When your landlord lives upstairs

This article is for all future tenants who intend to share a property with their landlord. Those who already live near their lessor and have some problems may also find this information helpful.

Actually, the most important thing is to set the ground rules from the beginning and to remember that it’s a business relationship. Check out the following tactics and make the coexistence with your landlord easier:

• Make a communication plan - the best option is to lay out the lines of communication when you sign the lease contract. It’s not always convenient for you when your lessor knocks constantly on the door, right? Ask him/her politely to contact you on the phone first, if it’s not an emergency.

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• Keep it businesslike - as a diligent tenant, be careful of your rights and document any violations. Act as you would have done it if you lived in a bigger apartment building. Too close relationship with your lessor is not recommended. When there are financial relations, close connections are not advised.
  
  
• Create some strict rules for shared areas - maybe you won’t feel very comfortable, because of these common spaces. However, if there are shared staircases, driveways or backyards, make sure that your idea of what is shared coincides with your landlord’s understanding. Clarify the question who has the responsibility for hygienic maintenance of these areas, i.e. don’t miss to talk about routine domestic cleaning of shared places.
  
  
• Get to know your lease - it’s crucial to read carefully all the clauses in your lease contract. There, you will find important information concerning the comprehensive end of tenancy cleaning. In most rental agreements, the thorough end of lease sanitising is mandatory. It’s followed by  detailed inventory check, which determines if you will receive your tenancy deposit back. So, do your homework and be always prepared how to react. If you have some questions concerning your rights and duties, don’t be afraid to ask your landlord. This way, you will avoid future misunderstandings.
  
  

Sometimes, it happens to share a house or apartment with your landlord/landlady. Don’t worry about all inconveniences, just be polite and tolerant. We wish you to receive the same correct attitude.