Catering to the Renter

The world of rental properties can be competitive and without the attention doled out to residents, rentals may become vacant more frequently. When a good renter is found, a property manager should make reasonable measures to help keep them in place and happy.

Depending on the market, vacancies can sometimes be hard to fill. By making renters feel appreciated a long-term working relationship can be developed, a renter will have more invested in the property and will take care of the rental as well as usually pay on time.

While tenant expectations are typically addressed during the signing of the lease, it’s important to manage those expectations throughout the lease agreement. Soliciting tenant input can be extremely helpful in maintaining properties and providing property management services. By handling tenant interactions in a supportive and positive manner, it will lead to a good working relationship.

As a property manager, you are the liaison between tenant and property owner. No matter if you have a single bachelor or a growing family in a rental unit everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect. Tenants that feel cared for tend to stay in rental units longer and also handle any problems with the property in a more positive manner. The more respect that a property manager can show towards a tenant the more likely that the tenant will reciprocate with feedback.

A tenant’s right to privacy must be respected and obeyed. When a property manager needs access to a rental unit a minimum of 24 hours notice should take place, but the more notice you can give the happier the tenant will be.

Tenant complaints are nearly inevitable, yet a variety of measures can be taken on behalf of the property manager to better cater to the tenants needs. From hearing about the nosy neighbor to the barking dog or excessive noise from parties, a complaint is sure to be heard on a fairly regular basis from at least one tenant. While some problems can’t be avoided, it’s important to handle all issues in a timely manner to get the issue resolved.

Conflicts with tenants will happen. Although not that often, hopefully resolving a dispute can vary in forms. Sometimes it’s as easy as a face-to-face meeting while other circumstances may warrant lawyers and lawsuits. Many disputes involve money, and if that is the case then small claims court can work well for collecting money for property damage or unpaid rent. As a property manager, you have an obligation to aid in the problem not becoming a larger conflict.

A property manager can handle tenant relationships through listening, being available and addressing concerns. By acting in a professional manner, you can help make a tenant's decision to stick around much easier, as without a tenant no revenue is being generated.

By showing your appreciation as a property manager, your tenants will be able to understand how important they are. Property management isn’t just about talking to a tenant when the move in, collecting rent checks and then getting a 30-day notice. Getting to know your tenant can be very beneficial for your business. If you are renting an apartment out to a bachelor and he eventually settles down and starts a family, then they may further need your services to find a larger place to live. Conversely, if you only speak with tenants at the time of lease renewal then they will feel unimportant the rest of the year, be approachable year-round not just when it’s convenient for you to get signatures on a new document.