What to do if it feels like your landlord is just not listening to you?
Are you sick and tired of trying to get your landlord to listen to you? Does it seem like they never reply or take you seriously? Have you reported maintenance issues and heard nothing back? Read this article to find out the best way to communicate with your landlord, really be heard and get results.
When a landlord rents out a property, they are looking for rental income, not a second job. They are often difficult to get hold of because they are at work or with their family on the weekend. Many tenants are frustrated with a lack of response from their landlords, leaving messages, emails and voicemails that go unanswered. One of the biggest complaints of tenants who live in properties where the landlord is trying to self-manage is that they are just not heard.
In some cases, this can be nothing more than a minor irritation, but if a repair is needed, it can be a very serious matter. Sometimes, your landlord's lack of response can mean that the issue escalates and ultimately becomes a bigger problem than it once was.
In contrast, many tenants who live in properties managed by letting agents are delighted. Their requests and reports are answered and dealt with promptly and without issue.
If you feel that your landlord is not taking your reports seriously, doesn't deal with repairs in a timely manner and is generally causing you stress, you could move. You could move into a different property with another landlord, ideally one that pays for a letting agent to manage and monitor your tenancy professionally, thereby giving you a sense of professionalism and giving you some recourse if things are not handled properly.
But, with the rental property market the way it is now, it is not as simple as just moving out. There are hardly any available properties on the market, and any available are inundated with viewing requests. Many tenants in great need are fighting over the few properties that there are. You are not in desperate need, just a little disgruntled. So, what can you do instead to improve the situation?
- If you report a maintenance issue to the landlord, try to provide evidence of the problem. This will ensure that the landlord knows that the repair is necessary and will also assist the contractors who will come to repair it.
- Keep your landlord informed of anything relevant to them involving the rent, the tenancy or the property, but don't send them messages unless necessary. If the landlord is sent messages every week, they will begin to think that there is always a problem and won't be able to as clearly identify the significant issues from a minor one.
- Request a response if necessary. When you inform your landlord of something important, ask them to reply with their approval or acknowledgement of your message so that you know they've got it.
- It is best to record every important item in writing. Try following up with an email or text message rather than informing the landlord of something verbally. This way, there is a paper trail (albeit digitally) of what you have reported and when, and it is clear what is required.
You and your landlord need to work together, not be at loggerheads. This is not about catching your landlord out but proving that you are not simply trying to waste their time or money but have a genuine request or need within the property.
If you are struggling with your landlord and need some advice, don't sit in silence, stressing about the situation. Get in touch with our team of property letting experts to see if they can help.