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.
1. Be friendly, respectful, and courteous always. Then when you need to be firm, they will know you are serious.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Repair everything in the unit that the tenant calls about. Even a simple dripping faucet can fester into a frustration in time.
5. 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 colour that you both agree on, or shampoo the carpet. You are not only keeping them happy, you are maintaining your property.
6. 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!
7. Offer an incentive if they find a new tenant for you. I give my existing tenants R500 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment