A good tenant gift is one that your renters can use. Some of the best tenant gifts are also housewarming gifts as they tend to be items that please everyone. A box of gourmet cookies or a bottle of wine could be good enough to build rapport with your tenants. Your tenants would also likely appreciate a small houseplant, a thank-you card, or an elegant set of monogrammed coasters.
If you want to veer away from traditional housewarming gifts, there are other options for gifts you can give your tenants. Many tenants would appreciate a free property upgrade as a gift. An inexpensive upgrade that will make your rental property more comfortable for your current –and future– tenants would be to install USB ports or smart devices. A smart thermostat or a video doorbell will surely mean a lot to your tenant as well as increase the value of your property. It is an investment that pays off in many ways.
Other tenant gift ideas are less tangible but are much appreciated. If you have multiple tenants in the same locality, you could plan a fun event for them such as a free movie night or even just a simple gathering. Another gift idea is a helpful service like a water or furnace filter delivery. If financially viable, you could also give them a break on upcoming rent increases, perhaps delay their increase for a few months. You can send them a polite card stating your intentions and they will likely be pleasantly surprised to receive the gift of lower rent for a few months longer.
If nothing else, you should send your tenants a card or a small note for the holidays. This basic courtesy could be an effective way of building goodwill. When sending cards, be sensitive to your tenants’ religions and cultures. Since not everybody celebrates Christmas, a “Happy Holidays” card would be your best option. You will be showing your tenants respect while wishing them well at the same time.
The important thing is that what you get your renters for the holidays should be thoughtful and appropriate. Put some time and effort into choosing the right gift because this will surely be well worth it. If you are a landlord who lives far from your properties, you might want to consider hiring a professional Hoover property manager to do it for you. At Real Property Management Victory, we actively cultivate good tenant relationships in many different ways. Would you like to learn more? Give us a call at 205-793-0700 today!