Tenant Appreciation: Celebrate Back-to-School Time  

You know that part of investing in rental properties is the investment you’ll make in the tenants who reside in said properties, right? Because to bring in the steady stream of income that will keep your rental business operating in the black requires satisfied, preferably long-term tenants. And that scenario is much more likely to be realized if those tenants feel appreciated.  

Well, now that we’re all on the same page, let’s delve into one seasonal idea to show appreciation to tenants. Call it a Back-to-School Splash—especially fitting if pool or water activities are involved—or a Back-to-School Celebration, or simply a get together. If you own single-family rentals in several neighborhoods, consider holding your event at a centrally located community park. What is essential is that your tenants come away from the event feeling appreciated, and knowing that they and their families matter. The experience offers additional confirmation that they’ve made the right housing choice.  

A widely-known secret—which seems to indicate it’s not a secret—is that contented, satisfied tenants remain tenants and refer family and friends to their landlord. Who would welcome a landlord who would also appreciate them as tenants?  

The key is to remember that kids just want to have fun –and parents love seeing their kids have fun. Parents also love being part of a community and knowing their neighbors. So, encourage everyone to get in on the celebration—whether they have school-aged children or not. Make it a true community affair by inviting everyone. 

Toss some hotdogs on the grill. Gather the kids for a three-legged relay race and a game of fishing for school supplies. Offer door prizes of backpacks to the students and department store gift cards to the parental figures. The teenage crowd would appreciate a gas card or fast-food eatery gift card. 

This back-to-school reason for getting folks together doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Simple and laid back will do just fine. This example of fostering community and engaging camaraderie between tenants and the landlord aptly fits the common saying, “It’s the thought that counts.”  

The fact that the landlord cares enough about the families and individuals who call their property home to host a family-friendly get-together demonstrates that those families and individuals matter. They represent more than simply a means to make money. A landlord who takes the time to build connections will benefit all involved.  

Tenants who feel appreciated— 

• stay longer 
• treat the community and the property with more respect 
• extend more courtesy to their neighbors and the landlord/management team  
• pay their rent on time 

So, celebrate back-to-school time with whatever means fits your rental property situation. Both you and your tenants will be glad you did.  

 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.