Landlords don’t have it easy, often wrought with bad tenants and problematic properties. Tenants often come and go without so much as a second thought. To make matters worse, the coronavirus continues to constrict the world of property and rent. Some landlords have offered temporary payment postponements. Others have done little to nothing or are experiencing their own financial hardships.
The fundamentals of the landlord game remain the same, even in this time of relative crisis. Fortunately, there are ways for landlords to maintain long-term tenants. Here are 40 ways to win the love of tenants and prospective clients.
1) Offer sanitation products
This is especially helpful during the age of quarantines and lockdowns. Feel free to offer toiletries, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and other assorted goods to tenants – even masks if they’re available. These little additions will be deeply appreciated.
2) Stock the bathroom
Keeping the bathroom prepped for prospective clients can add a nice touch of home and comfort when showing a property. Making the property appear currently livable can have a pretty powerful effect. This is especially helpful during the coronavirus pandemic with some tenants struggling to even find specific toiletries.
3) Write a welcome letter
Nothing says hello better than a heartfelt welcome letter. Better yet, a handwritten letter. But don’t overdo it, there’s still a lot of foundation laying.
4) Provide pre-addressed labels
Whether opting for a handwritten letter or not, consider providing pre-addressed labels to tenants. It’ll ease their transition and act as a kind housewarming gift.
5) Start a rewards system
A rewards system can offer extra incentive for a tenant to behave perfectly, as well as want to stay. For example, a tenant can gain points for good behavior, such as punctual payments. Hypothetically, a landlord could award 100 points for prompt payment, which could then later be redeemed for property upgrades, new carpets, etc…
6) Offer alternatives in a time of crisis
These days are especially tough economically. A plan of action for quarantines and lockdowns will benefit both landlord and tenant. If a good tenant can’t make a payment, be lax and offer them alternative forms of pay or extra time with no interest, if necessary. Things will eventually get better.
7) Give gifts
Gifts are a great way to express gratitude. An unsuspecting tenant might value that surprise more than you think. Either way, they’re a great way to send someone off on their way whether they stay or not.
8) Beautification
Most landlords aren’t exactly interior designers or landscapers. Keep your properties looking beautiful, especially before showing a prospective tenant a space. Preparing the perfect ambiance and visual style of your property can yield great results.
9) Fill vacancies with incentives
Sweetening the deal can be the difference between make and break. Some prospective tenants need wooing. Make them WANT to stay at your facilities. Maybe something like free gym or court access?
10) Hire a friendly staff
Landlording is essentially a people business. The job is defined by interacting with people as a means of providing shelter. A friendly staff can go a long way. These are people that tenants may be interacting with for years. People that are helpful and easy to talk to are the best.
11) Effective advertising
Effective advertising can be a perfect portal for attracting the perfect tenant. Outline an advertising plan and hit the correct mediums depending on location and needs, whether online or in a local ad.
12) Offer bonuses
Maybe a tenant is thinking about leaving? Give them a good reason to stay and reward them for good behavior. A discount or bonus credit can go a long way in making someone feel special or acknowledged. Maybe free internet or cable…
13) Throw parties
This is obviously, when there is no pandemic. If your properties feature common space, feel free to throw parties and organize community events. Not everybody will show up, but those that do may love them, offering further incentive to stay in the area. Maybe organize a group to hit the town with. Some people enjoy their neighbors.
14) Spruce things up with a little extra
Time is your money, they say. But don’t be afraid to put in the extra work to make your establishment tip-top. Tenants will notice and be more likely to accept rent increases and long-term stays. Be friendly and show tenants the wonders of your local community.
15) Understand the online presence
Some landlords have an aversion to the web. That doesn’t bode well in 2020, all things considered. A working understanding of portals like Yelp and ReviewMyLandlord can go a long way.
16) Cosmetic quality
A good landlord should keep quality at a high and make it easy for tenants to repair and maintain their living environment. Offer fresh paint work and a new carpet every few years. Feeling festive? Bring out the decorations.
17) Go green
Going green can be cost effective. Offer energy-saving lights and amenities, reducing carbon footprints and costs across the board. Some tenants will love this behavior, resulting in an increased willingness to stay when the lease is up.
18) Promote community with gatherings
Without pressuring your tenants, feel free to invite them to community events. Let them know about local hotspots and upcoming shindigs. Create a cool common area.
19) Outlining the ideal tenant
A good landlord should have a working idea of what to expect from an exemplary tenant. For instance, a landlord may want someone who always pays the bills on time and who is relatively quiet. Thinking about these qualities beforehand can make the process of filling vacancies much easier.
20) Screening
Don’t lend your property to just anyone. Given high demand, vet through some of your prospects. Find the tenants that will fit in, generating the most income long-term and the least amount of hassle.
21) Fair housing practices
Keep prices fair and comparable to local residences. Don’t give your tenants a fiscal reason to leave as soon as possible.
22) Offer online services
Landlords will benefit clients and themselves by offering payments and documents online. They’ll spend less time with bookkeeping and unnecessary interactions, as well as making things easier for younger tenants, especially.
23) Deal with disruptive tenants
Stay calm and collected when dealing with problematic residents. Unfortunately, bad tenants can influence the lives of others on your property. Be firm and honest when changes need to be made.
24) Stay on top of repairs
If you expect a problem in the near future, nip it in the bud before it gets worse. Replace or fix things before they’re broken beyond repair. You don’t want to deal with a frustrated tenant.
25) Look after the property with keen eyes
Pay attention to detail and make sure everything is in order. Repair blemishes and make sure public and private spaces are pristine.
26) Raise rent with care
The market may dictate a raise in rent. But if financially advantageous or even necessary, be thoughtful and consider the tenant’s perspective. Even offering a rate slightly below market value can save them money while retaining your tenant, possibly providing thousands in profit in the long-term.
27) Respect privacy
Some tenants are introverts or abstain from face-to-face interaction when they can. Most tenants don’t want to talk to their landlords – it’s nothing personal. Give proper notice and never intrude! Just because they don’t talk to you doesn’t mean they dislike you.
28) Be accommodating
New move-ins likely don’t know anything about the local area. A good landlord can show them around. It’s a great way to get to know tenants while also getting them comfortable with you and the area. Just gauge if your tenant actually wants this or not.
29) Respond quickly
Be particularly attentive to clients and tenants. Not everyone responds quickly, but many expect a quick, quality response.
30) Have an open mind
Like anyone, landlords can be stubborn people. Keep an open mind to suggestions and possible pivots or changes. Adaptation and the willingness to try something new may benefit landlord and tenant.
31) Respond to emails
Tenants have varying communication preferences. Many don’t like talking on the phone. A good landlord should always be attentive online and respond promptly and helpfully.
32) Be respectful
Dress appropriately and treat tenants with respect. The pandemic has made things harder for everyone, financially and emotionally. Stay calm when problems arise and push through them one at the time.
33) Answer the phone
Keep your phone close and answer it as much as possible. Some clients prefer email and some prefer calls. Stay attentive and wary of voice communication to ensure a happy client.
34) Don’t be a stranger
Some people are more hands-on with their relationships. Certain tenants may find it advantageous to befriend their landlord, and landlords can reciprocate with a mutually beneficial relationship.
35) Be flexible
Life changes. Not every rule can be upheld absolutely at all times. Given extreme circumstances, be flexible with tenants. So act like a rubberband and be flexible, it’ll relieve stress across the board.
36) Be crystal clear
Be open and honest with your tenants. Sometimes it’s not exactly easy breaking tough news. A transparent relationship between landlord and tenant will benefit everyone.
37) Dress well
Like any professional arrangement, dress is key. Landlords should dress appropriately and professionally when meeting with clients and tenants. Casual can be cool, but nothing too, too casual. Be presentable.
38) Get to know the tenants
Without being obtrusive or nosy, feel free to build lasting relationships with tenants. Understand the nature of the relationship and keep things business appropriate, but a friendship doesn’t have to be out of the question.
39) Be professional
Dress appropriately and treat your tents with respect. The pandemic has made things harder for everyone, financially and emotionally. Stay calm when problems arise and push through them one at the time.
40) Don’t be difficult!
Nobody likes to deal with difficult people, not even difficult people. Stay cool and calm in all situations, even when the proverbial stuff hits the fan. Everything will pass and it’s up to you to show your tenants that everything will be okay.
The relationship between landlord and tenant is delicate. Keeping tenants happy can be hard work. Making a genuine, dedicated attempt to better your property and relationships can go a long way towards maintaining clients and long-term profits.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
