estate broker, an investor, and author of The Landlord Survival Guide For Georgia. He hosts a talk show on AM920 WGKA each Sunday at 11am where he explores real estate topics. You are invited to submit questions or comments to Money99.com, where you will find an expanded version of this column.
