Renting is on the rise. According to a 2017 analysis of Census Bureau housing data, more U.S. households are now headed by renters than at any point since at least 1965. This is both a boon and a curse for landlords everywhere; while you're pretty much guaranteed to always have tenants, they may not be the ones you necessarily want. Ironically, the same goes for renters -- they're looking for good accommodations and reasonable landlords, which unfortunately don't always come together. Let's take a look at a few ways landlords can be excellent landlords and tenants can be excellent tenants so that everyone benefits from this mutual relationship.

Beyond Basic

Did you know that 64% of people find customer experience more important than price when it comes to making a purchase? While most people associate this statistic with in-store shopping, it absolutely applies to apartment hunting. If you want to snag the best tenants, you need to go above and beyond the call of duty to secure their attention and convince them that your building is the best place they could live. The following suggestions can make a serious difference in your potential tenant's final decision.

• Offer a warm welcome. Friendliness is underrated in today's world. By being open, warm, and genial, you can ensure that you make a good first impression -- after all, nobody wants a landlord with a stick up their ass. Offer to help them get to know to the neighborhood, and (if they choose to sign the lease) greet them with a welcome letter. Remember, a little good will can go a long way.

• Be available. Encourage your potential tenant to ask questions and raise concerns regarding their move. Let them know that you're always accessible if problems arise; take the time to walk them through the lease and clear up and confusion immediately.

• Introduce them to other tenants. Reviews are extremely important these days; what better way to show a potential renter that your building is a great place to live in than by introducing them to other people who live there? Just make sure you ask your other tenants ahead of time and you'll have an in-person review to rival the best online posts.

Respect And Communication

Life as a renter -- especially one who's about to move -- can be stressful. Not only do you have to worry about the anxieties of the move itself (always add 25% extra moving materials than you think you'll need or things will become a lot more frustrating), but you need to make sure your new space won't add to those anxieties; meeting with a landlord who seems welcoming, attentive, and caring can do wonders in relieving that stress, but you need to do your part as well. They key to that is simple: respect.

Remember that this apartment is not yours exclusively; your landlord may allow certain changes, but it is their property first and foremost. You should maintain an open line of communication regarding your issues, concerns, and any alterations you want to make. Friendliness goes both ways; while you and your landlord don't need to be best friends (and honestly shouldn't be), it's always better when there is no bad blood or attitudes interfering in your professional relationship. Pay your rent on time, keep the apartment clean, and be honest.

Studies show that the most popular definitions of a happy home are a space where people feel secure (69%), a place they can relax in (64%), and a space where they are free to be themselves (57%). When both sides of the renter-rentee relationship are committed to these ideals, life becomes unfathomably easier -- and better!