by Francis Jock

Created on: February 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 19, 2008

If your goal as a real estate landlord is to live large on the residual income from your apartments, chances are that your renters aren't happy. You may be, but it's entirely possible that your bliss is coming at the expense of your apartment renters. If you want to stay happy and live the peaceful, serene life of the well-fed landlord (and who doesn't) then there are a few simple rules that deserve your attention. Managing affordable housing can be a rewarding career when apartment renters are kept happy, particularly if your apartments are Section 8 housing.

First rule is what I call the Golden Rule of Landlords. Do unto your renters as you would have them do unto you. Another way of putting this is to walk a mile in their shoes. Ask yourself what would you expect from your landlord if you were the renter? You might answer this question as follows.

You would expect that repairs are made quickly and the repairperson cleans up their mess afterward. These nice people are clean and courteous; they don't track dirt all over the place and leave the job half finished at the end of the day. If they have to return to complete the job later, they will always show up on time when they say they will.

You would expect that the house rules are applied equally to everyone. No favored renter status is given to the little old lady in the next apartment just because she can bake a better apple pie than you. No way. On the other hand, you might forgive this a little is she sends you a healthy piece.

You would certainly expect that the property grounds and parking areas are kept well lighted, as secure as possible and clean. That means that the groundskeeper, and this might be you, is out and about daily to pick up other people's trash without making a fuss about it. This courtesy would be extended to the laundry facilities and playgrounds.

You would be kept informed about upcoming events that are worth your time and effort to participate in. A nice newsletter or flyer would find its way to your door and you would appreciate receiving it. When you attend the event, you would feel welcome and come away with an appreciation for your living in such a nice building or apartment.

You appreciate being addressed by your first name and the fact that the landlord and all the staff and maintenance people know the names of your family members and your pets.

If you need to have something done which is a little above and beyond what services are usually provided, you know that the handyman will help you out with a smile. These folks are a rare treasure and they are always glad to help out whenever they can.

Renters and Landlords will always benefit from a sense of fairness and open and honest communications. When the Golden Rule of Landlords is observed, everyone feels that they are living large. In a nutshell, you could sum this up by recalling something a grandmother once said, "We are all in this together, the world is a dangerous place and we need friends, and remember to share."

These few simple rules for living large are easy to follow, just think of all the apple pie you'll get to enjoy. Now that's living large.

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