As a Winston-Salem landlord, you know really well that a standard tenant can be difficult to find – and sometimes, even tougher to keep. To support good relations with your tenants, one trouble-free thing you can do is to give them a small appreciation gift for the holidays. Keeping your tenants happy can take effort, but a happy tenant is one who is quite possibly able to take good care of your property, pay their rent on time, and stay in the rental home for a long period. Even something as small as a simple holiday gift could let them perceive that you appreciate them – and would like them to stay.
A thoughtful tenant gift is one that your renters can use and that is suitable for their specific situation. Some of the best tenant gifts are housewarming gifts, as they are generally appreciated by everyone. A box of gourmet cookies or a bottle of wine can effectively convey your care and consideration, helping to foster a sense of rapport with your tenants. Other excellent ideas include a small houseplant, a thank-you card, or a set of monogrammed coasters, all of which are likely to be well-received and utilized by your tenants.
If you think that giving your tenants a traditional housewarming gift isn’t quite your style of doing things, other alternative courses of action may make more sense. Several tenants may appreciate a complimentary property upgrade as a gift. One relatively inexpensive upgrade that can enhance your rental property (and make it more appealing to future tenants) is installing USB ports or one or more smart devices. Even a basic video doorbell or smart thermostat can mean a lot to your tenant while also increasing the property’s value. It’s an investment that would likely pay off in several ways.
Other tenant gift ideas may not be tangible, but they are equally appreciated. For instance, if you have multiple tenants in the same area, consider hosting a fun event for them, such as a free movie night or a gathering. Another option is to provide a helpful service, such as delivering water or furnace filters. If it’s financially feasible, you might also consider delaying any upcoming rent increases for a few months, giving tenants a temporary break. To convey your intentions, send them a thoughtful card, and they will likely be very pleased with this gesture of reducing their rent for a little longer than they expected..
At the very least, you should send your tenants a card or some acknowledgment during the holidays. This is not only a good habit to develop, but can also be as effective as a gift in fostering goodwill. However, if you choose to send a card to your tenants, it is important to be mindful of different religions and cultures. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so unless you are sure that your tenants do, it’s better to wish them “Happy Holidays.” This way, you can show respect for your tenants while still conveying your good wishes.
While doing research on every potential income property is a lot of work, Real Property Management of the Triad can help lighten your load. We offer free rental property analyses for investors, which can help you more easily identify whether the income property you want to buy is a profitable option. Contact us online or call us at 336-355-6677 or 336-777-7444 to learn more!
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.
