Positive Reinforcement – It Works!
Quick little landlording tip here. You’ll have far fewer tenants moving out, and their overall happiness will be higher (read: your life will be easier as a property owner and/or manager) if they feel at home. One way to assist with this is to come up with a list of approved decorating ideas / techniques. This can be as simple as allowing pictures to be put up, or curtains to be changed, or perhaps even some painting. The important thing here is that it all has to be approved, and that tenants know these allowances are privileges given to excellent tenants with an impeccable rental history with you.
An example of what I have found useful: If you’re planning on painting a suite that has excellent long term tenants in place already who have no intention of leaving, why not come up with 3 or 4 choices of wall colour and let them choose? This way, you’re making them feel included in the decision and allowing at least a small level of personalization that will no doubt be appreciated. You’re going to want to follow all regular guidelines such as keeping the colour scheme neutral but even this small amount of choice is a gesture not many landlords will make. You’ll have happier tenants if you are not the average landlord.
One drawback of this is technique is that you may feel it is costing you more. Maybe you’re like me and you already know that buying paint in bulk is a great way to save cash (especially when it is in bulk, and on sale, and double Air Miles or $10 of any one purchase etc.) and you’ve got 3 gallons of it laying around the storage shed already. Fine, you’re buying more paint and expensing that. You’re also probably going to keep those excellent tenants longer, meaning you are postponing the expense of advertising a vacancy (at minimum) or the loss of actually having a vacancy. Plus, your property is better maintained when you DO get that notification of an upcoming vacancy. Thus, making your life easier.
Here is a link to some tips on creative decorating ideas that your tenants will love and you will too!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/off-the-wall-creative-uses-for-wallpaper-175266
Regards,