5 Ways to Show Tenants Kindness During The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us!  Where this is a busy time of year, it’s always nice to remember those who rent from you.  Isn’t the true meaning of the holiday season to share the spirit of community and humanity?  Whether you have one single family home rental or several multi-family units, here are 5 ways to show your tenants kindness during the holidays:

1. Remind them about options for package delivery

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday your tenants may be getting a lot of packages delivered.  If you have a leasing office and packages are delivered there, have your staff create a quick email/text template to let tenants know their package has arrived and is waiting for them to pick up.

If packages are delivered straight to their doorstep, maybe send an email prior to the holidays reminding them that theft is on the rise and to consider asking a neighbor to grab them if they will not be home soon, sending them to a friend or someone with a secure doorstep who will be able to bring them in to safety on their behalf.  Another option is to recommend them using a shipping locker that is available at most grocery stores.  The company sends them a code to scan when they pick it up and the locker opens up with your package safe and sound.

2. Maintain icy walkways and parking lots

With increased package delivery and guests visiting this holiday season, consider providing your property with a service or the tenant with the proper tools to remove ice where someone can slip and injure themselves.  If using a de-icing product, choose pet and environmentally friendly options.  This shows them you care and let them know they have nothing to worry about should they have a 4-legged friend living with them.

3. Send a personal greeting card

We know it’s easy to just order pre-made ones with your signatures already printed out, but it’s nice to sign and write a nice note to each tenant.  Acknowledge any achievement or loss, wish them safe travels if you know they are leaving town, or just simply state how you appreciate them as a tenant.

4. Host a holiday event or give them a gift

If you have a leasing office, consider having holiday treats or hot beverages in there for when tenants come in.  Pick a 2-hour window and host a simple holiday party for the tenants to come by and enjoy a snack.  If you have children in your complex, consider a cookie decorating area.

If there is no space for you to offer an event, consider creating small, themed gift basket.  Some gifts that tenants appreciate are:

• Movie night: (movie theater OR Netflix/streaming service gift card, microwave popcorn, some boxed candy).
• Wine/beer basket: Nice bottle of wine or 6 pack of craft beer with crackers/chips, a stick of salami, and a couple of inexpensive wine/beer glasses.
• Night out on the town: Museum or theater tickets with a gift card to get a bite to eat.
• Day out with the kids: Tickets to the zoo, amusement park, ice skating rink, or a local sporting event.  Include hats, water bottles, and maybe a gift certificate to a local ice cream shop or pizza parlor.

Here’s a gift basket you can purchase for $25.  Drop ship it direct to your tenant!

Prefer to add value to your units? Create a gift certificate for a free painted room or a cleaning service.  This maintains your unit while pleasing the tenant at the same time!

At the very least, consider sending each tenant a small gift card to a local coffee or sandwich shop.  This way they can pop in for a treat on you in honor of the holiday season.

5. Decorate or hang holiday lights up

We know there are several different ways to celebrate the holidays, with Christmas and Hanukkah being the most popular, but consider decorating the public areas of the complex or offering to assist the tenant with hanging lights on their rental.  It just may bring some joy to the tenants who need it most.

If you can only pick one of these 5 ways to show your tenants kindness this holiday season, send them a gift.  This good deed will be remembered when it comes time to renew their lease.  Additionally, you may take a tax deduction up to $25 for the gift.  For information regarding gifts as business deductions click here:  Questions regarding deductions  OR for more in depth information read IRS code, publication 463.

Treating you tenants well will not only affect your bottom line, it will benefit your positive energy and mindset.  Even the smallest gesture can show your tenant you care.

Check out our other blogs to guide you on your self-management journey as a landlord:

Keeping Rental Property Documents Organized

Fall Seasonal Maintenace for Rental Properties

How to Raise Rents Without Sacrificing Tenants

10 Tips for DIY Landlords

Security Deposits: 5 Tips Landlords Should Know

Cash Reserves for Rental Properties, How Much is Enough?

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