When there are inconveniences in your home, any wait at all can seem like an eternity. It is then understandable why tenants want their problems resolved as soon as possible. As a landlord, you are responsible for certain repairs and some of those repairs are considered emergencies. Other types of maintenance are not considered emergencies and can wait till the next day.
- Major leaking in the rental unit. Emergency.
- Your tenant calls you and says, “I want to boost my credit overnight and want you to set up rent reporting for me. I would like to become a rent reporter”. Not an emergency.
- Lack of heat in the winter. Emergency.
- Parking issues and noise complaints. Not an emergency.
What is an Emergency? What Can Wait?
Knowing what is an emergency and what is an inconvenience will stop you from rushing to solve a problem that can wait till the next day if necessary. Even the best of tenants have emergencies and you want to make sure that you are not only complying with the law but also taking care of your great tenants.
You may already be taking care of them with rent reporting services to boost their credit and have made them regular rent reporters. Keep up the good work by taking care of the emergencies when you need to.
What is considered an emergency?
- Flooding
- Fire
- A Door That Is Broken and Can’t Be Secured
- Gas Leak or Broken Gas Line
- Sewer Back-up
- Broken or Frozen Pipes
- Broken Heat in Winter
- Water Emergencies
- Leaking Roof
- Carbon Monoxide Detection
- Electrical Issues
- Extended Power Outage
- Intruder Break-in
What is considered a non-emergency (urgency)?
- Noise Complaints
- Parking Issues
- Burnt Out Lightbulbs or Fixture
- Small Leaks
- Appliance Issues
- Lack of Hot Water
- No Air Conditioning (if it is below 90 degrees)
- No Heat (if it is above 50 degrees)
- Minor Leaks
How to Deal with Non-Emergencies
Quick and concise communication with your tenants about these non-emergencies is key to making sure that they understand that their concerns are heard and will be addressed in an appropriate time frame. If they call you late at night, it would help to follow up with them the next morning to touch base with them. This shows you care and that you are interested in resolving the issue.
Building a great relationship with your tenets from the beginning will aid in these situations because of the rapport you have with them. How do you do that?
- Rent reporting is a great way to build goodwill with your tenants as well as ensure that you get your rent paid on time. As rent reporters, they get to boost their credit with the rent payments they are already making, which all renters enjoy.
- Take a personal interest in them when they are approved to move in and make sure that they are happy with the property.
- Take care of their needs as they come up.
Each of these tips is critical to building a great relationship with your tenants. When they know you care, they are more likely to be calm in the face of a non-emergency. Everything from the rent reporting to checking on them to make sure they are satisfied will make a big difference when the time comes.
CreditRentBoost.com and Rent Reporting Services
Both emergencies and non-emergencies are part of being a landlord. Having a lot of goodwill with your tenants is extremely helpful in these situations. Let CreditRentBoost.com help you give your tenants the benefit of boosting their credit while paying rent while protecting your investment and building goodwill for the times you need it.
