When the time comes to sell or rerent your tenanted property, you have two options. The first is to wait for your current tenant to move out—and provide them with a monetary incentive to leave early if need be. The second is to begin the showing process while they still live on-site.

While there are advantages to waiting until your property is vacant before listing, you may not be well-positioned to do so. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to conduct showings smoothly—without forgoing monthly rental income in the meantime.

Here are five tips for showing your tenanted rental property…

1) Keep your tenant informed

Having a conversation with your tenant about your upcoming plans may be difficult, but don’t put it off. Giving them as much warning as possible will work in your favour, and theirs. It means they’ll have more time to make alternative arrangements—and plan for a smooth departure. Be sure your tenant knows when you plan to start showing the property so there’s no room for misinterpretation. Throughout the process, aim for a direct approach and ongoing communication.

2) Give full notice

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, you must give your tenant 24 hours’ notice before entering their living space. To cover all your bases, you should ensure that it’s written, and that it includes the reason for entry and the time when it will occur. Make sure it’s between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Lastly, if a real estate agent will be conducting your showings, provide them with written authorization to do so.

3) Make reasonable requests

If you’re on relatively good terms with your tenant, there’s no reason you can’t ask them to take a few simple steps to ensure that your showings go smoothly. It’s reasonable to request that the property be clean and tidy when you show it—and that any pets inside be secured. Keep in mind that they aren’t required to oblige your requests. Fortunately, many tenants are more than willing to help a good landlord get their property show-ready.

4) Be considerate

It should go without saying, but be mindful of your tenant’s circumstances and feelings. Communicate politely, listen to their concerns, and try to work around their schedule if at all possible. Showing some basic courtesy is the right thing to do, and it can also help put your tenant in a more cooperative frame of mind.

5) Consider offering an incentive

Along with friendliness and basic consideration, offering a small incentive can encourage your tenant to work with you. A gift card is an appropriate token of gratitude, and it’s usually enough to show your appreciation. If you suspect that the showing process might pose a significant disruption to your tenant, you might consider giving them a discount on rent (if you’re in a position to do so).

Showing a living space that’s occupied by a tenant can prevent vacancy, and lead to uninterrupted cash flow. On the downside, it may also mean more stress—and less control over the condition of your property.

Fortunately, working closely with your tenant can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. With some consideration and a willingness to see their point of view, you can set yourself up for success with your tenanted property.

Preparing to buy a home? For over 36 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. Contact us today to talk about your needs, by emailing us at info@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888 ext. 772.