Do you provide “ new tenant “ packers, to your NEW tenants?

Question

I see these getting more popular

I have started to provide a packet.

- it is filled with helpful household tips. Repair numbers of local repair guys, for things they break or cause.

- Filled with help numbers for financial things.

- Tips and tricks that relate to tenancy and my house

Dennis M. · Answer

Yes a few rat traps ,a can of raid  ,a pack of Newport’s and a half drank bottle of mad dog - everything they need to get up and running

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Yes but not what you're providing...under the kitchen cabinet will be instructions on how to restart the garbage disposal, etc.  Under the bath sink, will be a long comb device for removing hair from bath drains, etc.  In a hall closet will be ac filters or at least which sizes to use and when to replace the filters.  I would never have tenants contact a local contractor directly - it's my property and I want to control who the repair and cost.  If they break something, my lease states they need to inform me first.  The purpose for providing tenants with a packet is to have them maintain the property for their convenience and to set the tone that a plumber won't be coming every time they clog the sink or have a slow draining tub.  Be careful that your tenants aren't calling in contractors who can then lien your property for payment if the tenant doesn't pay.

Tyler Kress · Answer

LOL Keep It Simple Stupid :)

Joe P. · Answer

I provided an actual binder. I think my first tenant lost it and my second tenant doesn't even use it. @Nathan G. is correct -- I think the KISS method with tenants is best.

Tell them the house is like a car lease. Its yours to use, but upkeep and appearance are on YOU. Needs to be returned in the same condition the car was given to you. If not, the security deposit comes into play.

Charlie Moore · Answer

@Patricia Steiner

Fair enough! Patricia, would you ever be willing to share a  PDF of your packet so I could take some helpful tips from them? Thanks!!!

Evan Brookman · Answer

@Charlie Moore It seems helpful to every tenant and that's already enough. I agree with you. When moving to a new house, we need time to get used to the environment. And your tips about how to get start and how to run smoothly can really be helpful. I am on your side and I will take your method maybe.

Joe P. · Answer

Thanks @Tyler Kress, haha.

Yes -- KISS method. I have this problem where I explain everything to people, and they stare at me, smile, nod, pretend like they're listening and understanding and retaining everything that I'm saying. Except they're probably drawing hair on my head in their mind, or reducing my eyebrow size, or whatever. And then 5 minutes has gone by and I'm just droning on and on.

My wife tells me I do this all the time, so I leave a binder and tell them to review right away. I go over key things they need to know -- probably only partially retained -- and try to leave with a final word, e.g. this apartment lease is exactly like a car lease. Have you ever had one? If so, you know you have to return the car exactly as you've found it, else there are penalties. Its being given to you in pristine condition and the dealer wants it back just like that. If you make that happen, we're in good shape.

Charlie Moore · Answer

@Joe P.

KISS METHOD?!?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

@Charlie Moore it is my experience that the majority of your tenants could care less. They want to know how to pay rent, how to report maintenance problems, and that you'll treat them honestly and fairly. No matter how many tools you provide them, the majority won't care, won't read them, won't remember them, and won't abide by them.

I created a 100-page document for my 300+ rentals. It includes instructions for making payments, submitting maintenance requests, breaking a lease, adding/removing a tenant or pet, cleaning instructions, and much more. Fewer than 5% of my tenants ever reference it.

Jason D. · Answer

@Charlie Moore why would you want your tenants calling in their own repairs, without your knowledge?

I want to be the one in control of this, so I always have my tenants contact me for any repairs that they feel are needed, and I make the final decision.

Do you provide “ new tenant “ packers, to your NEW tenants?

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