Thank Your Tenants

Ways to Thank Your Tenants This Holiday Season?

by Patricia A. Harris

Here’s a statement you don’t hear too often – “Wow … my landlord gave me a gift this holiday season!” Sending/giving holiday gifts once a year to your tenants (customers) promotes good will, lets them know you appreciate them, can turn bad tenants into better ones and makes it a little easier for them to write those rent checks all year long. Everyone wants to be appreciated and a small token of thanks can go a long way. Here are a few ideas that will show your tenants you appreciate their business and who knows … that great tenant getting ready to move just may change his mind.

Gift Cards

Everyone loves gift cards. You can enclose them in a holiday card with a note that says, “Thanks for being a great tenant” or in some cases… “Thanks for being our tenant”. Here are some inexpensive gift card ideas for you to consider: oStarbucks oMovie Tickets oRestaurants (Pollo Loco, Subway, etc.) oGrocery Stores oPizza Delivery oAmazon oWalMart, Target, K-Mart oBaskin-Robbins or Neighborhood Ice Cream Stores oGas Station

Gift Baskets/Online Deliveries

You can personalize gift baskets for smaller buildings or conveniently order online for delivery from a vast number of companies: oCookies and hot chocolate oCandy oFruit/Nuts oPasta Night Basket (package of spaghetti, bottled sauce, bottle of wine) oCheese and meat oCoffee and Tea oKitchen Basket (potholders, dish towels, cutting board) (I suggest you avoid candles and plants. Candles can be dangerous and some plants are poisonous to pets or may cause allergic reactions.)

Services/Upgrades

Think about that gift that keeps on giving – something that will offer your tenant a service and also benefit you in the long run. Give options and let your tenants choose from one of the following: oOffer a one-day maid/cleaning service oInstall a ceiling fan oPaint a room oReplace those old blinds oBuy a new appliance oShampoo carpets

Money

Who doesn’t like money? Most experts, however, do not recommend a rent reduction for the month so if you choose this option, do so in a VISA or MasterCard gift card for $25 or $50. This gift is especially appreciated around the holiday season.