Blog Post

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.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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