Did you know that 43 million households are filled with renters? Renting might not be new to them, but it could be new to you as a landlord.
Getting new tenants in one of your rental properties is always exciting, but do you know how to properly greet and welcome them into their new home? Even if you’ve rented to dozens of people in the past, you should make sure to take the time to welcome each new tenant into their new property.
First impressions will set the tone for your entire relationship. As a landlord, you want to make your tenants comfortable and happy.
Welcome Letter and Expectations
What better way to welcome your new tenant than by giving them a welcome letter with all the things that you expect of them? It is a great way to say hello and introduce yourself, as well as get all of the administrative things out of the way.
You can include how and where to pay their rent, as well as when it is due and any penalties for being late in the welcome letter. This way, they will always have a hard copy of this information.
Give them any contact information they might need, such as the main office and maintenance numbers. Let them know how to access your websites and send you emails. You can even show them any special tips, such as how to DIY their own fixes in their unit.
The welcome letter can also remind them of any policies or tips that your rental property might have, such as a pet policy or smoking policy.
This letter can be generic and given out to each new tenant, or you can personalize it.
Prepare a Welcome Package
The perfect way to greet your new tenant is by preparing them a tenant welcome package with a few goodies that you think they will appreciate. Gift baskets are something that will absolutely make your new tenants smile. They will love walking into their new home to see a little surprise.
You can pack a welcome package full of treats, a map of the area, beverages, coupons, or even gift cards. Anything to get your new tenants out to a few local places will be a great treat to help them get accustomed to the new area.
Taking the time to write them a handwritten note, or circle a few places on the map, is also a thoughtful thing to add to the welcome package and welcome them to the neighborhood.
Stock the Refrigerator
On the other hand, if you don’t want to do a tenant welcome package, another way to welcome your tenants into their new home is by helping them stock their fridge. It is always difficult to get to the grocery store when you’re just moving in, so this is something that they will definitely love.
Grab some water, juices, yogurts, frozen pizzas, fruit, milk, eggs, and anything else you can think of that your tenants would want in their refrigerator. Spending under $100 can go a long way toward helping your tenants move into their new home.
You’re investing in your relationship with them, and they will definitely appreciate it down the line.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies may not be the most unique or fun present for your new tenants, but it sure will be one that they need. Stocking the bathroom or under the kitchen sink with a few cleaning supplies can help get them started in their new home.
Let them know in the welcome letter that you’ve provided them with cleaning supplies as a gift. This is also a great way to let them know that you want the rental property to be kept clean.
Get Them Dinner Delivery
The first night moving in is always stressful and exhausting, so one way to start off on the right foot with your new tenant is by getting them dinner delivered. You can talk with them and ask what type of food they would like for dinner on their first night.
On the other hand, you could go out on a whim and order them something from a local place. It’s a good way to introduce them to something new in the neighborhood that they can try.
Make sure you get to know them a bit first and see if they would prefer something that they’re used to, or if they would be up for trying a new place to eat on their first night moving in. Either way, they will definitely appreciate someone else buying them dinner on their first night moving into their new home.
Make Sure to Answer All of Their Questions
When tenants first move into their new property, chances are they’re going to have tons of questions or concerns. Whether it is about their new unit, the area they live in, how to pay their rent, or just general questions, they will appreciate it if you do your best to answer all of them to the best of your ability
Try to make yourself as available as possible for your tenants when they first move in, whether it is through email, text message, or letting them call you. It is an awesome way to build a relationship with them by staying in contact with them especially when they’re first moving into their new home.
Greeting and Welcoming a New Tenant
When it comes to greeting and welcoming your new tenant, there are tons of different ways that you can make them feel comfortable in their new home.
First impressions are the most important, and you want your relationship with your new tenants to be the best. Going out of your way to welcome them can truly make them appreciate you and build a good relationship with you.
For any questions about property management in Laguna Beach, or anywhere in Orange County California, call us at (844) SO-GENUINE or contact us today.