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Updated about 3 years ago, 10/08/2021
Tenant one-time gifts
Hello BP,
A quick search didn't find anything on this specific topic. Two questions for the community, with #1 the one I really need help with.
1. Does anyone have experience with giving tenants small gifts as a way to smooth over aggravations from unexpected renovations while tenant occupying the property?
background - after almost a month of rain, original wood floors in SFH started to buckle due to moisture and poor condition of subfloors (pier and beam foundation). Big tripping/general hazard so something had to be done now as lease is not up for another 5 months. We have been installing new subfloors and vinyl tile one room at a time and tenant has to move all their stuff from each room each time, and then back after install complete. So not a small amount of effort by tenant plus no access to each room for 2 days. I am considering giving a small gift, ~$50 value, as a thank you for lack of complaints and avoiding any requests for rental credits, which we will not do. The property is in a high-demand area but I want to maintain a good relationship with tenant regardless.
2. We have had good success with giving a small gift at each move in as a way to reduce minor complaints. This is a bottle of good but inexpensive champagne and disposable champagne glasses - 'hooray for choosing us' sort of message. I got this idea from the BP podcast and seems to be working well. Anyone else have success/regrets with this approach?
Thanks for any comments,
Andrew