Rentlit’s Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Tenants

Most of us can remember the excitement that accompanies Christmas morning, a time when racing to see what’s under the tree seems to routinely trump breakfast with grandma. But after childhood, or college for that matter, it’s sometimes a little more difficult to be super enthusiastic when, well, you’re the one buying all the presents – as opposed to just unwrapping them.

That’s why, as a landlord especially, it’s important to remember those hard-working tenants around the holidays, people who’ve perhaps traded in the fun of giving gifts to their nieces and nephews for the harsh reality of bills, bills, and more bills. After all, the true lifeblood of the rental market, in addition to the obvious monetary structure, could be a few more rosey relationships between tenants and their landlords.

So with that 25th day of December right around the corner, some landlords are actively working to stave off vacancies by “checking their lists” and, better yet, “checking them twice.” Keep reading to see what Rentlit is calling its “Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Tenants!”

1) Free December rent – The gift that keeps on giving!
2) $100 off tenant’s next month’s rent – It’s simple, people; everybody loves cold-hard cash!
3) Gift cards – The most inexpensive and easy way to let your tenants know you care. Do it; Starbucks, Home Depot, iTunes, Chick-Fil-A — any one of these will make you the biggest hero landlord ever!
4) Movie tickets – Who doesn’t want to see the latest Tom Hanks film for free?
5) Gourmet food basket – Don’t get caught scrimping here; tasty treats are a quick way into your tenants’ hearts!
6) House cleaning – Hiring a professional maid service — particularly for those tenants who are hygienically challenged — is a win-win!
7) Extended grace period on late rent – It’s probably not smart to go too far past the five-day cutoff, but an extra week never hurt!
8) Paint da fence (or room) – Just think: it could be that your tenants have a better sense of color than you!
9) Bottle of wine or champagne – People are typically more loose with their cash, (i.e your rent money) when they’ve had a chance to imbibe!
10) Welcome mat – When all else fails, make sure your tenants’ feet are clean, and that they feel at home!

By Brent Wells