Looking to improve your Orlando rental experience? Renting a home can be a great option for many, but navigating the process isn’t always straightforward. As an Orlando renter, understanding how to make the most of your experience can save you time, money, and stress. Below, we offer four tips to help you thrive as a tenant while maintaining a good relationship with your property manager.
1. Document the Condition of the Property Upon Move-In
To protect yourself as a tenant, complete the move-in checklist your property manager gave you when you moved in.
- Take Photos and Videos
Capture every room from multiple angles to fully document the condition of the property at the time you accepted your rental’s keys.
- Create a Detailed Report
Your property manager will have their move-in inspection records on file. If they believe you caused damage to the rental, they’ll charge you for it upon moving out.
- Save Your Evidence
Without proof, you could be held responsible for pre-existing issues, potentially losing part or all of your security deposit.
Note: The Realty Medics has a standard the property condition must meet, but it’s important to remember properties are rented “as-is” cosmetically. The move-in checklist is for documentation purposes only.
2. Be Kind to Your Property Manager
This could be a throwback to “Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, but clearly, it bears repeating.
- Every Human Needs Some Grace
Property managers deal with difficult situations all day long. Unfortunately, that often includes dealing with a lot of mean, angry people. Mean people suck. Showing property managers some grace and understanding during your interactions sets you apart in a sea of sucky people. You can be a bright spot in their day by treating them with kindness and respect.
- Benefits of Kindness
People remember how you made them feel. Your kindness goes a long way in fostering a positive relationship with your property management team. Like any human, that makes them more willing to return the favor by bending over backward to help you in whatever ways they can (including making exceptions here and there). But only if you’re nice.
3. Follow Your Property Manager’s Maintenance Process
You can take steps to avoid having to submit maintenance requests, but some maintenance issues will require a maintenance request. To make sure your issue is resolved quickly (and without extra costs), follow your property manager’s procedure for maintenance requests:
- Submit Maintenance Requests Properly
Use the tenant portal to report maintenance and non-emergency issues during regular business hours. For after-hours, please call our emergency maintenance line at 407-584-7186.
- Schedule Your Appointment Accordingly
Schedule any maintenance visits for when you’ll be home and able to provide the technician access to wherever they need to complete the work order.
- Reschedule if Necessary
Things happen. If you can’t be there for whatever reason, reschedule right away. If the technician arrives and cannot gain access to the property to address your request, you could receive a trip charge for the missed appointment.
4. Pay Your Rent on Time
This may feel like a no-brainer, but consistently paying your rent on time is one of the simplest ways to have a great rental experience. As important as being nice, paying your rent on time demonstrates responsibility and helps maintain a good relationship with your property manager. It also helps you in other ways, like:
- Avoid Late Fees
Late rent payments can add up, making your rental much more expensive over time.
- Boost Your Credit
Like many property management companies, The Realty Medics reports positive rent payments to all three credit bureaus. This can help you in myriad ways, from loan approvals to lower insurance rates to even helping you get a job.
- Learn to Budget Wisely
Prioritize rent payments over discretionary spending (going out all the time or taking extravagant vacations). Treat your living situation as a top financial priority and build your budgeting muscles.
- Communicate if You Need Help
Unexpected situations arise. If you anticipate something making you late to pay rent, contact your property manager. Many will help you work out a payment plan, but only if you communicate your situation.
Make the Most of Your Rental Experience
As a Central Florida renter, you can improve your rental experience with a proactive and respectful approach. This will avoid unnecessary conflicts, save you money, and allow you to enjoy your home more. Looking for a new rental home? Check out our available properties throughout Central Florida.
