This is a sponsored guest post.
If you’re a landlord or property manager, read this. These expert secrets will show you how to provide an unforgettable move-in experience for your tenants!
Move-in day is business for you, but it’s personal for your tenant. After all, it’s the day they move into their new home!
As a property manager, you want to make sure they are as happy as possible.
Give them a moving day they’ll never forget!
These five expert secrets will help you provide your tenants with an unforgettable move-in experience. Our guide takes you from start to finish — from preparing for new tenants to the days beyond move-in day.
You’re going to have some very happy tenants.
1. Take Care of Your Checklist
Preparing your property for the next tenant is the most important thing to do.
Landlords have a pretty big to-do list, full of things to address before anyone moves in. You need to start your list as soon as possible to make sure everything gets done.
Don’t skimp on anything.
You should clean the place, ensure appliances and faucets work correctly, and check all the locks to make sure they work. Sometimes, hiring a professional cleaning service is also necessary.
As long as your tenant doesn’t find anything wrong with the apartment, your day should be smooth sailing. However, if the fridge doesn’t work or there’s a nasty stain on the carpet, you won’t make a good first impression.
So, start off on the right foot and make sure the place is ready to go when they arrive. You’ll both be happier if everything is prepared!
2. Create a Move-In Packet
Your tenants are inevitably going to have questions.
Where do they drop off their rent payments? Where should they park? Who do they call when they need something repaired?
You know it’s coming, so you might as well get ready.
A handy move-in packet will save you and your tenants a lot of time. This information is crucial for an easy move, so you should have it on hand when they get there.
Include emergency numbers and a list of local hot spots for an extra touch that won’t go unnoticed. Everyone wants to know about the best restaurants in their new neighborhood!
If you run a pet-friendly apartment complex and your tenant is bringing their dog, point them toward the nearest dog parks. It’ll make them (and their pup) very happy.
When you hand over the keys, give them the packet you made as well. That way, they’ll have all the info on hand when they need it.
3. Write a Heartfelt Note
Welcome your new tenants in a less formal way with a handwritten note.
This will ensure they never forget how accommodating you’ve been. You want them to know how excited you are that they chose to rent from you.
Here’s an important tip:
Don’t just use some fill-in-the-blank template that you found online. Most people will be able to tell if you’re not being sincere. Instead, write something that feels personal and gives them a warm feeling.
It doesn’t have to be very long, either.
Just say how glad you are that they’re moving in and write a little bit about the area, along with some suggestions of things to do. They will appreciate the effort.
4. Leave a Small Gift Basket
Give the gift of a stress-free moving day by supplying a few essentials.
A welcome basket shows your tenants you care. You don’t have to spend much money; there doesn’t even have to be an actual basket!
Just leave them a few rolls of toilet paper, a roll of paper towels, some hand soap, and some bottles of water.
When they’re moving in, all they will be thinking about is getting everything inside and unpacking. With your help, they won’t have to worry about finding the right box immediately after getting to their new home.
5. Keep in Touch
Provide an easy means of getting in touch with you: a phone number, email, etc. That way, in the event your tenants do have questions, you will be readily available to answer them.
An open line of communication is essential to fostering a good relationship between both parties. Giving them a way to reach you shows that you’re committed to providing a high-quality living situation.
This is a great thing to include on the first page of your move-in packet. Or, you can print out the info and stick it to the fridge with a magnet.
Don’t lose touch with them after moving day, either. If your contact info happens to change, get that information to them ASAP.
Check in with them every once in a while to ensure everything is going well. See if they need anything. Show that you care about how they’re doing.
Don’t just leave the calls for lease renewal time!
In Conclusion
It doesn’t take much to make people feel at home.
If you’re truly serious about making this move unforgettable (in a good way) for your new tenants, then give these expert secrets a try. You won’t be sorry about the results!
Author Bio:
Ryan Sundling is a Group Marketing Manager at Cardinal Group Management. He works closely with Wildwood Baton Rouge to help them with their marketing efforts. He has over ten years of experience in the student housing industry.
