Tenant relationships are important, especially if you’re hoping to earn as much as possible on your rental property. When you work well with your residents, you can expect that rent will be paid on time, the home will be taken care of, and your tenants will renew their lease agreements year after year. Improved tenant retention reduces your turnover and vacancy costs, and it creates stability for your investment.
Here are some of our best ideas around how to build strong relationships with your residents.
Prioritize Communication
Good relationships start with good communication. As you build and maintain respectful and positive relationships with your tenants, you’ll want to be available to answer questions, address problems, and provide updates in a timely manner. It’s important to remain accessible so that your tenants aren’t chasing you down, especially if there’s an emergency or a problem.
You want to give your residents space and privacy, but regularly checking in will be a great way to let them know you’re service-oriented and trying to provide a great experience. Ask for feedback on how they’re managing and what they may need. This will help you make decisions on potential upgrades, repairs, and even rental values.
Make Maintenance a Priority
Creating a good tenant relationship requires that you are especially responsive when it comes to routine and emergency maintenance requests. Responding to all of your tenant’s repair needs with a sense of urgency protects the condition of your property and shows your tenants that you care about their comfort and safety.
Listen to their complaints and respond to their needs. Even if it seems like a minor inconvenience that can probably wait, make the repair as soon as you can. After the work has been done, follow up with a call or a text to make sure the tenants are pleased with the results.
Provide Tenants with Conveniences during the Lease Term
High quality residents are looking for an easy and convenient rental process, and you’ll maintain a good relationship when you can provide conveniences that will make their lives easier. They want to:
- Pay rent online. If you’re not already collecting rent and maintenance requests online, figure out a way to do that. There are payment apps you can download and accounting software systems that work well for landlords.
- Move in with their pets. Create a pet policy so you can offer a pet-friendly rental home. This contributes to tenant satisfaction and retention.
- Enjoy amenities like energy-efficient appliances, strong internet, and a well-maintained home. Invest in upgrades and updates that will make renting easier for your tenants.
Allow for anything that will improve your tenant’s quality of life. Maybe they want a video doorbell or in-unit laundry. Be willing to listen, and respond in the best way you can.
We know tenant relationships take work. If you don’t have the time to invest in creating a better relationship with your tenant, consider working with local property managers. Please contact us at Oceans Managing Group by calling (386) 255-8585, or visit www.oceanspropertymanagement.com.
