Tenant one-time gifts

[Andrew Q.]

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

[Andrew B.]

Honestly, that sounds awful. Since this truly was an issue with the house, and not some minor annoyance, I think a rent credit would not be out of line. That's what I would do.