Changing Small Community Perception of Apartment Complex

[Jay Helms]

And when I say small community, not that small, there are actually TWO red lights :)

We're looking a small apartment complex that will be a turn around project. Sitting at 50% occupancy, current ownership is a retiring landlord, lost interest years ago. Spending some time in the community, the feedback we've received is "you don't want to live over there" ... "that's a bad place". 

Now looking at Trulia AND being familiar with the area, crime rate is extremely low and we're convinced we have a community perception problem. 

Below is a list of our ideas to change the community's perception:

• Exterior Renovations:  paint & trim out the buildings, repave the parking lot, new signage
• New Ownership / New Management signs on the property
• Interior Renovations: newly remodeled units and remodeled laundry facility
• Have the local newspaper publish a story on our turn around project
• Provide a couple units to local sheriff deputies who will drive their police cruisers home

What are some other ideas you've incorporated to change a community's perception of a certain property?

Should we consider implementing:

• a security camera system?
• Gated access?
• Block party to invite the community?

[Thomas S.]

Police officers can make for very poor tenants, attitude is a issue and chances are none will want to live there anyway. Do not rent to them if possible. Just have them do drive by periodically.

To turn the property around you will need to get rid of every existing tenant. Does not matter how good they may appear on the surface they all must go.

Do not rent to S8 after the turn around if you want to improve the properties reputation.