Giving back to tenants?

[Michael Wentzel]

Last year we tried something new. In early December, we sent both our tenants (we only had two units at the time) a Christmas card saying thank you and enclosing a $50 gift card. We did it mainly to say thank-you to people who are paying their rent and bless them during the Christmas season. Theoretically they might see it as a small perk of renting from us and stay longer, but that isn't the point.

Are there any more experienced investors out there (more years and more units) who given back to their tenants? Money? Gift Cards? Cookies?

Mike

[Ryan Pemberton]

One thing I've seen a local apartment complex do that I hope to employ one day (once I make it to a buy and hold status), is provide a move in goody bag.  It's just left in the apartment prior to the move in date.  

Essentially, it's a gift bag with a roll of toilet paper, roll of paper towels, some granola bars and candy, a trash bag, a small gift card for a local restaurant, and some bottled water.  

It's all very useful stuff to have when you're going through that initial moving phase that can be a little stressful.  I thought it was a great idea..and all for probably less than $20!

Just wanted to share that!