One thing that renters look for in a new community is the feeling of being home. As a property manager or leasing professional, it is important to make a conscious effort to visit each of your new residents within a week of their move-in date. During your visit, consider offering a “Welcome to the Neighborhood” pack stocked full of goodies like key chains, recyclable totes, magnets or any branded materials to promote your community. Providing information about your community and the surrounding shops, restaurants, and attractions is also very helpful to new renters, especially if they are relocating from a different area. Don’t worry if you have limited resources – a simple welcome handshake and helpful community information will do the trick! These gestures go a long way in making your new residents feel welcomed, and hopefully it’s a start to building a great rapport.

With that being said, keeping an open line of communication with your residents also contributes to the feeling of being at home in a community. According to Statisfacts, a national apartment-resident survey firm, 53.9% of renters prefer their cell phones as a primary contact method. Be sure your residents know the best way to contact you and other important members of your community, such as maintenance staff, non-emergency police numbers, etc. If you’re not currently communicating with residents via text, consider including that as part of your communication strategy. If you have a larger community, consider hosting mixers and community socials to build cohesiveness and allow for communication among the residents and your office. The best neighbors are the ones you actually know!

Last, but certainly not least, social media is another great way to keep your residents connected and involved with your community. Set up a Facebook or Twitter page for your community and encourage all of your residents to follow and connect with you. These social media outlets allow both your residents and yourself the ability to update one another on community happenings and remain in touch.  

It’s up to you to set the tone for your community. No matter what, be sure that your renters are always comfortable in the place they call home!