In your opinion, what makes a really good landlord?

Make sure that once you are the owner you become a proud owner, therefore you want to make this place the best on the block. It might take a little money on your part, but believe me it will pay for itself in the long run.

#1 Make sure the grass is always mowed and maintained as well as shrubs and trees.

#2 Make sure that you paint the place so it will stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

#3 Quickly remove any and all graffiti immediately if not sooner.

#4 Be fair to all your tenants, show no favoritism to no one.

#5 Rent should be paid on time, eviction notices should be sent one day after missed rent. The rest of the tenants will understand this.

#6 Immediately evict any problem tenant.

#7 When a tenant problem arise, call immediately and tell that tenant when you expect to solve that problem.

#8 Remember that your tenants are people and deserve your respect. Some rent because they chose to, not because they have to.

#9 Make sure there is a Quarterly unit inspection of each unit.

You might also consider joining the local Apartment House Association. This organization has many things that might be helpful to you.

I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck.

"FIGHT ON"

One that doesn't live in the same house. (chances are they can't resist and "check" on your place when you are not around).

One that fixes problems as soon as you report it. (Usually you know right away when you move into a place that is nice and looks like it has been kept up... check the plumping and appliances...)

One that puts your security deposit into an interest bearing account instead of spending it and then coming up with all kinds of excuses why you can't get your security deposit back.

(I had one landlord that tried to keep the whole $1500 deposit because one little area rug that I threw away after I replaced it with a new rug.

The thing was hideous, had holes in it and I went ahead and bought a new one which we left in the apartment...) I had to threaten with the court system... only to find out that the landlord was trying to buy time to get my deposit back together. He spent it...

I finally got it back after the new renter moved in... most likely I got the new renters' deposit...

Over the years I only had one bad experience... all of the above was one and the same rental and landlord....

At least I learned a lesson.

Someone who treats you as a trusted caretaker of her/his property. I usually try and make friends with my landlord and try to build a relationship where looking after the house is a joint venture. I find that if I;m successful it results in a give and take relationship that doesn't necessarily have to be bound by the lease and is far less stressful all round.

Someone that doesn't try to overcharge you on your rent. Fixes the things that go wrong without any delay and doesn't watch every move you make while your'e living there.