STORIES OF AN INVENTORY CLERK

Disclaimer – this is a general observation, not a criticism of anyone in particular.

Lately, I’ve found that working with tenants has changed quite a bit. The modern tenant often seems to want more hands-on support and reassurance, which I completely understand – renting can be complex and stressful. But at times, it feels like that willingness to be guided isn’t always matched by engagement. I spend time explaining expectations, processes, and the consequences of certain actions, yet those messages don’t always seem to land.

It’s also becoming more common for tenants to feel frustrated when things don’t go as planned, sometimes without fully understanding how their own choices play a part. And while I always provide clear paperwork and communication, many people, understandably, skim over it – then reach out later when questions arise. Add to that the challenge of getting responses to messages, and it can make day-to-day communication a bit tricky.

Because of this, I’ve had to adjust the way I work. These days, I tend to focus more on what tenants want to know rather than what I think they need to know. I still encourage everyone to read their documents and ask questions – even if I know not everyone will — because ultimately, that knowledge empowers them.

None of this is new in the lettings world, but it does feel like these patterns have become more noticeable in recent years. So, as always, I’ll keep adapting, keep communicating, and keep trying to help where I can. Some tenants will take that support on board; others will prefer to learn through experience. Either way, I’ll continue doing what I do best: helping people navigate their tenancies as smoothly as possible.