As Second Nature, we recognize that many in the industry use terms like "tenant gifts." However, you'll see us use the term "resident" in place of "tenant" as a way to emphasize the human element of property management. There may be instances where "tenant" and "tenancy" are used for legal purposes, or in quotes from property managers or other sources, but we prefer "resident" because it better reflects who they are as people, and sets property managers up to forge stronger relationships with them.
Building strong relationships with your residents is essential to running a successful rental property (or properties).
That’s why thoughtful, well-timed gifts can be a great way to not only create a sense of community, foster goodwill, and boost retention, but ensure the long-term success of your property management business.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
Who doesn’t like feeling appreciated? Showing your residents what they mean to you can offer numerous advantages, helping to foster a positive and lasting relationship.
Investing in resident appreciation initiatives is a simple but effective way to enhance resident satisfaction and create a more harmonious living environment.
Related:
There are all kinds of thoughtful gift options that property managers can offer to residents, creating opportunities to extend a sense of community and appreciation.
Each of these gift ideas is a simple yet effective way to show residents that their satisfaction and happiness matter.
Property managers can customize a resident rewards program, as part of Second Nature’s Resident Benefits Package, as a way to reward positive resident behaviors.
Related: What Is a Rent Rewards Program?
Although certain occasions or incentives can make gifting especially meaningful, you don’t always need a specific reason to show appreciation to your best residents.
Here are some of the best times to consider.
First impressions matter, and a thoughtful welcome gift can set the tone for a positive relationship with new residents. Move-in gift baskets are a simple yet impactful way to show your appreciation and help tenants settle into their new home.
A few approaches include:
These gift baskets not only make moving day easier but also show that you genuinely care about your residents’ comfort and experience from the start.
In this social post, Ian Joseph, the Owner and Founder of The Joseph Group, showcases a carefully curated move-in gift package designed to make a positive first impression on new residents. The package includes:
This thoughtful combination of practical items, personal touches, and supportive services helps create a warm, welcoming, and stress-free experience for new residents.
Thoughtful, personalized gifts can make residents feel valued and foster stronger relationships year-round. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply recognizing their presence in your community, these gestures can go a long way in creating memorable moments.
Personalized gifts stand out because they show thoughtfulness. For example, a hand-written birthday card paired with a small, customized gift adds a personal touch that goes beyond standard gestures.
When planning resident gifts, draw inspiration from real-life examples, ensuring they’re meaningful and relevant to the occasion. Thoughtful customization doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does make a lasting impact.
Thank long-term residents for renewing their lease—consider a gas or grocery card to show your gratitude for having such a loyal resident. You can also gift an affordable experience, like a movie popcorn basket for your residents to enjoy a nice night in, or an inexpensive goodie bag that you hang on their door.
You can also offer small improvements to spruce up the unit now that it’s been lived in for a while. We’ve seen property managers offer carpet cleaning or updates to light fixtures, which would normally happen during turnover, but instead your current residents get to enjoy them! Plus, it keeps the property in good condition, which keeps your investors happy, too.
The holiday season is an excellent opportunity for property managers to show appreciation to their residents. Thoughtful gifts not only create goodwill but also help strengthen the relationship between property managers and residents.
Here are some real-life examples of successful holiday gift ideas:
Tiffany Izenour, Principal Broker & Owner of Freedom Property Management, shared the tasty treat she gifts residents every year. In the Facebook Group, #PMHealth Group, she wrote, "Got my steps and lifting in today during our annual pie event. 🥧75 enormous pies gifted to clients, tenants, and community partners today. Managed to avoid the temptation of digging into a pie thanks to chatty clients 😁."
What a great example of spreading holiday cheer with seasonal pies that residents can enjoy with loved ones during Thanksgiving. (Plus, it’s one less pie for residents to prepare on one of the biggest cooking holidays of the year.)
Dan McKee, President of Keyrenter Knoxville Property Management, understands the financial stressors residents experience around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s why for Thanksgiving, residents were able to enter a giveaway for a $100 grocery gift card, just by liking the company’s Facebook page. For Christmas, property owners can opt-in to have Keyrenter Knoxville Property Management send residents $50 gift cards to local restaurants in a holiday greeting card - another win-win for residents.
Brad Randall, Owner and Operator of Welch Randall Real Estate and Property Management, noticed that he had the highest delinquency rate for rent in the month of December. He decided to incentivize residents by implementing a “12 days of Welch Randall giving” initiative. Residents who paid rent on time during the month of December were entered into daily drawings for gifts such as cash, grills, and event tickets, some sponsored by vendors. Residents could also earn additional entries by leaving a Google review. Not only did this support residents and offer them incentives for paying rent on time, but it also fostered a stronger relationship between residents and property managers.
Whether it’s a miscommunication with their management company, an unpreventable maintenance issue, or just bad luck, every resident will run into a tough situation eventually. Being there to support your resident in times of need can solidify trust and help improve your relationship.
Consider using tough times as opportunities to really make your residents’ days in unexpected ways. Whether you’re making up for your own mistake, or just trying to cheer them up and help them over a hurdle, small gestures can go a long way.
Melissa Gillispie of JWB Real Estate Capital prides herself on going above and beyond. Her secret is simple: listen.
“Who doesn't love to feel celebrated, seen, valued, appreciated, and considered? Reach out early and often,” she said. “Identify the real roadblock or concern, and do everything in your power to listen and solve it.”
In one instance, she had a resident who had a large trampoline in their backyard, but the property owner’s homeowners insurance demanded that it be removed. In response, Melissa and her team got creative. “We bought the resident their very own bounce house!”
When planning gifts for your residents, it’s important to balance thoughtfulness with budget considerations.
Ultimately, your individual gift budget will also depend on your company’s finances. Make sure you’re maximizing margins so that you can reward the residents who help drive your business forward.
Operating on a tight budget may seem intimidating, it’s often enough to cover small but meaningful gestures, such as personalized notes, small gift cards, or eco-friendly items. You may also benefit from speaking to your tax professional about whether some gifts may be written off as business expenses.
Showing appreciation through thoughtful gifts can make a significant impact on resident satisfaction and retention. By adopting a Resident Benefits Package, property managers can build stronger relationships and stand out as a property management company that truly values their residents.
To take your resident experience to the next level, explore Second Nature’s comprehensive resident rewards program. Resident Benefits Packages help you create a seamless, rewarding experience for your residents while supporting your property management business.