4 Ways to Improve Tenant Satisfaction

Dustin Edwards • March 28, 2024

Finding the perfect tenant who respects the lease agreement, always pays on time, and doesn’t cause issues is challenging. However, this isn't just a random occurrence, as a happy tenant will often become the perfect tenant.


Today, we’ll explore four ways to improve tenant satisfaction, which will improve your chances of finding the perfect tenant.


Communication

Many landlords have been stereotyped as only caring about collecting rent. This can happen when there isn't clear and open communication with tenants. Developing a healthy communication channel between both parties can ensure satisfaction from the tenant, which can then result in a content tenant. This can increase the probability of a tenant renewing their lease, reducing turnover and vacancy rates.


A great way to maintain good communication with tenants is to provide many viable channels. This can be in the form of phone numbers to call and text, an email address, or a dedicated portal for tenant requests.


Remember that communication is a two-way street, and a good landlord should be proactive. Landlords and property managers should regularly collect feedback from tenants. With this information, you can gain greater insight into the state of your tenants and rental property.


Tenant Rewards

It's not uncommon for high-quality tenants to feel they’re taken for granted. A good tenant generally means they’ve never paid late, kept the rental in excellent condition, and had no complaints towards them. Why not show that you’re paying attention by rewarding these valued tenants? After all, it's your property, and a good tenant will help ensure your investment lasts many years. 


A small gesture can go a long way, such as gift cards to popular restaurants or coffee shops, which are simple ways to
show appreciation. A gesture that most tenants will appreciate will also be to delay or forgo a rent increase. It's been well established that it's more cost-effective to keep a good tenant happy and for the long term than dealing with a vacancy and the process involved with finding another tenant.


Quick Response to Requests

The impact of quick and efficient handling of repair and maintenance requests on tenant satisfaction cannot be overstated. One of the most common reasons tenants are unsatisfied and move out is a lack of prompt response to service requests. Establishing a system to respond and act on a request quickly can significantly improve your tenant satisfaction. Even if the repair may take some time, responding quickly to their concerns shows your tenants they are valued.


There are many ways to streamline a request process to make it easier for the tenant and the landlord, such as online tools and platforms allowing tenants to request directly to the landlord or property manager. 


Privacy

Privacy is crucial to building a good relationship with your tenants and is also a legal obligation. Two aspects of privacy are involved. First, you want your tenant to feel comfortable. Landlords often unintentionally invade tenants' privacy, making them feel like they're walking on eggshells during their stay.


The second is that while you may own the rental, as long as there is an agreement between you and the tenant, you’re not allowed to enter without prior notice. Not only can it be seen as rude and inconsiderate, you may be breaking privacy laws in California. If a landlord wants to enter a tenant's residence, they must provide written notice at least 24 hours before entering the home. 


Preserving a good tenant is oftentimes a better financial decision than trying to maximize rental charging rates. If you have questions on how to better show appreciation to your high value tenant or need help managing your property we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards June 21, 2025
ADUs are a great to expend your current rental property and increase unit count for rent, find out the different ways to convert existing structures into ADUs
By Dustin Edwards June 12, 2025
There's value in keeping tenants happy. Discover 4 reasons keeping tenants happy is good for your property.
By Dustin Edwards June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
Show More