One forte that sets a wonderful Nashville property manager apart from the rest is going the extra mile to make move-in as manageable as possible for your new renter. To that end, it’s necessary 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 supplying move-in tips for your renters, you can build positive relations and good communication from day one and demonstrate that you care about your renter’s comfort and well-being. When a renter feels that their landlord genuinely 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
There are considerable items that a renter ought to know to settle into their new home quickly. You can make this complete process more manageable – and create some goodwill – by organizing a welcome letter for your renter that contains the vital information they will need.
For example, multiple 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 relevant elements. Providing this information to your renter is a small gesture they will relish very much.
Move-In Checklist
It’s furthermore a reasonable idea to include a move-in checklist where the renter can document the property’s present circumstances. 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 enable them to be a partner in protecting your valuable property.
Mailbox Matters
Another noteworthy point a renter will need to know is how to get a mailbox key, if one needs to be delivered to them, and where the mailbox is located. While some properties have mailboxes established in the yard, others may 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 appear?
Encourage Communication
Ultimately, 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 desired 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 staggering 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 understand the expectations.
Because move-in day can be cluttered, 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 more quickly.
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 Nashville property management professionals do it for you? At Real Property Management Investor’s Choice, 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