Tips for Dealing with Your Landlord

No matter what type of rental property in Malta or Gozo you live in, be it a countryside townhouse for let or a modern apartment for rent in a city centre, you will need to liaise with your landlord or landlady at some stage.  At RE/MAX Lettings we train our letting associates to do their utmost to guide the hundreds of tenants we meet on a daily basis.  

Through our eighteen years of leading the local rental market, we have learnt that logical common manners are the rule of thumb. However, we understand that cultures are different and people have different reactions to various situations when searching for their ideal property for rent in Malta or Gozo.

Thanks to this article, we have compiled some tips for dealing with your landlord so that renting a property in Malta or Gozo from them will be as straightforward as possible for both of you.

Politeness Pays

Irrelevant if you are searching for a property for rent in Malta or Gozo on a long-term or short-term basis, manners are advisable in any situation, especially when dealing with your landlord. There may be minor or major issues with your rental property that you will need to work with your landlord to resolve, but no matter whom you feel may be at fault, it is in your best interests to be patient, open to compromise and to always maintain a polite, respectful and professional approach in your communications. Read more about some tips on how to build a relationship with your landlord. 

Double-check Your Rental Agreement

The best kind of tenant is one that reads thoroughly and makes sure to fully understand, their rental agreement before signing and committing to it. Early recognition in the rental process of any stipulated conditions relating to the rental property, such as restrictions on pets, noise, satellite dishes or smoking, not to mention any added fees relating to amenities or utilities, can ensure that any later misunderstandings with your landlord can be avoided.

Keep Written Records

Maintaining an accurate paper trail for your rental property in Malta, not only of any documentation but also of all your communications with your landlord, is good practice in general as well as invaluable should there be a later dispute. It is advisable that you make all communications in writing where possible, particularly of any requested repairs so the landlord can address the problem with all the necessary details on paper.

Know Your Rights

Properties for rent in Malta or Gozo are usually susceptible to certain items that must be provided by the landlord by law, and these items can vary from country to country. Maltese laws include tenant rights and rules concerning water, heat, electricity and entry, amongst a host of other considerations, and so it is worth your while to research what you as a tenant are legally entitled to in regards your rental property. Learn more about finding a tenant with RE/MAX Malta.

Pay Your Rent on Time

It may seem obvious, but the best way to keep on the right side of your landlord is to never miss or be late on a rent payment. Take the time to set up an automatic payment via your bank, or set up text or email reminders to notify you when your rent is due. In the unlikely event of a dispute, a good track record of rent payments is the best incentive for your landlord to resolve the matter quickly and in your favour.

Be a Good Tenant

Not only is it important to not miss any rental agreement for your property for rent in Malta or Gozo but being a good tenant, in general, ensures that you will have no difficulties with your landlord. Make sure to respect the terms of the rental agreement regarding noise, pets or guests, for example, and to keep the property and contents clean, tidy, and free of damage.

Landlords appreciate that good tenants are difficult to come by, and so they may even offer you incentives to prolong your rental period such as a fixed rent amount for a certain time, added amenities, or even a reduced rent.