CONTACT INFORMATION

During the closing of a property rental, it’s common for the owner and tenant to meet for the lease contract signing. In these meetings, they often share stories, sometimes even discovering mutual friends. This sense of familiarity and trust may lead the owner to willingly share their contact details, telling the tenant to reach out directly for any concerns during the lease.

But is this a good idea?

My answer: No.

From experience, tenants are always pleasant at the start—until problems arise in the unit. When they do, tenants tend to use their direct access to the owner to air their concerns, often frequently and urgently. Over time, this can lead to frustration on the owner’s part, as they get bombarded with complaints.

This is precisely why brokers act as intermediaries, similar to property managers, and charge a fee for every lease renewal. Brokers act as a buffer, absorbing tenant concerns and managing expectations.

Having been in many transactions, brokers witness firsthand how emotions run high. We hear every complaint, frustration, and rant from tenants.

For instance, imagine a foreign tenant angrily messaging the owner because the washer/dryer they ordered for them arrived a few days late. The reality is, delays like this are common in the Philippines—but how do you explain that to an upset tenant? These kinds of complaints can easily ruin anyone’s day.

Or imagine a tenant messaging the owner to replace a light bulb, even though the contract clearly states it's the tenant's responsibility. Then, after the owner replaces it, they receive another message requesting a "warm white" bulb instead.

By keeping a professional boundary, owners can avoid unnecessary stress and let brokers handle the day-to-day concerns.

If a tenant requests your contact information, simply direct them to the broker.