Landlord Negotiating Tips
Not All Landlords are Created Equal
Landlords can vary widely based on their ownership structure, management style, and
appreciation for legal obligations. For tenants, understanding how things work from a
landlord’s perspective can help to navigate lease disagreements, dispute resolutions, and
communication more effectively. This article briefly discusses some helpful archetypes for
thinking about different types of landlords tenants may have disputes with.
Individual/Private Landlord
A property owner who owns and rents out one or a few properties, often as a personal investment. These smaller landlords often handle their own property management, making them more flexible with lease terms but sometimes less consistent with maintenance, enforcement, and compliance. Communication with a private landlord is usually direct and informal, but tenants should still document all agreements in writing—Email is better than texting, and texting is better than calling. While smaller landlords may be more responsive than corporate landlords, they may also lack professional experience in rental laws. Tenants should be aware of their rights under Washington’s Landlord-Tenant Act to ensure fair treatment, often calling attention to issues is enough to get some resolution.
Corporate or Institutional Landlord
A business entity, such as a real estate investment company or property management firm, that owns and operates multiple rental properties. These larger landlords follow standardized policies for leases, rent collection, and maintenance, often with less flexibility than smaller, private landlords. Tenants usually interact with a property management team rather than the owner directly, which can provide more structured and professional processes but may also feel less personal. While these larger landlords tend to be more professional and consistent, they may also have stricter rules for applications and lease terms while also being less willing to negotiate. Tenants should carefully review lease agreements and follow documented procedures for notices, renewals, maintenance requests, and any disputes
A Property Management Company
A third-party business hired by a property owner to oversee and operate their rental properties, handling tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and lease enforcement. Property management companies act as agents for landlords, ensuring that the property is well-managed according to legal and contractual obligations. While good property managers provide a structured system for addressing tenant concerns, even the best still follow strict policies with limited discretion subject to the terms of the property management agreement they have with the property owner. Tenants should communicate through the property management company’s official channels, document all requests, and understand their lease terms to ensure smooth interactions and proper handling of issues like repairs or disputes. If a property management company in Washington state is nonresponsive, tenants should be aware they are run by licensed real estate brokers and managing brokers.
Government or Non-Profit Landlord
These public and philanthropic landlords often provide subsidized housing for low-income individuals and families through public housing authorities and/or charitable organizations. These landlords follow strict federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring fair rent pricing based on income and offering additional tenant protections. While these types of landlords provide affordable housing options, tenants must meet eligibility requirements and comply with specific rules, such as income verification and periodic reviews. In the case of public housing, tenant protection laws are replaced by program rules, and in the case of some non-profit housing, tenant protection laws may not apply to certain programs and group housing. Like with corporate landlords, communication is typically formal, with clear processes for maintenance requests and disputes. Tenants should stay informed about their rights and responsibilities to maintain compliance and access available support services.
The Accidental Landlord
An accidental landlord is usually a small property owner who turns into a landlord through an unanticipated event, such as inheritance or financial consideration. While these small, private landlords may mean well, they often lack experience and knowledge in property management—They may not fully understand applicable laws and regulations concerning rental and landlord responsibilities. Another common pitfall when interacting with these types of landlords is that they are often busy with unrelated jobs and may live out of state. Even if this kind of landlord has the best intentions, it is important for tenants to understand time, attention, and expertise may be unavailable. Tenants dealing with an accidental landlord should be especially proactive in documenting agreements and solutions while, if possible, maintaining a collaborative relationship
The “Slumlord”
The word “slumlord” denotes a landlord whose business model relied upon deferring essential maintenance and offering substandard living conditions to tenants. Slumlords often let properties deteriorate, ignore safety standards, and exploit tenants who are unable to qualify for better-kept property. Slumlords frequently violate landlord-tenant laws, creating hazardous environments that lead to disputes, illegal activities, and court actions. Unlike accidental landlords, slumlords intentionally deny their responsibilities and often act in bad faith, causing harm to the occupants and the community at large—To slumlords, complaints are a cost of doing business and they rely on most tenants not being able to enforce their rights. Tenants dealing with a slumlord should make a point of documenting defects, complaining in writing, and, where applicable, withholding rent to make repairs. This said, a tenant’s actions will rarely change the way any landlord, let a lone a slumlord, does business, which often means moving is the best solution.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational, educational, and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is current as of its publication or last review and may not reflect the latest legal developments. Do not rely solely on this information—consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.
