7 Secrets to a Happy Tenant
7 November, 2007
(12) Comment
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Now I am not suggesting that you let the tenants live there for free or pay rent as late as they want, but I think there are 7 simple things you can do that will keep them happy. And happy tenants will treat your property better, pay their rent on time, stay in your building longer, and recommend you to their friends as a good (possibly great) landlord.
- Be friendly, respectful, and courteous always. Then when you need to be firm, they will know you are serious.
- Answer your phone when the tenant calls or return their call promptly. Nothing is more frustrating when you have a question or problem and someone will not return or take your calls.
- Stop by or call to just chat and see how they are doing. This lets them know you care about them as a person. Ask about their work, their kids, or what they enjoy.
- Repair everything in the unit that the tenant calls about. Even a simple dripping faucet can fester into a frustration in time.
- If the tenants have lived in the apartment for more than 2 years, touch up the paint in the main areas, paint a room a color that you both agree on, or shampoo the carpet. You are not only keeping them happy, you are maintaining your property.
- If the tenant always pays on time and they call and tell you the rent is going to be late, forgive the late fee this one time. Even the banks do it!
- Offer an incentive if they find a new tenant for you. I give my existing tenants $200 if they find a new tenant that signs a lease. It costs the same as a newspaper ad and much cheaper than a vacant unit.
It is cheaper to keep a tenant that to find a new one. These simple (and in many cases free) tips can keep your tenants happy and make your life as a landlord easier.
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This is such helpful information. It’s important to remember that we only gain wealth by serving others. And by providing people with a nice place to live, we in turn earn a lot of money
Thank you again.
You make a great point when you say “it’s cheaper to keep a tenant than find a new one”
Vacancies can really kill your margins.
Can you suggest a good company in mn to do Tenant Checks for prospective tenants?
Thnak you
Linda
Linda Belland ยป
I have used both RentalResearch.com and mccgrp.com. They give you about the same report, but mcc is cheaper.
I completely agree! Vacation rentals are the most important type of rentals to ensure that your tenants are happy. They will become return customers and continue to vacation through your real estate agency as long as they leave happy!
Thanks for this post. I am wondering if you have any advice about bed bugs in a rental unit? My tenants have reported bed bugs and are requesting me to pay for extermination services. From what I have read, bed bugs are very difficult to get rid of, especially if there is a lot of clutter lying around. If I pay for an exterminator but the tenants don’t clean up their stuff, the bed bugs will still have places to hide. Any advice?
Myra Arnold
I agree. If they don’t clean up, they are just going to come back. You should check with the exterminator.
As have being a tenant myself in recent past I appreciate a landlord that is friendly, easy to get in touch witch, keeps his word and takes care of problems fast. If you have a good tenant offer repainting which has to be done now and then anyway, this will be greatly appreciated.
Keep in mind that happy tenants will give more value to the whole real estate area since it will more likely that other wants to move in.
A great tip I used a lot when I did rentals was to give them a welcome parcel of food and cleaning stuff then when they leave they remember that and clean up