How to Be a Great Tenant

February 3, 2026

Renting a home comes with responsibilities. With the right approach, you can create a positive, low-stress living situation for both you and your landlord or property manager. At Henderson, we believe in fostering respectful, transparent landlord-tenant relationships, and great tenants make everyone’s life easier. Below are practical tips to help you be a standout renter and enjoy a smoother rental experience.

1. Know and Respect the Lease Terms

Your lease is your roadmap to what’s allowed—and what’s not. Be sure to read it carefully before signing. Pay attention to:

Rules about pets, parking, and smoking
Maintenance responsibilities (yours vs. the landlord’s)
Notice periods for vacating or terminating the lease early
Rent due dates and late fees

If anything is unclear, ask your property manager or landlord to clarify it in writing before you move in. Clear expectations help avoid conflict down the road.

2. Pay Rent on Time (Every Time)

One of the easiest ways to build trust is consistent, on-time rent payments. A few tips:

Automate payments if possible—this avoids human error.
If something comes up and you think you’ll be late, communicate early. Most landlords appreciate honesty over silence.
Keep records—receipts, confirmations, and bank statements—in case there’s ever a dispute.

Timely payments show you’re responsible and respectful of your landlord’s expectations.

3. Communicate Responsibly and Early

Open communication is key. Whether it’s a maintenance issue, scheduling a repair, or noticing a problem, do the following:

Report issues promptly (e.g. leaks, electrical issues, pests). Ignoring them often makes problems worse, and costlier to fix.
Use the property manager’s preferred channels (email, maintenance portal, phone) to submit requests.
Be polite, concise, and clear in your requests. Include dates, photos, or descriptions where helpful.

Showing that you care about the property and want it kept in good condition goes a long way.

4. Take Good Care of the Property

Treat the place like it’s your own. Some proactive habits:

Clean regularly and avoid damage.
Keep landscaping or yard tasks (if your lease requires it) under control.
Don’t make major alterations without permission.
Keep humidity and ventilation in mind. For example, use exhaust fans to avoid mold buildup.

When you move out, leave the unit in the same condition (minus normal wear) to ensure you get your security deposit back.

5. Respect Neighbors & Community Rules

Good tenants think beyond their own four walls:

Be mindful of noise, trash disposal, and shared amenities.
Follow any community rules (parking regulations, quiet hours, etc.).
If neighbors have a concern, try to resolve amicably before involving management—but always keep the property manager informed if needed.

A positive relationship with neighbors reflects well on you as a renter.

6. Be Proactive When Renewing or Leaving

As your lease term approaches its end:

Let your landlord or property manager know your plans early—whether you plan to renew or move.
If renewing, ask if there are any lease changes or updates.
If moving, abide by the notice period (often 30 or 60 days). Give back keys, return the property in good condition, and do a walk-through if possible to document any damage.

This gives both parties time to plan ahead—no scrambling for last-minute moves or replacements.

7. Be Respectful During Repairs & Maintenance

When repairs are needed:

Give reasonable access notice (if you need to leave your unit during repair).
Be flexible when scheduling appointments.
Don’t interfere with or micromanage contractors unnecessarily.
After repairs, inspect work with a respectful attitude and report any follow-ups promptly.

Your cooperation helps maintenance go smoothly.