Tenant Appreciation - What do you do and Why?

[Wren Martin]

On the Multi-Tenant Commercial properties I manage we do a couple of things each year to show Tenant Appreciation that I feel helps with Tenant Relations and Retention.  

Once a year we schedule an Ice Cream Social at each property.  A local vendor will set up in a common area on the property, usually mid-afternoon a couple hours after lunch but before most employees leave for home.  The vendor will make Ice Cream Sundaes for all Tenant employees to come enjoy.  This usually last's about 2 hours and gives the Tenant's the opportunity to mingle with each other and with Property Management in a social, fun environment.  The Tenant's love this event and look forward to it each year.

We pass out a treat during the holiday season that can be shared with all the Employees in the Office, usually something simple like Gourmet Popcorn or Fairy Tale Brownies.  This gives us another opportunity to visit the Tenant, casually inspect the space, and have some positive interaction with the Tenant.

Also once a year we send out a survey to each Tenant, usually to the business owner or office manager asking for feedback on their experience as a Tenant.  We give a gift card, maybe $25 - $50 Visa/MC or Starbucks, to each Tenant that returns the survey.

I don't currently do anything for my single family properties but I'm thinking about starting something, maybe a small $5-$10 Starbucks card or Movie Tickets once or twice a year after an inspection subject to satisfactory property condition.

I would love to hear what other Investor / Property Managers do at their properties.