A lot of the time we work so hard to secure good tenants for our units that we forget to consider how to keep them renting there. Like any product or service, rental properties have plenty of competition. Read on for ways to keep your tenants so happy, they’ll never have their heads turned by another rental!
Be responsive
It’s easy to see that providing good customer service is the most important thing you can do to keep your tenants happy. But what does that mean exactly? Responding quickly to complaints is a big part of it. When you hear that a tenant needs a problem solved or has a question about the way things work, respond right away. Likewise, keep your tenant up to date on the situation by giving her status reports with deadlines by which she can expect resolution. Once you believe the problem has been solved, contact the tenant again to make sure the solution is to her satisfaction.
Clever courtesies
Making life easier for your tenants is something they won’t forget. For new tenants, leaving behind menus for restaurants and local maps is a thoughtful gesture. You can even put together a services and “things-to-do” binder, acting as a community concierge to let residents know about local attractions and points of interest. These gestures can help a resident really feel at home in the community.
Give thanks
Don’t wait for a traditional occasion to give your good tenants a token of appreciation. Consider partnering with a local chocolatier or bakery to deliver small and tasty mid-year “thank you for being you” gifts. A card at any time that acknowledges your tenant and expresses your appreciation for their presence can also make a positive impression.
Offer incentives
You can create motivation that recognizes great tenants and makes better tenants out of “so-so” ones. In your monthly newsletter, you might offer coupons for a local retailer or raffle tickets for prizes to tenants. Or offer a finder’s fee to any tenant who brings in a new tenant, resulting in a signed lease. Heightening involvement in the rental community will increase tenants’ loyalty and add to their sense of being a part of the community.
Consider the kids
When tenants have children, show them that you care with small toys attached to your communications or a few simple gifts during the winter holidays. These gestures don’t have to be expensive. Some coloring pages downloaded and printed, accompanied by three crayons tied with ribbon, can net you a happy tenant. A bottle of bubbles and a quick note, left on the doorstep on a summer’s day, say that you are thinking about those who live there. Wouldn’t that make you feel good?
Honor longevity
If you have tenants who have been in their rentals for a longer period of time, you might offer to touch up the paint in main areas, paint a room a new color you both agree on, or have the carpets cleaned for them. These gestures not only maintain your property, but show tenants that you are glad they are there and want to make their living experience even better.
It is important to let tenants know that they are appreciated. Try the ideas above or come up with a few of your own; your efforts may very well encourage great residents to keep renting with you. A few minutes of thoughtfulness on your part could result in years’ worth of mutual happiness for you and your favorite tenants!
