As a property manager, you already know how important it is to retain residents. You are well aware that retaining a resident is just as, if not more, important than finding a new resident.
Sure thing it’s refreshing to welcome new residents in the community from time to time, but resident retention builds a strong long-term relationship in the community you have created. It not only has value to the community but also to the property itself.
Recurring residents are invaluable assets to the property managers and the community they live in because they are the ones who know the standard of life in that community. Therefore, the testimonials from these residents and their feedback speak volumes.
Retaining your residents is not an easy task, and requires a lot of effort from your PR team. To help you with the process and make it a little easier, here is a list of some things you can do to retain your current residents:
1. Be available to your residents
It is important to make your residents feel that you are reachable and available to help and assist them with their raising concerns. It’s not uncommon for residents to have queries, require help, or need clarifications from time to time. Having them wait for days or weeks, for just small talk or something very insignificant can create some frustration and uncertainty.
Digital tools have made it easier through various social platforms you can connect with your residents, or they can connect with you. For example, emails, social media, etc. Make yourself available to your residents at all times or at least during working hours. Form an emergency contact number so your residents know who to call when something urgent happens.
2. Hold office hours
As efficient as it is, digital tools cannot replace the satisfaction of meeting and interacting with people face-to-face. Doing all of your communication through technology could make residents feel you are unreachable to them.
It’s important to hold office hours so that residents can visit and have face-to-face interactions regarding their concerns, some clarification they need, or even a quick chat. It’s a productive way of establishing a long-term relationship with your residents and enhancing a feeling of comfort to chat or reach out.
3. Be flexible
Every individual living as a resident comes from a different background and has their own different lifestyle. Over time, the changes are prominent which makes the flexibility of property managers and policies important. This does not suggest allowing unlawful activities.
For instance, the overnight stay of the guests might not be on the policy but once in a while it will be okay to have a few guests over, or pets are not allowed on the property because someone has lost a dear one and requires emotional support, allowing a pet can be an adjustment property managers can make.
4. Appreciate Residents
Make sure you appreciate residents for their effort to maintain a peaceful society and follow the policies. This is critical as it would showcase the property manager’s involvement.
5. Don’t invade privacy or go overboard
Renting a house to a tenant means it’s their home, space, and responsibility. Although property managers are entitled to aid residents, this does not give property managers the authority to create a disturbance or do anything that requires consent from the resident.
This is absolutely important to remember because it also has legal implications.
Final Words
Tiny gestures towards residents can create big differences. The fall and rise of the resident retention team entirely depend on the efforts made by the team.
