Landlords have a duty to provide a safe and habitable place for their tenants to live. But the rental market is far too competitive to stop there. Renters are looking for much more than just a roof over their heads.
For landlords who are trying to keep up with day-to-day operations on their own, there is sometimes a disconnect between tenant concerns and their own priorities. In its many years as one of the top St. Louis property management companies,
Select Leasing & Management knows what matters to renters. These seven things top the list of tenant concerns.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a renter who didn’t care about the safety and security of themselves and their belongings. Landlords know this. But they’re not the ones coming home late at night, taking the trash to the alley, or going to the dark basement laundry room. In fact, how many landlords ever bother to visit their properties after dark?
Be sure there’s ample lighting throughout the property to make everyone feel safer. Entryway lights can be on a timer from dusk until dawn. Consider motion sensor lights in hallways near storage areas and the laundry room.
Where a sturdy deadbolt and a chain lock once were enough, today’s renters will appreciate more tech-savvy solutions like coded keyless entry and front door cameras they can access on a smartphone.
Inflation and a lack of inventory are just two things that are responsible for increased rent across the country. It’s no surprise that many tenants worry that there will be an increase. While landlords have the right to raise rent, they can be mindful of how the news will impact their tenants.
It is important to know the legal way to increase rent. For example, it can’t take effect until the end of the current lease agreement. And landlords can’t try to force out bad tenants by upping the price.
If a rental property gets significant improvements or additional amenities, that is a
valid reason to raise the rent. It also makes sense to raise rent if local market prices in general have gone up. Landlords must give ample notice and should deliver the news with compassion. They must also understand that even though the increase is necessary, not all tenants will be able to handle the financial impact and some might look for a new place to live.
Responses to maintenance requests are always a concern for tenants. Not only is it imperative to fix problems quickly, but it must also be easy for renters to inform management about issues.
Today’s tenants have less patience for traditional ways of getting in touch to let someone know there’s a problem. Having to visit the property management office or leave a voicemail is going to seem old-fashioned to most renters. At the very least, give them the option of texting maintenance concerns. Better yet, set up an online portal through the management company’s website, or even an app, as a way to both request maintenance and check on the status of the work order.
When it comes to performing maintenance, keep the lines of communication open. Respond immediately, let the tenant know a timeframe for the repair, and follow through to see it is done on time.
Knowing what is and isn’t allowed can be a concern for tenants. They may wonder if they are allowed to paint their apartment. Or if their neighbor’s late-night parties are breaking a rule. And will the landlord spray for bugs, or do they need to do it themselves?
One solution is to make access to the lease available online. Provide a copy of the document in a format that’s easily brought up on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Renters can use this resource to answer their own questions about the rules or fine print in the lease document—without having to contact the landlord or property management company or dig out a paper copy from their files.
Most property management companies can also initiate their leases and rental agreements with electronic signatures online. Particularly in the era of COVID-19, this proved to be an efficient, easy way to take care of the usual paperwork. For younger renters who do almost everything online, it’s a no-brainer. And chances are that if they originally signed it electronically, they’ll have a copy somewhere on their phone or computer when they have questions.
A Victorian-era home with antique features or a mid-century modern with a retro vibe will attract a specific group of renters. Most renters, however, prefer modern fixtures and updated amenities. Adding a few inexpensive features can make a big impact on the way a rental unit is perceived.
New cabinet hardware, faucets, or a rainfall showerhead are easy ways to update a bathroom. If it’s time for a complete remodel and the budget allows, walk-in showers are often preferred over tubs. In the kitchen, switch out old appliances for stainless steel.
Electronics and connectivity are a big concern, especially with more people working from home. Think about replacing ordinary electric outlets with ones that include USB connectors. Smart thermostats and keyless entry will be well received too. And a high-speed internet connection is a must, even if the cost is passed on as part of the utilities.
Concern for the environment is a hot-button issue that is on the minds of many tenants these days. Highlighting eco-friendly touches throughout a property will not only satisfy current tenants but can help attract new ones. Plus, it is estimated that 42% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable goods and services, so investments in this area can translate to more revenue for a landlord.
At the very least, apartment building owners should think about setting up recycling bins and water bottle filling stations. Solar lights along outdoor walkways are inexpensive and easy to install. And if the budget allows, charging stations for electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly marketable perk.
Landlords can also go green with non-toxic, natural cleaning products. And tenants might appreciate environmentally friendly products around the property, such as sustainable mulch in the landscaping or picnic tables and playground equipment made of recycled materials.
Finally, energy-efficient appliances aren’t just good for the planet but can also save money on water and electricity—a welcome thing for tenants paying their own utilities.
Property management companies wish some landlords understood how crucial communication and respect are to tenants. Tenants want to be informed about important changes. For example, let renters know in advance about maintenance projects that could impact them. And give them plenty of notice of upcoming rent increases.
Everyone wants to be treated with kindness and compassion. If tenants have the impression that their requests and concerns are ignored, that’s a big problem. So is feeling like some of the rules and regulations are condescending or meant to single them out. Refrain from rude or disrespectful instructions or reprimands and opt for kind reminders instead.
Successful landlords understand that keeping tenants happy is part of their job. Evaluate all reasonable concerns and consider focusing your energy and budget on those projects. Aligning your goals and priorities for the building with your tenants’ concerns can help build the relationship for years to come.
But if you have your hands full keeping up with the day-to-day management of the property, let alone the issues that worry your renters, consider a St. Louis property management company like Select Leasing & Management. They’re experts at managing all aspects of your property, including what is most important to your tenants.
Article originally published October 6, 2020.
12851 Manchester Rd., Ste 110
St. Louis, MO, 63131
