Winter move outs, ways of discouraging

[Kenneth LaVoie]

As most of you know, vacancies can be harder to fill than warmer times of the year. People who have their "lives together" TEND to move when the weather is more cooperative. That being said, our phone rings just as much. It's just that 9 out of 10 callers are that class of people who HAVE to move because they're being evicted, or just "feel like a change". It's extraordinary...as the quality of our tenants has slowly improved, our winter vacancies have increased in length. We just had an absolutely lovely 2 BR apartment sit for 7 months. New paint, flooring, etc. 7 months. Winter being about over, just like a switch, we rented it a couple of days ago, as well as another that isn't even vacant yet!

We've struggled with ideas ... penalties, rewards, etc. but nothing feels quite right (or completely legal! haha!) I know oftentimes, when we have winter move outs, they simply need to move then and no amount of reward or penalty is going to keep them there. Do any of you have any ideas you've tried or want to try? Love to hear thoughts! 

Thank you!