A happy, responsible renter is like gold, and — as with any treasure — you don't want to lose it. If you want to enjoy long relationships with your tenants, follow these four tips for keeping them happy and ready to renew that lease.
1. No Surprises
The best way to ensure a lasting renter relationship is to start out with everyone on the same page. Provide a clear rental agreement that outlines your responsibilities as well as those of your tenants. Make sure they understand policies about smoking, pets, and other important issues before they move in.
2. Be Responsive
Make yourself available. Provide renters with more than one way to contact you. Texting is the way of the modern world, so make that an option. Respond to emergencies immediately and to all other inquiries within 24 hours. If you say you're going to fix something, do it in a timely manner.
3. Get Personal
Take the time to get to know renters' names, including pets (if allowed) and children. A calendar reminder to send a birthday card is an easy way to let your renters know they're valued. If you have tenants who are never late on rent and keep your place looking great, surprise them with a thank you note and gift card.
4. Show Respect
Renters view your property as their home. Show them the same consideration you would expect when it comes to visits, inspections, or other reasons you may need to make an appearance. Give them a heads-up and set an appointment to show that you respect their time and privacy.
There may be no magic answer to keeping renters happy, but these four suggestions are a pretty great start. It only takes a little bit of forethought and conscientious effort to create a positive, mutually beneficial tenant relationship that will make them happy to renew that lease again and again.
To find out more about what will keep your renters happy, contact our Property Management Inc. office.
