Filling vacancies in your rental properties can be an exhausting process. That is why it makes complete sense to work hard to keep the good tenants you find. By helping your tenants make your rental property their home, you are helping form a great landlord-tenant bond.
Here are a few tips on ordinary things that you can do to help keep tenants long-term.
Maintain the property
The way you maintain the rental property can make or break the chance for long-term tenants. No one wants to live somewhere they will have to worry about things getting fixed or not. If your tenants feel that they cannot count on you when something goes wrong at the property, they will likely move on once their lease is up.
Promptly – and properly -- repair broken items, maintain weathered and worn parts of the property, and prepare the property in advance for upcoming rough weather. If a tenant sees that you truly care about your property, they will, too.
Be available
When an issue arises, be there for your tenants. Answer the phone or call them back punctually. Allow them to openly share their concerns or suggestions and address them accordingly. Having an open-door policy with your clients will allow them to feel more comfortable sharing with you, rather than hiding things from you.
Respect your tenants
Respect your tenants and their privacy. You know you are required to give them notice when entering their property. But, you aren’t required to go above and beyond by calling or even scheduling an appointment. Doing so, however, is what will set you apart. Your tenants will realize that you completely respect their privacy and that scores you some serious points. Tenants want to live in a place where they know their private lives will remain private. Being respectful of their privacy can help them do that.
Let them know you appreciate them
Be more than just a landlord. Many times, landlords make tenants nervous. They may feel as though there is a bit of an authoritative relationship going on and that their every move at the property is being watched under a careful eye. Therefore, it is important to break down this barrier – especially when you have a good tenant.
In other words, be more than just a landlord. Sending or dropping off small gifts for your tenants can show your appreciation for them. Keep the gifts simple and non-threatening. For instance, a family pack of tickets to the local fair, a gift card for pizza delivery, or a nice holiday wreath for the front door.
Let your tenants make your rental home, their home
While you don’t want them to make extreme changes to the property, allowing them to do things to make it feel more like home will win over your tenants. Because, let’s face it – everyone wants to feel like they live in their own home, whether it is a rental or not.
Keep your property maintained, be respectful and appreciative, and have an open-door policy with communication from your tenant. These are just a few ways that can start helping you keep your tenants long-term.
Marina Shlomov, a managing partner at ALH|Podland Rental Homes Property Management is the author of many articles on Landlording, Property Management, and Real Estate Investing. A residential builder in the state of Georgia since 1999 and a property manager, Marina is an investor herself. Her property management company is intended “For Investors” and “By Investors” for a simple reason – she knows what investors’ goals are and she works hard to reach their goals. In her spare time, Marina likes to spend time with her family, friends, garden, read and travel. Check her out at www.alhpodland.com.
You can find Marina’s articles and comments at @rentalhomesatl on Twitter, on Facebook, Google+, Blogger. and YouTube.
