The Rental Standard | Tag Archive

Tag Archive - Renters

Renter Profile: Chicago Renter Moves for a Shorter Snow Trek

By Sarah Gabot on February 9, 2012 in Renters with 1 Comment

The city dubbed the “Windy City” and home to jazz and blues music is full of unique neighborhoods and rich history. Also famous for having their own “Chicago-style” foods, you’re likely to find locals and visitors alike enjoying a deep dish pizza or a Chicago-style hot dog (hold the ketchup, of course).

Charlotte Cunningham, law student at Northwestern University School of Law, initially found an apartment looking to save money while attending school, but switched apartments for the convenience of a shorter commute in the blustery winter.

Renters need to be heard.

Cunningham’s apartment in her first year of law school was full of one-way communications. She lived in an older building a few neighborhoods away from school that needed regular maintenance. “I would call, and they wouldn’t respond,” she said, “Then I would e-mail so they’d have a paper record. It took 2-3 weeks for it to be addressed.” The frustration and distance from school was enough reason for her to find a new apartment as soon as her lease was up.

Renters need excellent and professional customer service throughout their lease. Renters don’t want to feel neglected and ignored after they sign leases, and if they do, they certainly won’t be signing it again.

Acknowledge renters when they have needs and let them know there’s someone else on the other side of the phone or e-mail. Even if you can’t fix the problems right away, at least respond to them and give them a status report. They’ll appreciate your effort of keeping them up-to-date.

The rental search on foot.

For the next apartment, Cunningham started her search on Craigslist and tried out a few apartment rental search companies to no avail. She said, “The places they showed me were apartments I didn’t care for.” So, she took her mission on foot, where she found her next apartment in the Gold Coast.

Renters that don’t find rental resources useful will take matters into their own hands. To make better matches, use apartment marketing software that matches renters to their perfect property to avoid a renter-apartment disconnect. Also, don’t forget to advertise the “old school” way of posting signs and other forms of local advertising to catch prospective renters that take the hunt on foot.

Searching for a shorter winter trek.

Although Chicago is full of life and has many neighborhoods with many unique characteristics, sometimes it’s better to decide on a property based on walkability. Cunnningham said, “To determine the where you want to live in Chicago, you need to ask yourself, ‘How far am I willing to trudge through the snow?’ Base it on that.”

Originally, she was determined to force herself to explore Chicago by choosing her first apartment away from school. The heavy winter snow quickly changed that. What seemed to be a quick commute to school became a long trek, battling through extreme weather. Accustomed to a milder climate, she said, “I found myself in a huge sleeping bag jacket that made me look like a trash bag monster.”

People generally endure a commute at least five days per week. A shorter commute time is extremely valuable, especially when you’re working against the elements. You’ll find that renters are even willing to pay more to avoid a far commute. Chicago’s the 4^th most walkable city in the U.S., so publish your unit’s Walk Score to attract renters looking for an apartment that’s nearby lots of amenities.

The bottom line.

A short commute and attention from rental management will win over almost any renter. People are always trying to limit their battles with extreme weather, especially in places like Chicago. But if you want renter loyalty, put your best foot forward and listen to your renters. Frustrated renters are quick to leave to find better treatment. Either offer them the best service, or don’t expect them to stay very long.

Renter Profile: Charlotte Cunningham

Current neighborhood: Gold Coast, Chicago

When I am looking for an apartment, I look on…: Craigslist, PadMapper or look around on foot.

Top 3 apartment qualities: Good price, ample lighting and laminate/hardwood floors

Renter Profile: Seattle Renter Finds a Home with Character

By Sarah Gabot on February 1, 2012 in Renters with Comments Off

Out in the “Pac-Nor,” Seattle is often referred to the birthplace of the indie rock music scene and the mecca for greener living. Nicknamed as the “Emerald City,” Seattle is surrounded by evergreens that are attracting new residents every year.

Jen Post fell in love with Seattle two years ago. She left her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio to be with a city that had values that aligned with her own. Seattle was city that was environmentally conscious, walkable and close to nature. Seattle had all of these perks without having the congested “big city feel.”

While preparing to leave for her dream city, Post did her apartment research from Cleveland. Unlike many renters who look for properties with new amenities, she had her heart set on finding a unit that had character and fit her lifestyle.

A lifestyle fit.

After returning home from her trip to Seattle, Post was determined to move there. Her hometown Cleveland was built on America’s industrial age, and is full of factories and ports. Seattle, in contrast, focused on greener living and an eco-friendly lifestyle. She also found that so many other activities fit her interests. “There are over 30 things you can do in Seattle any day,” she said, “It’s really alive here.”

Renters aren’t only looking for a property that matches their interest, but they also want an area that fits their lifestyle. When advertising properties, publish amenities that are unique to the area, such as nearby attractions, events and points of interest.

Finding some “old world” charm.

Post listed the various amenities that she didn’t care for that would be on the top of most renters’ lists. She didn’t want an in-unit washer and dryer, parking or stainless steel appliances. She wanted a vintage building, a clawfoot tub and pocket doors. So she searched Craigslist for those keywords. She said, “I felt that these older apartment buildings are sturdier because they were built with materials that were more expensive.”

You may think that all renters think the same and want the same amenities, but they don’t. Add unique keywords to describe your property in your apartment ads, renters aren’t always searching for the same key terms.

“I was lucky.”

Post landed herself an apartment that had all the “old world” style features she wanted for a bargain price. From her window, she can see the iconic Space Needle peaking through the buildings. Although she sacrificed the luxuries of a large kitchen, elevator and garage parking, she still considers herself lucky for finding this apartment.

Renters have their own tastes and preferences. Just because your property is a walkup, it doesn’t mean that your apartment is difficult to rent. Don’t always feel the need to upgrade your unit to modernize, because you can highlight your property’s vintage qualities as selling points.

The bottom line.

Renters want to find a city and a property that aligns with their lifestyles and beliefs. Some go as far as to leaving their hometowns to be with people like themselves. When advertising an apartment, don’t only sell the property, but sell the lifestyle and culture of the environment.

People fall in love with apartments for different reasons. Renters have different criteria for what they’re looking for, so don’t assume that all renters are the same. If your apartment is older, it’s not always a weakness. Some renters appreciate a building with rich history.

Renter Profile: Jen Post

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Current neighborhood: Capitol Hill, Seattle

Resources used for researching Seattle: Network and a blog by a couple that relocated to Seattle from Dallas

Tenant Alterations: 3 Factors to Consider

By Sarah Gabot on January 30, 2012 in Property Management with Comments Off

A happy tenant is a happy customer. Sometimes, renters have plans of their own when considering decorating or enhancing your property. If you allow renters to make these changes, you can encourage a positive relationship and show you trust them. If you don’t, your tenant may not always be understanding. Unhappy customers have a lot of power because they can write bad reviews, affect your reputation or choose to leave your property.

There are three factors you need to consider when your renter requests to alter your property:

#1: How permanent is the change?

There’s a huge difference between asking to knock down a wall and making a hole in a wall to hang a mirror. For alterations that are not permanent, consider the time it takes to reverse the alteration. For example, having to spackle a wall after a tenant may be worth it if the tenant is happy and chooses to renew the lease. Also, you can request that the tenant restores the change back to its original condition, meaning they have to fix it after they move out.

#2: Is it “damage”?

If your apartment needs a paint touch up, and your tenant wants to repaint, there isn’t much harm in the alteration. If you allow your tenant to improve or alter your apartment, just make sure you get it all down in writing. Create a document stating the exact changes that will be made and whether you’ll be reimbursing them for the labor and materials.

#3: Is the alteration protected by law?

The federal Fair Housing Act protects alterations for a disabled person, with your prior approval. Your property needs to be comfortable and safe for your tenants, like lowering cabinets.

Federal law also allows tenants to install wireless antennas and small satellite dishes, so that they can send and receive wireless signals. Also, know your state laws, so that you’re familiar with what types of alterations are protected.

The Apartment Search: Finding Excellent Customer Service

By Sarah Gabot on January 24, 2012 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

It's important to offer excellent customer service to renters.

After renters whittle down the amount of apartment listings to a manageable few, they take the next step and start reaching out. Once e-mails start going out and phone start to ring, only half the work is done in closing out the lease. As soon as you make contact with a prospective renter, you’re being judged.

Hitting the wrong note with a renter risks losing a potential lead. That’s why you need to watch what you say and how you say it.

Exceptional customer service was what Ellen Mae Valdez, a renter relocating to Texas, used to pick a property. In yesterday’s post, we discussed her online search process. After she narrowed down her choices, impeccable customer service was key to signing her next lease.

Customer service as a quality indicator.

According to Valdez, she weighed the quality of an apartment a lot on the customer service provided. She said, “When I talked to agents, 50 percent of my interest was in affordability, 30 percent in environment and amenities, and 20 percent in customer service.”

Rental professionals that were unprepared and unpolished got their properties tossed to the bottom of the pile. Treat every prospective renter like it’s your only renter. If renters have questions, you’re expected to have answers. Even if you don’t have the answers right away, your commitment to finding them shows renters your dedication to helping them. Renters like that.

Using customer service for the long haul.

Renters look for quality customer service from rental professionals because they want positive interactions in the future. When renters look for a rental broker, they want someone they can use again when they need to move. Property managers and landlords are expected to help tenants when things go wrong in the unit. Renters use their first impressions of rental professionals as indicators of quality service.

Valdez said, “When you rent, it’s not your property. You have to call other people to fix things. I want to know that if I have a problem, I won’t be slapped on the wrist for it. I don’t want to be penalized for requests or questions I have.”

Once renters choose a property, they’re making a commitment to the property and to relationship with the rental professional. Give them respect, answer their questions and be friendly. Renters want to know they’ll be taken care of during their tenancy, and won’t be neglected.

The Apartment Search: How a Renter Searches Online

By Sarah Gabot on January 23, 2012 in Renters, Uncategorized with 1 Comment

Renters looking for a new apartment need to go through hundreds of listings.

Renters who need to to move or find a new apartment head straight for their computers to help start the search for a new home. It can be difficult to figure out what renters are thinking as they go through this process.

Ellen Mae Valdez, a registered nurse, who relocated from California to Texas, told us about her rental search process. Her methods prove that renters are particular and sensitive to many small details that are frequently overlooked by rental professionals.

The search started on Google.

Completely unfamiliar with her new hometown, Valdez started her research for her new Texas home on Google. She searched “Apartments in Temple, Texas,” which is a very common search for people looking for apartments in a specific city. In fact, the most common search word for rental searches is “apartment,” as noted in the guide on creating “Better Rental Websites.”

While on Google, Valdez looked at the results on the first page, assuming that the best results would appear first. Renters are quick to make decisions, and expect Google to give them the best results first. That’s why renters focus their attention on the top search results, and neglect the rest. If you want your rental business to get visibility on Google, rental professionals need to channel energy into SEO, which helps get websites higher in Google search results.

Then, she went to Craigslist.

While some renters go to Craigslist first, Valdez went to it second. She skipped listings with subject lines that obviously were visually trying to grab her attention. “I skipped the ones with all caps or up and down letters,” she said, “It’s like they were yelling at me. I didn’t like that. It was also unreadable.” Writing visually distracting subject lines grab renters’ attention, but make sure it’s the right kind.

Once she started opening apartment ads, she looked for one major item: a link to an external website. Apartment rental listing on Craigslist are a sufficient way of getting essential information about a unit to a prospective renter, but a rental website is expected to give more details. Valdez said, “If they don’t have a link, I don’t go much further.”

She felt that if a rental business is professional, it should have a website to support it. She said, “The website is the first impression you get from the business.”

Websites need to be intuitive.

Rental websites need to answer all the questions renters may have by including all the information they need. Requiring renters to call for more information is one additional step they don’t really want to take.

“The websites needed to be especially intuitive,” Valdez said, “They need to include enough details about the apartment, and be organized.” Websites that didn’t provide the details she needed, she abandoned.

Rental websites that are easy to navigate are essential for renters. Renters on websites that don’t tend to their needs will find one that will. Websites that cover their bases will get rental leads.

Learn about how this renter decided on a property based on one factor in tomorrow’s blog post.

Will Rental Leasing One Day Be Completely Digital?

By Sarah Gabot on January 19, 2012 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Prospective renters used to turn to the paper’s Classifieds to find their next apartment, circling and highlighting potential properties, then inquiring by phone call on a landline phone.

Today, the newspaper Classifieds is a seldom-used medium for renters to find their next property. Renters turn to online listing sites like Craigslist or Apartments.com, fill out online forms, or find the location of the property in maps embedded in listings.

The digital world slowly crept up on us and is replacing nearly every once-manual task in the rental prospecting procedure. Renters get video tours of an apartment, analyzing how “walkable” a property is by its Walk Score and even deciding who to give business based on online reviews.

So, the next natural question is: What’s next?

In my opinion, the rental industry’s digital usage is still in its infancy. Paperwork and face-to-face interactions will dwindle. One day, renters won’t need to attend showings or fill out paper applications, because it’ll be handled digitally. Rather than stopping by a broker’s office, renters will start to video conference through medium like Skype or FaceTime.

The rise of digital tablets and Smartphones are game changers, also. Renters don’t need a computer to browse listings, and can do it on-the-go. Those looking to move are checking listings anywhere and everywhere on their downtime – on the bus, waiting in line, or even on their lunch break. One day, renters will be able to find a listing, talk to an agent, take a tour and sign a lease in a swift series on their mobile device.

Technology in rentals is moving forward, and it’s moving fast. The tasks that you’re doing manually now will one day be performed digitally. To those who are reluctant to incorporating technology into their rental business: What will you do when the renters start signing leases straight from their iPads or Smartphone? Getting in front of technology isn’t an easy job, but as more renters adopt new technologies, you should as well.

Keep Good Tenants: Establish a Positive Tenant-Landlord Relationship

By Sarah Gabot on January 6, 2012 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Send your tenants greeting cards for special occasions.

Send your tenants greeting cards on special occasions.

Every so often, you find the “ideal” tenant that does everything perfectly: pays the rent on time, maintains the property, and causes no problems. You definitely want to keep these renters for as long as possible. How do you entice them to stay? You need to have a positive relationship with your tenants so they don’t want to leave.

You need to be the best landlord they’ve ever had, because renters are also judging you, too.

Use these 3 tips to keep your property filled with good renters:

Tip #1: Get to know your renter.

Nothing is more dehumanizing than being referred to as a nameless “client,” “renter,” or “tenant.” If you don’t know what your renter’s name is, it can make him or her feel insignificant or like just another number. Learn the names of all of people in the family (kids and all), and try to learn at least one fact about them. For example, if you know one of the kids plays soccer, ask how the season is going.

Knowing small facts about your tenants will make you seem personable and likeable. At the very least, know the first name of your tenants and address them by it.

Tip #2: Address renter needs and requests promptly.

A landlord that is unresponsive to concerns and requests comes off as uncaring and unprofessional. When a tenant approaches you with a need, give him or her your full attention and take care of what needs to be addressed. If requests can’t be done immediately, stay professional and calmly explain the situation.

Tenants don’t want to feel unimportant to their landlords. Whether you have one tenant or a hundred, your renters want to be heard.

Tip #3: Be the “nice” landlord.

You want your renters to say, “Oh, that was nice of my landlord.” You can accomplish this by making nice gestures to your tenants every so often. Send greeting cards to your tenants on special occasions like birthdays. Not only is this good public relations, but you’ll learn that your tenants like to be remembered by their landlord.

How to Attract Generation Y Renters

By Sarah Gabot on December 27, 2011 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Attract Generation Y renters to your properties.

Generation Y focuses on social experiences and connectedness.

Generation Y is the next wave of renters. Actually, it’s a huge wave. There are about 70 million people in Generation Y, who are people born from 1982 to the early 2000‘s. These renters, sometimes known as “Gen Y” or “Millennials,” come with very specific wants and needs that you must know about if you want to start attracting them as tenants.

Use these 3 tips to attract Gen Y renters to your properties:

Tip #1: Show your apartment’s “connectedness.”

This generation thrives on being connected. Hence, the reason they spend hours on social networking sites or glued to their smartphones.

Gen Y also needs to be connected in real life. Meaning, they appreciate being close to social places like cafes, shopping or friends. Also, many of Gen Y are recent college graduates, so they’re fresh out of dorm life, and are used to closely knit communities.

Therefore, emphasize the stores and other conveniences that your property is near. Use tools like Walk Score to demonstrate how walkable your property is. Show that your property is close to the local “happenings.”

Tip #2: Post everywhere.

There’s no question that Generation Y is extremely tech-savvy. This means, when they start looking for an apartment, they’re avid researchers using the internet. This generation looks at several websites when searching for an apartment, trying to find the best deal and options.

While your listing may be on Craigslist, which is the primary resource for rental hunters, that can’t be the only place you post. Don’t forget about other sites with listings or building your own website for rentals. If this adds too much work, use a tool that posts your listings to multiple sites at the same time. If they’re looking at several websites, make sure you’re found, too.

Tip #3: Remodel for the latest and greatest.

Generation Y are big time shoppers. They like things that are “new” and “innovative.” In fact, since many of this generation are used to living in a dorm or apartment from college, they’re used to the small space.

Living in a “hip” apartment can be like a status symbol, and a place to impress friends. Having the best amenities and property can be like showing off buying the latest iPhone.

If you want to attract this demographic, you may have to make some upgrades to your unit to increase appeal. To Gen Y, the newer the amenities, the better.

Renter Profile: Tenant Finds a Safe Apartment in Honolulu

By Sarah Gabot on December 16, 2011 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

Hawaii, where the local hand gesture is a shaka, meaning “hang loose,” and people arrive on “Hawaiian time” (late), you’d think that everything is as easy-going as their attitude. Well, apartment hunting isn’t that simple.

In fact, according to the Honolulu Start Advertiser, Honolulu is the least affordable city for renters.

Anne Villaruz, a registered nurse at Queen’s Hospital, tossed Craigslist to the side and searched for an apartment by foot, looking for a high-rise property with the most safety.

“Paradise” doesn’t always equal “safe.”

The idea of a “perfect” paradise was shattered by Villaruz’s first apartment in Honolulu. Her first apartment was located in Waikiki, a pristine tourist area that’s iconic of many vacation postcards and TV shows.

It was seemingly an ideal apartment; it was away from the busy Waikiki strip, and blocks away from Waiola’s, a popular Hawaiian shaved ice shop. This wasn’t the case when someone started to pry open her living room window one late night.

During a late night of studying, Villaruz heard someone trying to remove the glass on of her apartment window. While she scared off the intruder that night, finding a new, safer apartment suddenly topped her “to do” list. She needed to get out of her apartment as soon as possible.

Renters that need to feel safe where they live. An apartment is where a renter sleeps, eats and lives. Nobody wants to feel threatened in their own home. In a rental unit, once the comfort of safety is out of the picture, the renter will be, too.

Searching for apartments on foot.

After unsuccessfully finding apartments through Craigslist, she decided to forego the online search and do the hunt on foot.

“I didn’t like what I was seeing on Craigslist,” Villaruz said, “I kind of got disappointed.”

Walking around Waikiki, she looked at the bulletin boards of many buildings, hoping to find her next home. She said, “I was surrounded by a lot of high rises, so that’s where I started to search.”

She finally found her ideal apartment in Mo’ili’ili, just outside of Waikiki.

Safety in the high-rises.

Villaruz found safety on the fifth floor in a neighborhood named Mo’ili’ili. Now that she’s behind a security guard, security gate and a long flight of stairs, she feels more protected from potential intruders.

It’s so safe, she’s stayed in her apartment in paradise for three additional years.

The bottom line.

Not everybody resorts to Craigslist when looking for an apartment. Don’t forget about publicizing your properties with “old school” advertising for local exposure. While the majority of renters begin their apartment search online, there are still people that do it on foot. You’ll never know when your apartment catches the eye of a passerby.

Renters looking for their next apartment need the peace of mind that they will be safe. Nobody wants to have their guard up in their own home. Renters who feel vulnerable or unprotected in their homes also feel that it’s their cue to leave.

Make your renters feel safe. Although sometimes you can’t change environmental factors to increase the safety of your unit, you can control the safety of the unit itself. Add extra locks to windows and doors so that you can assure your renters that your property is a safe place. Safe units keep renters sticking around.

Renter Profile: Anne Villaruz

Previous Neighborhoods: Waikiki

“My ‘perfect’ apartment is nearby…”: Work

“My apartment MUST have…”: Air conditioning

How to Show a Property that’s Currently Occupied

By Sarah Gabot on December 14, 2011 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

You can still close a lease on currently occupied apartment.

Don’t put up signs on properties that are currently occupied.

A vacant property risks losing profit if you can’t fill it with another renter right away. Sometimes, you can’t afford to have a gap between tenants and need to fill the property as soon as the last tenant leaves. Showing an occupied property can be tricky, because it requires cooperation with your current tenant and you can’t stage your property like you would if it were vacant.

Learn how to show your property that’s occupied with a current renter with these 4 tips:

Tip #1: Communication with you current tenant.

Your current renters probably won’t be ecstatic about a showing they were unaware of. Respect your current tenants’ privacy and communicate with them your plans to show the unit.

Give them a few days notice of the days and times you plan on showing the property. That way, your current renters will know when to expect you and prospective renters to stop by.

Tip #2: Limit your showings.

Be courteous to your current renters and minimize the number showings you have. Current tenants may not be too happy if you stop by too frequently with a bunch of strangers. Respect their privacy and limit your showings to only a few per week.

Tip #3: Offer an incentive.

Entering a renter’s home to show the property can seem intrusive to some. You may want to offer your current renters a discount on the last month’s rent or give them a gift card to thank them for their cooperation. You want your current renters to be happy and helpful while you’re bringing people into your their space.

Tip #4: Keep the signs down.

While it may be tempting to post a large “For Rent” sign on the window of your property, avoid doing so. Since there are tenants still living inside your unit, you don’t want them to be bothered by any curious, prospective renters. Don’t put up “For Rent” signs to prevent your current tenants from being bothered.

Page 1 of 312 3 »

Our Greatest Hits

Search