Looking  to branch out on your own? With high house prices, renting as opposed to buying a home is the next best option. Once you get that prized rental, here are some tips to help you and your landlord live harmoniously. Below we have narrowed down some important tips to be a successful when renting:

Pay your rent on time

• With all the rules in place this is the one that will give your Landlord just cause for eviction. If you show yourself to be reliable, consistent and conscientious  when it comes to rent , a Landlord will consider you a keeper.

Take pride of ownership

• Put yourself in the landlord’s shoes and treat the property like you own it. pride of ownership will go a long way to making you a keeper tenant to your landlord
• Mow the grass , keep the surrounding grounds clean and tidy particularly if you are responsible for the whole house
• Be responsible and pay for damages that you may create.

Keep the premises clean and tidy

• Empty bins
• Cleanup after pets
• Even if you are not responsible for a whole house , helping once in awhile to clean the yard , put the trash on the curb offering occasionally to help out with a chore
• Keep common areas such as laundry rooms, hallways , living areas clean
• Keep dishes washed and put away.
• Shared utensils and hardware fridges ,sinks, stoves should be kept clean and tidy

Communicate any issues

• Submit requests in writing
  Be drama free
• Be honest
• Don’t call for every little mishap – be responsible if you break something call for someone to have it fixed. –don’t be high maintenance
• Save copies of all letters and notices

Be conscientious of utility costs

• Wear of tear on equipment, breaks down, consuming large amounts of energy may result in a rise in rent to offset the landlords expenses.
• Turn of all lights and gadgets when they are not in use. Conserve energy and save on the bills.
• Have a wash schedule and do not take advantage of the laundry facilities.

Understand and respect the lease

• Read and understand the lease and do not break the terms
• Do not let anyone else live with you if they are not on the lease
• Get renters insurance to protect your valuables

Keep Noise Down

• Keep the noise down – especially after 9 or 10 pm
• Inform if having a party or a number of guests over. Remember to include events like Christmas, birthdays etc.

Do not abuse the use of premises

• Do not make any changes to the rental without the landlords consent
• Do not start a service business at your landlords expense
• Do not smoke in the premises or bring illicit drugs on to the property

Give adequate notice if moving out

• Give advance notice when you are moving out.
• Move out on time and return keys to the landlord
• Make sure to leave the premises clean, remember you may have to use your landlord as a reference.
• Take pictures of the rental when you move in and leave the place in as good a condition a you found it.