Landlord – what’s in a word?
I don’t know whether this applies to you, but for me, when a word is so familiar, so ingrained in my everyday language, I don’t really register that it might have connotations or an implied meaning, beyond the context that I apply to it.
So, when I heard people in my property network complaining about the use of the word “Landlord” I didn’t pay it much attention – because we all know what a landlord is, don’t we? So, why does it matter? However, I was at a meeting in London a few weeks ago and a portfolio landlord, that I have a lot of respect for, put things into a different perspective for me. Her take on the word was that she hated it and that it was extremely outdated, unhelpful, and shrouded in prejudice. She pointed to the historical concept of the use of the word “landlord” – which could be traced back to the feudal system, where a lord of the manor would own a landed estate. In her opinion, the word spoke of fiefdoms, inequality, ‘haves and have nots’ and bore little resemblance to the landlords we see today, who are, for the most part, businesspeople who work extremely hard in their property businesses and have mortgages, insurance, managing agents fees and all sorts of things to pay out, in relation to the “business of being a landlord.”
This conversation made me re-visit my views and also made me think a lot about the relationship between landlords and their tenants and how, maybe this word, was proving to be unhelpful? Over lockdown and, perhaps ever-since, we have seen relationships with landlords and tenants becoming more strained. As managing agents, we pride ourselves on developing and maintaining good working relationships with both our landlords and their tenants and it is often a place where we can add real value and, at no time was this more evident that during lockdown. We see the relationship between landlords and tenants as mutually beneficial – landlords need tenants to rent and look after their properties and tenants need somewhere nice and safe to live. As the agents, we sit somewhere in the middle, keeping everyone safe, being an information and communication conduit and having a duty of care to both parties. This is what we strive to achieve but we are not naïve enough to think that this is what exists everywhere. We have taken over management of enough properties, where relationships were, shall we say, less than harmonious, to know that at times it can seem like a battle and I am wondering whether, in a situation where both sides are feeling aggrieved with the other, the word landlord is adding to already existing negativity? Without mentioning specifics, you only have to look at some groups out there, with some pretty polarizing views, to see where I’m going with this one.
So, if not landlord then what…proprietor, lessor, title holder, property owner, or something new maybe? Has the word landlord become outdated and, in being mindful of the words we use and their meanings, for everybody concerned, should we be looking to change it?
It’s an interesting question but, one thing is for sure, of all the landlords we work alongside, the ones who are really successful, are the ones who foster positive and productive relationships with their tenants, so maybe your actions really do speak louder than your words or your title after all? An interesting concept and definitely something to consider!
As Landlords and Investors ourselves, we can help and advise on all aspects of your portfolio. If we can help you then give us a call on 0117 440 6789 or email us here together we can make being a landlord simple, passive and stress free!
