As the new landlord, how do you start off with the neighbors?

Question

Hello all!

I am in the process of buying a SFR to rent out.  It is currently owner-occupied; the present owner is moving out.  As far as I can tell, the neighborhood is mostly owner-occupiers, with a few rental homes here and there.  It's probably a B-class neighborhood.

I'm sure the neighbors will see the current owner moving out, and me and tradespeople going in and out (it needs a few repairs), and some of them will probably say hello.  I plan to say hello and tell them the basics: I've bought the house, I'm fixing it up, and I plan to rent it out.

My question: Do you give the neighbors your phone number / contact information when you've bought a house?

What I hope to do is reassure the neighbors that I'm going to be a "good neighbor", and make them comfortable enough to give me a call if they notice something odd with the property that doesn't warrant an immediate call to the cops, fire department, etc.  Like, "Hey, the mail has been piling up over there for a week", or "I haven't seen their car for a week and the grass is a foot high", or whatever.

What I don't want is to sound like I'm asking them to spy on my tenants for me.  Like, say I rent it to a single lady, I don't really want the elderly neighbor calling me to breathlessly report that *one* man visited on Tuesday night but, heavens above, a *different* man visited on Thursday night!

So... how do you all do it?

Thanks!

Marcia Maynard · Answer

We introduce ourselves and hand out our business card that states our mission statement.... "We strive to provide safe, clean, affordable, comfortable and quite housing for responsible renters in the neighborhoods of West Vancouver." We let them know we have a small family business and manage our properties ourselves.

We also emphasize that we care about the community, partner with law enforcement, and strive to maintain well kept homes. We also let them know we will consider referrals, so if they know of good people looking to rent, we encourage them to pass along our information.

Neighbors will be curious to see the inside of the home during and after you do the renovation. Invite them over for a peek. Ask them for their ideas if they are inclined to share their thoughts. One thing I wanted to do on our last rehab, but didn't do because our new tenant was moving in right away, was to host a BBQ after the house was ready. Inviting the neighbors, previous owner, and our team of workers to celebrate the completion of the remodel, with a tour included, helps spread good will.

Frank Dimino · Answer

IMO it's a good idea to given them a way to contact you. Ask them to call if something is wrong at the place. Offer them an incentive like $50 if they find a tenant that passes your screening and rents the place. They will ask people they know and feel would be good neighbors they want in the house.

It helps they watch the house when it not rented if they know you care about the area.

When its empty let them use the driveway if it helps them out, it makes the house look lived in .

Michele Fischer · Answer

Agree to give out your contact info.  We get called about fires and concerns about drug dealing, not who spent the night.  We see the neighbors during each tenant turnover process, it's good to keep things friendly, and always ask if they know of anyone who is looking for a place.  You can also give them a one page flyer about the opening to pass along to people their know and like.

Daria B. · Answer

@Matt R.basically what @Marcia Maynardsaid.

It's important, I think, to let the other OO know if there are any problems who they can contact. Whether self-managing or farming it out to a PM. When I purchased one of my SFR and the neighbors were outside, they introduced themselves as I did and when they heard me say "it's an investment property and I will be renting it out" the look of joy went to "OMG who are they going to allow to move in and what does that mean for us". I reassured them by giving contact information to them and said if they ever had any issues they could call. But because my rental is in a B+ neighborhood my tenants have been nothing but stellar. Not to say something couldn't happen in a B+ neighborhood but less likely in one that is a war zone.

Linda Liberatore · Answer

Congrats! Best of Luck-  Keep us updated on the new journey!

Matt R. · Answer

@Marcia Maynard@Daria B.@Michele Fischer@Dawn Anastasi@Jordan S.@Frank Dimino@Sterling White@Eddie T. @Linda Liberatore

Thanks to all for the ideas and tips!

I get possession in the middle of March, so I'll get some better business cards fired up before then.  If things go well, maybe by May I'll have a happy tenant and happy neighbors.

Thanks!

Linda Liberatore · Answer

We have found like most other decisions giving out your card is a business like approach that works and as Sterling suggested the timing can be key.  Simply providing a business card sets up a great foundation for them to contact you with questions leads concerns without implying that the tenant will need to be watched. We have found it helpful to meet with the police patrol for your area and introducing yourself to contacts there can also provide a very positive foundation for you in the town. Especially while you are working on the property and beyond.

Sterling White · Answer

Great question @Matt R.it is great you are being considerate of the neighbors. As others have stated it is good to give them your contact information so they have a form of contact. However it is not necessary to go out your way to accomplish this.

As the new landlord, how do you start off with the neighbors?

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