New Tenant Tips

[Gabe C.]

I closed on my first rental on my new plan and secured a tenant to move in in April. I want to make sure I start things off on the right foot and make them feel welcome, but I also don't want to overdo it. I was thinking of a gift card for a dinner or maybe a place like Target for supplies in a card or gift basket. What sorts of things do you guys do for your new tenants? I remember when I moved into apartments when I was younger, sometimes I'd find a bottle of wine or chocolates or a cheese basket, and it always made the place feel a little warmer.

[Beth L.]

I like to provide things like a new shower curtain liner, a starter bottle of certain cleaners you may want them to use. (i.e. I have a smooth top stove and SS appliances so I provide cleaners for those.) Maybe a nice handsoap.

In the past, I had an inexpensive picture on the mantle to make the place look nice for the showing. The tenant expressed interest in it, so I left it as the gift.

I have also given a small plant on occasion.

I always leave a greeting card. They make them for "Congrats on your new home". If I find some l like I stock up on them and leave them with the gift for each new tenant, with a personalized message written inside.