What Do San Diego Landlords Look for in Home Renters?

Good San Diego tenants are in high demand. If you’re looking for ways to stand out as a desirable resident when you’re seeking or settling into a rental home, we have some tips that may help you get some positive attention from your landlord or property manager. 

Landlords are looking for reliable, responsible tenants who pay rent on time, take care of their home, and follow the terms of their lease agreement. If you can communicate well and be transparent, you’ll have a better rental experience and a more positive relationship with your landlord or management company. 

Here are some key attributes of an ideal tenant in San Diego.

Great Tenants Understand and Follow the Lease Agreement

The lease agreement will be the first place you turn when you have a question or you want to check whether something is your responsibility or your landlord’s. You’ll want to look through it carefully. 

Leases aren’t always easy reading, and they’re usually long. But, being familiar with all of the terms is for your own protection. 

Review the lease, especially particulars such as the rent collection policy, the pet policy, and the procedures for requesting maintenance or repairs. If you have any questions about what you’re signing, make sure you ask. You want to be clear about the expectations and responsibilities before you move into a new home. 

Home Renters Need to Communicate Respectfully and Openly

Good tenants are excellent communicators. If you need help with something related to the property or the community, speak up. It’s always better to talk things out. 

Be responsive and accessible when your landlord needs to get in touch with you. 

Good communication leads to respectful relationships and positive rental experiences. 

Always Pay your Rent on Time 

Your first responsibility as a good tenant is to pay rent on time every month. 

You don’t want to be the tenant that landlords have to chase down to find out when and if the money is coming in. 

Most tenants prefer online rental payments. If you’re going to pay that way, great! It’s easier for your landlord and it makes documentation easier on your end as well. Make sure your payment will clear on the date that it’s due. Check your lease for any late fees or grace periods. If you’re going to be a day or two late or you had a financial emergency and you need a little more time - reach out to your landlord immediately. Don’t avoid their calls and questions. 

Keep Your San Diego Rental Home Clean and Maintained

Be respectful of the property. 

Everyone has different standards of cleanliness, but you shouldn’t allow trash to pile up in your home or deterioration to set in. Make sure you’re taking excellent care of the property as if you owned the home. Good tenants will respect their rental home and take pride in how it looks. 

Immediate Maintenance Requests are Crucial

Make sure you know how to reach your landlord if there’s an emergency and be available for repair companies and maintenance technicians to enter your home to take care of the issue. 

These are just some of the ways you can be a good tenant and guarantee a great landlord reference when you’re ready to move on. 

If you find yourself looking for a new San Diego rental home, please consider working with us. Onyx Property Management uses software that allows for easy online rental payments and submission of maintenance requests.  We are available to our tenants 24/7 for urgent matters and have an afterhours emergency line and on call staff.

Experienced San Diego property management professionals, Onyx Property Management serves the entire county, including San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and the surrounding areas.