The dream of every landlord is to have all rental properties occupied. And when satisfied tenants fill those units, that’s icing on the cake. So what reduces turnover and keeps renters happy? A positive tenant experience.  

Landlords and property managers often seek tips on tenant retention in an effort to reduce the costs associated with turnover. That makes sense, right? But fewer have turned an attentive eye toward the tenant’s experience, which doesn’t make sense because a positive tenant experience cannot help but impact a tenant’s satisfaction with their living situation.  

Thankfully—for both sides of the rental equation—this idea that the tenant experience matters is gaining traction. Those on the owner/management side are recognizing the many benefits of creating an incredible tenant experience. For starters, less turnover and doing business with “happy” tenants who complain less, pay their rent on time, and take care of the property. And tenants love the emphasis on their satisfaction, especially as many have come to realize that homeownership may never be in the cards for them. Of course, if they are lifelong tenants, their expectations, wants, and needs will differ from singles or families for whom renting is a more temporary housing decision. Still, all tenants want to feel good about their living arrangements. 

So, let’s take a deep dive into the two categories that most tenant-experience factors fall into – property amenities/features and landlord relations. 

Amenities/Features  

Popular amenities include the cost of internet included in the rent, a smart security system, and “pet-friendly” options. These days, features that are all the rage include outdoor living space via a deck or patio, open-concept layouts, large ceiling fans, and even massaging showerheads. And let’s not forget improvements from new appliances to a bathroom makeover to spruced up landscaping, maybe a tankless water heater, or touchless faucets. Of course, the more long-term the tenant, the more these timely improvements will matter to them.  

Landlord Relations 

It’s pretty simple. So much of this category has to do with “the feels.” All tenants want a landlord they can get along with—someone who is easy to talk to. They want a landlord who doesn’t treat them like a number or simply a “business deal” but respects them as individuals and cares about them and their families. Ultimately, tenants want to feel good about their relationship with the landlord. The last thing they want is a scenario where they dread each encounter and put off making contact because of a lousy tenant/landlord relationship. 

The other one-third of landlord relations involves things such as being able to reach the landlord, a level of trust that concerns/maintenance will be handled in a timely, professional manner, and convenient options for making rent payments.   

A positive tenant experience springs from a package deal that involves being comfortable, feeling safe, having a sense of well-being, and experiencing an overall happy feeling about one’s living arrangements. An A+ tenant experience will encourage tenants to stay, which is a win-win for everyone.  

About Rentals America   

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.