One other thing that sets a great Gladstone property manager apart from the rest is going the extra mile to make move-in as simple as possible for your new renter. For that purpose, it’s important to welcome your renter to their new rental home and provide them with the essential information they’ll need to make a smooth transition. By providing move-in tips for your renters, you can build positive relations and great communication from the first day and demonstrate that you care about your renter’s comfort and well-being. When a renter feels that their landlord truly cares about them, they are much more likely to put more effort into keeping their rental home clean and in good condition. It’s a win-win!
Send a Welcome Letter
Many things that a renter needs to know to settle into their new home quickly. You can make this whole process easier – and create some goodwill – by preparing a welcome letter for your renter containing vital information they will need.
For example, several renters need to set up utilities in their name when they move into a new rental home. This information could take time and frustration to track down on their own. Instead, why not include a list of the local utility providers and their contact information in your welcome letter? You could also list which day garbage pick-up falls on and other pertinent details. Providing this information to your renter is a little gesture they will appreciate very much.
Move-In Checklist
It’s additionally a good idea to include a move-in checklist where the renter can document the property’s current condition. Not only is it helpful documentation to have on hand when your current renter moves out, but it can also make your current renters feel secure that their security deposit won’t be charged for damage they didn’t inflict. By proving yourself to be an honest and trustworthy property owner, you can gain your renter’s trust and encourage them to be a partner in protecting your valuable property.
Mailbox Matters
One more important detail a renter will need to know is how to get a mailbox key, if one needs to be made available to them, and where the mailbox is located. Even though some properties have mailboxes installed in the yard, others might have locked mailboxes down the street or even at a distance from the rental property itself. Put all mail-related information in your welcome letter to make your renter’s move-in experience easier. That way, your renter won’t need to spend time tracking down information about the mail delivery service at their new address. Consider listing the website for the US Postal Service’s address change tool. While your renter can probably find this information, why not show them that you are considering their needs even before the questions arise?
Encourage Communication
Finally, if your lease documents don’t already do so, be sure to explain in detail how your renter can get ahold of you, what the anticipated response time is, and how they should pay rent and report maintenance issues. Even if you do have these instructions in your lease, it doesn’t hurt to copy them into your welcome letter, too. Lease documents can be overwhelming for some renters, who may not know where to look or how to read them. It is best to have information renters will use most often in more than one place for easy reference. Renters are far more likely to adhere to your communication preferences and pay their rent on time when they know what to do and clearly understand the expectations.
Because move-in day can be chaotic, send your welcome letter and information at least a week before the day arrives. That will give your renter time to read the information carefully and get set up in their new rental home immediately.
Good renter relations are an integral part of effective property management. But it can also take time, detracting from other things you could be doing to build your real estate business. Why not let the Gladstone property management professionals do it for you? At Real Property Management Principles, we make renter relations a top priority. Contact us online today to learn more about this and the other great services we offer!
Originally Published on July 16, 2021