Harmony at Home: Tips to Improve Relations with Your Tenant

Homestay is full with benefits for both host and tenant. But what if things are not going well? In this blog we give you five tips to improve the relation with your tenant.

Yes! You completed all necessary steps to start hosting and you finally found the perfect tenant to rent a room in your house. Initially, things seemed promising, and you both felt like this could work well. You've had multiple conversations, exchanged details, and everything appeared to be on the right track. But, as time goes on, you start to notice that the relationship isn't quite what you expected. Excitement gives way to worry and stress because, well, this person is living in your house, sharing your living space.

At Hospi Housing, we understand the dynamics of tenant-host relationships when you're sharing your home with someone. Although we maintain an extensive matchmaking process to find the best matching candidate, conflicts and misunderstandings can still arise. It's completely normal to feel uneasy when the situation is growing less fun and more tense. After all, maintaining a harmonious living environment is crucial for both you and your tenant.

In this blog, we'll present five practical solutions to help you navigate these situations. Whether it's improving communication, resolving disagreements, or simply enhancing an already good relationship, these tips can make a significant difference. So, let's explore how to create a more enjoyable living experience for both you and your tenant.

Tip 1: Prevention is key

Taking the time to think about what type of tenant you are looking for is crucial. Do you prefer someone that becomes part of the family or someone that does his own thing? An introvert or extrovert? And how long would you want to rent out the room? Having a clear picture of your ideal tenant helps to make the right match. While you never know upfront how things will work out, finding a tenant who checks some of the boxes is essential and will minimize stress in the long run. After you have created a more specific idea of the criteria that the potential tenant needs to check, do not hesitate to be open about them from the very first video call with them.

Once the tenant has move in, take the time to get to know each other. Clear communication is key, and if you and your household are being open-minded and flexible about your new temporary family member, they'll likely do the same in return. It can help to draft and discuss clear house rules up front. This will also give you a ground to discuss irritations.

Tip 2: Regular check-ins

Schedule regular check-ins to discuss any concerns or issues that may arise. This can really help to promote effective communication, trust and understanding, which are important elements for a successful cohabitation. Also, you and the tenant can agree on a specific day and time every week (or every other week, depending on your schedules) so you can have a cup of coffee or tea together and update each other about your life. By having a ritual like that, you create a safe environment for both parties to discuss their concerns which can be easily fixed exactly because they were so openly communicated. And it also can be a lot of fun!

Tip 3: Handle conflicts with empathy

Putting yourself in someone else's shoes through empathy helps you get where they're coming from. It's like having a broader perspective on the conflict, seeing things from different angles, and making it easier to work things out. Empathy alongside active listening can prevent a conflict from escalating. For example, you notice that the tenant takes a long time to clean the kitchen after they have cooked and you find this behavior annoying. Instead of confronting them in an accusatory way, try to gently explain to them why you want them to change this behavior.

Tip 4: End the rental period

If you have tried the above solutions, and still the situation does not get better, then maybe the best decision for you and the tenant is to end the rental agreement. Going your separate ways can save both of you from unnecessary arguments and misery. If you have a homestay contract, as a host you can terminate the contract during the 9-months’ probation period. You must give the tenant a maximum of three months to find a different accommodation and make sure the tenant received the notice. In the Netherlands a tenant always has the possibility to end the rental agreement with a one-month notice period.

No matter how well you prepared and how well you tried, sometimes you just don’t connect. We are all humans and unfortunately not everyone gets along. Remember though that these are exceptions and it doesn’t mean the next time it will be the same. Think about what you learned from this situation and make sure to include it in your search and co-living with future tenants.

Tip 5: Don’t hesitate to contact us for extra guidance

Hospi Housing is there for you from the moment you create your profile until the very end. You can always contact us if you need help or advice. We will listen and do our utmost best to provide a solution. Hospi Housing always maintains close contact with both you as a host and the tenant. This way we can mediate and solve problems before they become too big. And if this does not help, we will guide you through alternative steps.

To conclude

Opening up your home for someone can lead to amazing experiences. It gives you freedom, financial benefits and most of all: a lot of social fun. Adding a temporary new member to your household can bring a fresh wave of excitement, even in a large family. It's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. But unfortunately, things can turn out different than expected. There are multiple ways to solve issues and irritations, and improve the situation. If these challenges arise, know that no matter how small or big Hospi Housing is here to offer assistance and support.

Found this article helpful and looking for more information? Check out our other blog posts! Read how Hospi Housing maximizes the chances of a successful match (it gives you important information on how you can choose a suitable tenant) or read the inspiring story of one of the founders: Daan, and his homestay experience with his host Ana Lucia in Colombia.

Not yet started as a host and first want to sort things out? Register easily and for free and schedule a 30-minute sparring session with Hospi Housing. We’ll help answer all your questions and take away your doubts. See you soon!