Top 5 Ways to Keep Good Tenants

1. Be responsive. If your tenant calls you with a problem, make sure to answer the call or return calls immediately. People do not like to feel ignored.
2. Address problems in a timely manner. If your tenant calls with any sort of problem, make sure to address and fix the problem quickly. Do not make your tenant complain several times before fixing the problem. If you cannot fix it yourself call a contractor. Also, if the problem cannot be fixed quickly make sure to let your tenant know so that the proper expectations are set.
3. Go the extra mile. In today’s market you need to please your tenants. You are not doing them a favor by having them rent your place in this market -- they are doing you the favor. Treat them as a valued customer. For new tenants, leave a basket of goodies the day they move in. When the holiday season arrives, send current tenants a holiday card with an Amazon gift card or a gift card to a local restaurant to thank them for their business.
4. Perform regular maintenance. Don’t neglect your units. Conduct a yearly maintenance check on each unit and address the things the tenants may not notice but could be potential problems down the road. If you have a lawn, make sure it is mowed regularly. Change the light bulbs in public or shared areas. These are your responsibilities.
5. Be very thorough in choosing other tenants. Make sure to screen (hyperlink to tenant screening page) your potential tenants well. If there are any signs applicants have been problem tenants in the past do not accept them. You may gain one bad tenant but the good tenant will be out the door the minute a problem arises. It isn’t worth it.