Thanking a Renter with a Small gift at Christmas Time?

[Eric Barton]

I am new to real estate investing and took a new step in turning my first home into a rental property this year and am managing the property myself.

I currently have great renters who have kept the property in good condition and rarely ever contact me with any needs. My daily profession is in account management and I see value in thanking my customers with thank you cards and larger customers with a small gift or lunch.

I consider my rental property as a business and my tenant as a good customer. Curious if anyone thanks their renters with a small gift card ever at Christmas time thanking them for their loyal and good business or if this is a bad habit to get into? I had considered a gift card to a local restaurant in the area thinking it could continue to foster good relations in order to motivate the renter to want to stay long term by having a thoughtful but still firm landlord?

Appreciate any advice!

[Joey B.]

I have done the exact same thing with my tenants at two properties. A Christmas card, congrats card for having a baby, married, etc. and we would send a gift card to one of our local favorite places to eat. It showed them we were more than just a bill collector. I think they appreciated it and stayed for 4 years+ before buying the home from us......Thats an entirely diffrent story. Just remember that if you acquire multiple properties and this becomes a norm....Budget accordingly!

Merry X-MAS