Do you own rental property and need ways to retain good tenants? Retaining tenants can be a challenge but with the right strategies, you can create a successful rental property business. High tenant turnover can be costly. What’s more, as a landlord, you’ll be spending more time marketing and screening tenants. It’s vital to take the time and effort to retain tenants to save you in the long run.

In this article, we’ll discuss six of the best ways to retain tenants, including offering incentives, providing great customer service, and more. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your tenants happy and ensure that your rental properties are run successfully.

Why It’s Important for Landlords to Retain Tenants

It’s important for landlords to retain tenants for a variety of reasons. Retaining tenants helps to ensure that a rental property continues to generate a steady income. It also eliminates the costs associated with finding new tenants, such as property marketing, repairs and cleanings, and tenant screening expenses.

Additionally, it allows landlords to build relationships with their tenants, which can help to reduce tenant turnover. Having a good relationship with tenants can also lead to better communication, which can help to ensure that rental agreements are upheld and that maintenance requests are addressed in a timely manner. 

tenant holding a large moving box

Ultimately, retaining tenants is beneficial for both landlords and tenants, as it helps to ensure a stable and secure rental experience for both parties.

Tips to Retain Tenants

As a landlord, it’s important to do everything you can to retain tenants. Not only will this save you the time and money of having to find new ones, but it will also ensure that your rental property is always occupied. There are a number of ways to retain tenants, including the following:

1. Offer Competitive Rent Prices 

One of the best ways to retain tenants in a rental property is to offer a competitive rent price. If a tenant feels like they are paying too much in rent, they are more likely to start looking for a new place to live.

When setting your rent price, look at comparable units in your area as well as the special amenities you offer. From there, set a rent price that helps you earn passive income and cover your expenses, while also remaining competitive in the market. 

2. Ensure Easy Rental Process

You can also try making the rental process as smooth as possible. If a tenant has a bad experience during the renting process, they may be less likely to want to renew their lease. By making sure that all of the paperwork is in order and that the move-in process is seamless, you can increase the chances that your tenant will want to stay. 

two tenants looking over a leasing document with a landlord

3. Be Responsive to Maintenance Requests 

It’s also important to be responsive to maintenance requests. If a tenant has an issue with their rented premises, they will be more likely to move if they feel like their concerns are not being heard. What’s more, if the warranty of habitability isn’t being adhered to, they could have caused a break in their lease.

You should make sure to address any property issues as soon as possible. This shows tenants that you’re concerned about their well-being. Additionally, if a tenant requests a change to the property such as painting the walls or adding new furniture, try to accommodate their request if possible to show that you value their comfort.

Addressing issues promptly shows tenants that you care, protect your property value, and ensure that your rental business is legally compliant, all of which help with tenant retention. 

4. Offer High-end Amenities

Another way of keeping tenants is by providing amenities that they want and need. If your rental property does not have any desirable or competitive amenities, tenants may start looking for new accommodations elsewhere. For example, if you have a pet-friendly policy, are building has a gym or swimming pool, or offers private parking you could stand out from the competition. What’s more, tenants are more likely going renew their leases. 

5. Have Flexible Lease Terms

Another thing that tenants often look for is flexibility when it comes to leasing terms. If you’re able to offer month-to-month leases or shorter lease terms, this will make your rental property more attractive than ones with longer lease terms of 12 months. 

Additionally, if a tenant wants to move out before their lease is up, try to be flexible and allow them to do so for a small fee. This will show them that you’re understanding and willing to work with them to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement.

6. Get to Know Tenants

Try getting to know your tenants better. Ensure that you keep open lines of communication so that tenants can easily reach you and feel heard. When tenants feel like they are part of the community, they are more likely than not going renew their lease agreement. 

Bottom Line 

Retaining a tenant is an important part of the rental business. Offering competitive rental rates, providing prompt and professional customer service, keeping the rental unit in good condition, offering incentives, encouraging tenant feedback, and building a positive relationship with each tenant and help with retention rates.

By implementing the six best ways of retaining a tenant, landlords can help ensure that their tenants stay longer and are happier with their rental experience. If you would like help managing your rental properties, please contact the experts at T-Square Properties today!

Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes. The information contained in this blog article may not be the official policies of T-Square Properties.

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