Reduce Vacancies During Economic Turmoil

Our country has never really faced a pandemic such as the one we are facing now. So the way we have handled things in the real estate and property management industry in tough times in the past will not work today. When the economy takes a nose-dive, we need to take steps that will allow us to reduce vacancies and protect our portfolios.

Since the tried-and-true methods are not an option, what can we do? Well, there are two things that you need to keep an eye on: filling current vacancies and reducing the chance of creating more.

Monitor the Market

When the economy changes, you will eventually see a change in the rental market. Be sure to occasionally check the rental prices in your area so that what you are offering coincides with what is currently available. Keeping your rent at a set rate while others are dropping can be detrimental to your business. And, not taking the time to perform this audit may result in longer vacancies.

Cutting Your Costs

You may feel pressure to cut your costs when the economy goes sour. And, it sure seems like a logical thing to do. But, here’s the deal – when you have vacancies that you want to fill, cutting your advertising or marketing expenses will not help you get the job done. In fact, it could end up costing you more in the long run as your units will remain empty.

Offer Discounts

We don’t typically promote offering discounts on rent, but hard economic times brings a different scenario. Not nowing what the future may bring is something that can deter people from wanting to sign a new lease. After all, the initial amount due to move into a new rental can often be steep. In uncertain times, people want to hold on to their finances rather than spread them around – even when it comes to moving into a new place.

Entice Your Current Tenants

If you have tenants that are approaching the end of their lease, reach out to them to see if they will stay – even if they have already given their notice to vacate. A downturn in the economy is not always foreseen or prepared for, so circumstances can change dramatically. And, let’s face it – the cost of moving can be hefty.

You may consider enticing your tenants to sign another year’s lease by:

1. Offering a small renewal bonus, whether it is a discount on the first month’s rent, a gift card for the local grocery store, or the like. For ecample, we offer our tenants a $100 gift card if they paid their rent on time for the past 11 months and renew their lease for another year or more.
   
   
2. Creating a payment plan for those who are struggling, especially during the COVID 19 situation. Showing that you are willing to work with them can entice them to stay.

Economic turmoil happens, but it doesn’t have to halt your business. Instead, you simply have to move with the flow and make changes when necessary to reduce vacancy at every turn.

Marina Shlomov, a managing partner at ALH|Podland Realty and 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, 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,Bigger Pockets and REI CLub and LinkedIn.