How Cultural Beliefs Affect

Property Rental

Just as business practices differ around the globe,

so do property rental procedures.

Residents from other countries may not be familiar with the accepted practices and

procedures in the United States.

People will behave based on their native cultural backgrounds and preferences, just as you would. These culturally based behaviors can have in impact on your leasing workplace.

Multicultural renters might

want apartments oriented in a specific

direction

People from certain cultures

may desire only specific numbered units and certain floors

They may not want to have a

stairway in front of the

door

Renters may ask about an alternate appliance orientation,

or request a gas stove.

They may wish to live near other

families from the

same culture.

Renters who make these sorts of requests are not doing so to be difficult: Desires and beliefs like these are deeply rooted in their cultural background.

For example, in China the number four is considered unlucky

because when spoken, it sounds similar to the

word for death.  Hence, Chinese renters won’t want a unit that

includes the number four.

If you think that’s odd, consider our own

superstitions here in the United States: 

Most buildings don’t have a 13th floor.

Accommodating cultural differences does not have to consume a great deal of time as long as you are prepared.

Before showing units to any potential renters, it’s a good idea (and prudent legal practice) to ask if they have any

special needs or requirements.

By asking everyone, you will not stumble into issues of stereotyping or

run afoul of the Fair Housing Act. 

Whenever possible, show the exact apartment available or one just like it.

Have floor plans of the apartment available, with the geographic orientation marked on it. Here’s the perfect time to make use of the compass app on your smartphone!

If renters inquire about where other families of their culture live, explain that the law prevents you from disclosing information about other residents.

Review all policies and leasing procedures in detail, pointing out due dates for rent, late fee deadlines, and other points that we may take for granted.

Explain the importance and finality of signing the lease

document.

Be mindful of the language you use in communicating with multicultural renters.

Compound words and idioms that we use every day can be challenging for non-native English speakers.

Image CreditsSlide 2 -- Image courtesy of Supertrooper / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 3 -- - Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 4 -- Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 5 -- Image courtesy of voraorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 6 -- Image courtesy of Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 7 -- Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 8 -- Image courtesy of graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 9 -- Image courtesy of arztsamui / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 10 -- Image courtesy of pakorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 11 -- Image courtesy of satit_srihin / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 12 – Image Courtesy of Amber Dawn Pullin/Canada/ WikimediaSlide 13 -- Image courtesy of ArtJSan / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 15 -- Image courtesy of artur84 / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 16 -- Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 17 -- Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 18 --- Image courtesy of Keerati / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 19 -- Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.netSlide 20 -- Image courtesy of pakorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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