gift baskets for first time tenants

[Colt Clark]

so, this evening as i spoke to my wife about a property i have found that i am interested in. We got into a deeper discussion about managing rental properties/goals/etc. I think she actually had a really good idea.

she believes that providing gift baskets for first time tenants that include general house warming gifts, cleaning supplies,maybe a recipe book  and even a small book or brochure of how to care of  a house would be a great start to a relationship/good tenant.

the goal of this would be to obviously motivate your tenant to take care of your property, keep it clean, and to create a level of respect between both parties right off the bat. that means (rent on time, communication, a good experience from beginning to end.)

im interested in hearing your thoughts about this and if any of you are or have already tried it?

comment and vote!

thanks!

[Marcia Maynard]

NEW TENANT GIFTS

Here's what we give new tenants.....

Cleaning Bucket with Cleaning Supplies:white vinegar, baking soda, awesome degreaser, disinfectant wipes, carpet spot cleaner, magic eraser, all purpose cleaner, scrub sponge.

Tote Bag with Useful Items and Tools:hand soap, paper towels, plastic garbage bags, toilet paper, toilet plunger, Zip-It (strip for clearing hair clogs from drains), plastic clothes hangers (6), shower curtain liner (good quality cloth one), laundry detergent, dish soap/dish detergent, cutting board, "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" kit, “Recycle” bag for collecting materials for recyling, magnet with our name and contact information, picture hangers.

Refreshments In the Fridge (for move-in day): several bottles of water, healthy snacks, bottle of sparking cider with a welcome note attached.

Larger items: Welcome mat, shoe tray.

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Note: Most of these items correspond with terms in our rental agreement and property rules. They serve to guide tenants in taking good care of our property. When we do the lease signing, we present each item as we are reading about the corresponding term. For example, when talking about preventing toilet clogs and what to do if the toilet overflows we present the plunger, show them how to use it and demonstrate how to use the water shut offs. It makes the review of the rental agreement interesting and helps the tenants remember the terms.

One of our tenants rented an apartment from us for several years, moved away for some years when they needed a bigger space, then moved back to our apartments when they needed a smaller space again. When I was reviewing the rental agreement and talking with her about the importance of using cutting boards and not cutting directly on the counter top, I asked her if she had a cutting board (I don't give tenants a cutting board, plunger, shower curtain liner, welcome mat, or shoe tray if they already have such). She said "Sure do! I still have the one you gave us when we moved in last time!"

Some of the items are helpful for moving day when everything is still in boxes. We also do a few other things on move-in day.... we put drop cloth runners down in the traffic areas, loan the tenants the use of moving blankets, furniture sliders, an appliance dolly, and shoe covers.  This helps protect the walls, woodwork, and floor covering while moving things in. We also loan them a step stool and a small bucket with a small hammer and approved hanging devices.