Landlord and tenant relationships aren’t always the easiest to navigate, but they don’t have to be stressful. If you’re thinking of relocating to a new property but aren’t sure what to expect, or you’re renting for the first time – you may have some questions.

Knowing what a property manager is looking for from you can help to avoid any nasty situations and keep you on top of your game and save you both a lot of hassle. If you want to know everything you need to know before moving into the rental of your dreams in St Petersburg (be sure to check out the Dalí Museum if you do decide to move here - it’s a must see for culture lovers) or anywhere else for that matter, keep reading for our top five tips.

1. Timing, timing, timing!

While it might seem like the most obvious piece of advice, timing is key to maintaining a good relationship with your property manager.

Things like making sure your rent is always paid on time and properties are cleared out on the exact date you’re moving to a new property; make a huge difference and they don’t go unnoticed. If you had a broken pipe, you would expect a timely response, so it’s only fair to offer the same in return.

2. Honesty is key

While timing is crucial, honesty is also very important. If you think your rent is going to be late by a few days or have an accommodation you would like to be made, reach out and be honest about your request. Don’t exaggerate any problems, just tell us what needs to be done as clearly as you can to make sure it’s as easy as possible for us to find the solution. 3. Be kind

It’s not always easy to keep your cool in stressful situations. If something breaks it’s easy to jump the gun and go for an aggressive approach, but your property manager will be far more receptive if you calmly explain the situation.

Especially when it comes to making a long distance move to a new city, it can be hard not to get overwhelmed. However, the good news is, St Petersburg is among the top cities to live in, especially if you’re thinking of retiring. Long distance moving companies like Bellhops can also help alleviate some of the stress of making a big move. But try to keep a clear head and give your property manager sufficient time to fix any problems if you can, you’ll find that the same kindness will be returned.

4. The rules

As annoying as some rules may seem, usually they are not the fault of your property manager – and it’s important to remember that you agreed to them before signing your lease.

While you may really want a puppy or to redecorate a room, just make sure you’re allowed to do so ahead of time. And if you’re not sure, it never hurts to ask!

5. We want the best for everyone

Contrary to popular belief, your property manager is not out to get you. We want the best possible outcome for all parties, if you’re not satisfied just let us know and as long as the request is reasonable and asked politely – we’re always going to try our best to make sure both the tenant and property owner are content!

Once you have moved into your new rental, just make sure to refer to these tips whenever you’re unsure about how to handle a situation. And don’t be afraid to ask your property manager questions before or during the process.