They say that you can’t over-communicate with someone. In the case of rental tenants, it’s perhaps even truer. So whether by email, phone, or carrier pigeon, staying in contact with your tenants makes everything else with managing your rental unit easier. Here are 7 communication tips from the leader in Grand Rapids property management.
1. Take Emotion Out of the Equation
Whether you have great residents or more challenging tenants, you need to see the owner-tenant relationship as a business venture. Treat the residents professionally, and don’t get attached or too personal. Communication should be honest and clear.
2. Do More – Lots More
Your tenants deserve to hear from you often. Email, call, mail—it doesn’t matter, just make sure you’re staying in communication. With regular inspections and maintenance needs, your tenants need to always know what is going on around their home.
3. Work Locally
If you hire a property management team, make sure they have Grand Rapids property management experience. Each market location is different. Find someone who is experienced with property management in Grand Rapids and you’re on your way.
4. Be Clear About Expectations
Nothing sours a relationship faster than unmet expectations. Be clear about your expectations. You and your tenants will have a much better experience. Clear communication of expectations can start at the time of the lease signing.
5. Don’t Hover
Allow your tenants to figure out how they want to live in the house, they do not want or need your advice on how to set up their household. You can focus on making the experience as streamlined and as easy as possible. Just keep yourself available should they have questions.
6. Hard Copies
The idea of “nail and mail” has been around for a long time for good reason—it works; especially with legal issues or financial matters. It’s best to give your tenants hard copies of official paperwork and documents. Word of mouth and cyberspace aren’t always the best documentation options for official communications.
7. Certify your Mail
Many property management Grand Rapids firms certify every piece of mail that goes out to the client. That way, they can ensure the communication was received or refused. Either way, a record is kept, and you can prove what has or hasn’t been done.
Tenant communication when managing your own property can be an overwhelming experience. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. If you find a good Grand Rapids property management partner, many of these issues can be easily taken care of for you. For more information, contact us online or call us at 616-419-8880 today!
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