As an Essex landlord, finding –and keeping– a quality tenant can be hard. A simple way to foster good relations with your tenants is to give them a small appreciation gift for the holidays. Keeping your tenants happy may take some effort, but a happy tenant will be more likely to take extra care of your property, be prompt in paying rent, and stay in the rental home longer. Even a simple holiday gift will let them know how much you appreciate them and want them to stay.
A thoughtful gift is something usable & appropriate for your renters’ particular situation. The usual housewarming gifts tend to also be the best tenant gifts as they are pleasing to almost everyone. You can build rapport with your tenants over some gourmet cookies or a bottle of wine. Small houseplants, a thank-you card, or pretty monogrammed coasters will make lovely gifts for your tenants.
There are also a lot of alternatives to traditional housewarming gifts if you don’t want to give your tenants those. A gift of a free property upgrade is a very good option. Installing USB ports or some smart devices in your rental property can be a gift that will make your tenants feel more comfortable as well as make your property attractive to future tenants. A video doorbell or small thermostat added to your property are also useful alternatives that your tenant will surely appreciate having. It is an investment that pays off in many ways.
Other tenant gift ideas are less tangible but no less appreciated. If you have multiple tenants in the same area, an event like a free movie night or gathering would be something your tenants would enjoy. A helpful service like a water or furnace filter delivery would also be a well-received gift. You can also gift them a break on upcoming rent increases if it is financially viable for you. Delaying their increase for a few months will be well appreciated. A polite card indicating your intentions of gifting them with lower rent for a few more months will be a pleasant surprise.
If you can’t decide on what to give your tenants, you should at least send them a card for the holidays. Even simple acts like this can be effective in encouraging goodwill. When sending cards, be sensitive to your tenants’ religions and cultures. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so you might be better off wishing them “Happy Holidays” instead. You will make our tenants feel that you respect them as you send good wishes their way.
The important thing is that what you get your renters for the holidays should be thoughtful and appropriate. While it might not be easy to choose the right gift, your efforts will pay off in the end. If you happen to live far from your rental properties or are strapped for time, you can always hire a professional Essex property manager to do it for you. At Real Property Management Sterling, we actively cultivate good tenant relationships in many different ways. Would you like to learn more? Give us a call at 802-861-6468 today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
