There’s so much your landlord can do for you to make your life easier in the long run, and maintaining a positive relationship with them will further increase the chances of them helping you out when you need it.
Especially when you’re a student, that first or second landlord can make such a big difference when you’re just starting out.
Here are 3 ways your landlord can help you get ahead!
1. Help you grow your credit score
Did you know that in Canada, landlords can file a credit report for you (both good and bad)? If you consistently pay your rent on time they can register your payments, which can help contribute to your credit score. This can be a great way to help you get ahead in the future when looking for apartments and getting approved for a loan, or even a mortgage.
Building and maintaining a good credit score is an important identifying factor of how financially responsible you are. What better way to build a credit score for the first time than with your rent payments!
Check out the Landlord Credit Bureau for more information on how to build your credit in partnership with your landlord.
2. Write a reference letter for your next place
Most landlords will require a reference letter or phone call from your past landlord in order to check your history as a tenant. The rental market is becoming increasingly competitive, so having a landlord recommendation can set you apart from other applicants. Here are a few things that landlords will be looking for from a past landlord reference:
- Do you pay your rent on time?
- Did you communicate well?
- How well did you maintain the unit?
- Was there damage to the property and did they need to use the damage deposit (if applicable)?
- Would they rent to you again?
Typically landlords will help out great tenants when they’re looking to move to a new place. Maintaining a positive relationship throughout your tenancy is key to getting these recommendations. Landlords are very much aware of the fact that you won’t live there forever, so don’t hesitate to ask them for a reference.
3. Be a character reference for a job or other application
What person thinks you’re more qualified and responsible than your landlord (other than maybe your Mom)? Through the course of a year, the average Canadian student pays between $7,100 and $10,500 in rent to their landlord. Making this kind of payment consistently and on time can really leave an impression on property owners. Add in professional communication and taking care of their unit, and you have a perfect recipe for a character reference! Character references are often needed for new jobs, loans, or other positions. Who knows, if your landlord owns a company, they may even think of you when looking for an employee some day!
If you’re still new to renting and don’t have a landlord to help you with these items yet, don’t worry! You can always ask the landlord or property owner of an apartment you’re interested in renting if they would be willing to accept a co-signer or guarantor on the lease. This is common when renting a place for the first time.
Just remember, a tenant-landlord relationship is just as important as any other business or professional relationship. Be a great tenant and take care of their unit, and they can help you, too!
Maintaining great terms with your landlord can be beneficial to you as a tenant for so many reasons. Head over to our article on 5 ways students can build a great relationship with landlords for more tips!
References:
Bay Property Management Group. (2021, April 15). Top 3 things to ask your prospective tenant’s references. Bay Property Management Group. Retrieved from https://www.baymgmtgroup.com/blog/top-3-things-ask-prospective-tenants-references/.
Gouvernement du Canada. (2020, May 13). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/credit-reports-score/credit-report-score-basics.html.
Tenant Benefits. Landlord Credit Bureau. (2021, August 26). Retrieved from https://landlordcreditbureau.com/tenants/.
TransUnion. (n.d.). 5 things landlords look for when screening potential tenants. Retrieved from https://www.transunion.com/blog/credit-advice/5-things-landlords-look-for-when-screening-potential-tenants.
