New Tenant Welcome Package

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on February 18, 2009 under Landlord Tips | icon: commentBe the First to Comment

You’ve worked hard to prepare and market your rental property, and now you’ve found a great new, pre qualifed tenant.  If you think the hard work is behind you, guess again!  Now it’s your job as property manager to retain your good tenant—after all, you want to minimize tenant turnover.

 

Consider providing a Welcome Package that answers your tenant’s questions and clarifies everyone’s expectations. It’s a small, but significant, step toward building a good landlord-tenant relationship.

 

Include an overview of rules and policies, but don’t restate the entire lease.  A simple list for referral purposes is enough. Include when and where to pay rent, how to access the building, where to park, and any other pertinent information. This can be accomplished with an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) list.

 

Be sure to provide practical safety information, such as an evacuation route, fire extinguisher locations, and emergency water shut-offs. A floor plan clearly indicating these items would be perfect.

 

A phone number list is essential for new renters. Include your own regular and emergency contact numbers, as well as those of your preferred maintenance service, plumber, and electrician. If a crisis situation occurs, your tenants should be able to get the help they need, even if they cannot reach you. Make sure your tenants know how to reach all of the property’s utility providers, too.

 

A guide to nearby restaurants, grocery stores, dry cleaners, and coffee shops would be most appreciated by a tenant who is new to your town. Tell them where the best pizza can be found, so they’re prepared to order dinner on move-in day. Visit your Chamber of Commerce or local Visitor’s Center for brochures and area guidebooks.

 

If you’re really dedicated to establishing a great relationship, the Welcome Package might include a few move-in necessities to help your new tenants transition to their new home.  Think about the items most needed when moving—like bottled water, paper towels, soap, a roll of t.p. for the bathroom, and even a gift certificate to a local pizzeria.  You’ll demonstrate you are going above and beyond to improve the landlord/tenant relationship!

Find landlord resources, including everything you need to know about tenant screening, from E-Renter.com.

Next post: Establishing A Property Inspection Schedule

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