Community from the tenants' point of view

Having been on MFI for two years now, I feel that there is a need for another perspective that most Insiders do not see.  Most everyone here has been on the leasing end so long that the feelings and needs of the tenants is more theoretical as opposed to someone who has lived in apartments most of their life.

The word COMMUNITY is misused frequently here as it is not meant to be a grouping of people with a common thread (they all live at the same complex), but community to me is human interaction and exchange of ideas amongst residents of a community they call home.

Ask yourself, "What have we done to promote COMMUNITY and distinguish our property from the rest?"  If the answer is a great pool, playground, fitness center or clubhouse, you are missing the meaning of community.  A better question may be, "What have we done to build relationships with our tenants and improve their social interactions?"  WHile a small percentage of people want to be shut-ins and not talk with anyone, I have found that most people want to meet others that they have something in common with.  Where they live is a great first thing to have in common.

Interactions with tenants should not start off, "Yes?" or "Can I help you?" but should be, "Hi!  How are you doing today? Dis you see the new shrubbery we put along the fencing last week?"  Create a friendly environment for them to talk freely and work WITH you when they come to state their problem, concern or other ideas.

Interactions with other tenants take a little planning.  Tenant events are a great way to do that.  Unfortunately, most tenant events just go through the motion and say "Coffee and donuts on Sunday... drop by and get some"  Instead of, "Your presence is requested to meet your fellow residents at our monthly Coffee Clatch, this Sunday from 10 to noon in the clubhouse.  We will be serving Starbuck's coffee along with teas, donuts and fresh fruit for you to enjoy.  This is a great chance to meet some of the great people we have living here at XYZ apartments.  Hope you can make it!"

Besides events, anytime a staff member is interacting with a tenant and another tenant that they know comes by, by all means make the introduction.  You never know what one introduction can lead to.

The more people your tenants are friends with, the less likely they are to move!

That's it for this blog, but I promise to blog more in the near future.  I intend to do most of my blogs from the tenants point of view as there are far more qualified professionals here than myself.

-AF