The Biggest Challenge for Small Landlords

PlanetRent's research has revealed that small landlords' biggest problem is being chased by tenants who have unrealistic expectations about repairs.

Experienced landlords know that ignoring a repair often leads to higher costs down the line. However, the real issue is not the cost of repairs but the hassle of managing them—coordinating contractors and keeping tenants informed.

The Landlord-Tenant Relationship

A healthy landlord-tenant relationship is built on trust and clear expectations.

• Tenants must take reasonable care of the property.
• Landlords must ensure repairs are carried out in a timely manner.

However, wear and tear is inevitable—appliances will break, plumbing may need attention, and fixtures will require replacement. The key to avoiding disputes is clear communication from both sides.

The Importance of a Service Level Agreement

A good landlord will have a service level agreement (SLA) in place to set clear repair expectations for tenants.

• This agreement should be provided before move-in.
• It outlines realistic repair timelines.
• It helps tenants understand contractor availability—for example, repairs might not be possible over weekends.

Setting these expectations early reduces frustration and unnecessary disputes.

Managing Tenant Expectations

Tenants must recognize their role in the repair process, including:

• Reporting issues promptly.
• Providing access for repairs.
• Understanding realistic repair timeframes.

Likewise, landlords should communicate effectively about when and how repairs will be handled. This prevents unnecessary confrontations and helps create a smoother rental experience.

How Can PlanetRent Help?

PlanetRent simplifies repair management by automating the process and providing a standard service level agreement for landlords and tenants.

With PlanetRent, tenants receive:

• An email with the SLA upon move-in.
• Access to the SLA on their tenant portal.
• Automatic SLA display when they log a repair request.

This ensures everyone understands the repair process and helps prevent miscommunication.

A Hassle-Free Solution for Landlords and Tenants

By setting clear expectations and automating repair management, PlanetRent helps landlords:

• Demonstrate they are acting reasonably.
• Protect their interests.
• Reduce tenant frustration.

With PlanetRent, landlords and tenants benefit from an efficient, transparent repair system—making property management easier for everyone.