Keeping Great Tenants (What Landlords Need To Do)

By Sue Richey

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What is the secret to keeping a great tenant for years? It is not just about finding them. It is about keeping them. Every landlord wants tenants who pay on time, care for the property, and communicate when issues come up. Good tenants are valuable, and keeping them should be a top priority.

At my company, we focus on serving both owners and tenants. I know that when tenants feel supported and their needs are met, they are more likely to stay long-term. Here are five strategies that can help you keep those amazing tenants for the long term:

1. Build strong relationships. Building a strong relationship with your tenant is crucial. You do not need to be best friends with them. It is better to keep a professional relationship to avoid situations where tenants might try to take advantage of you. A good relationship means being responsive, caring, and dependable.

2. Keep up with repairs and maintenance. It’s important to stay on top of repairs and updates. Your rental property does not need to be the most updated home, but it must be safe, clean, and functional. Tenants do not want to live in a place where things are always breaking. By handling repairs quickly and making updates when needed, you save yourself from bigger problems later and keep your tenants happy.

3. Respect privacy and be flexible. Respecting your tenant’s privacy is critical. Never show up unannounced at the property. If you need to perform inspections or repairs, make sure you give proper notice, as outlined in the lease. Being flexible also helps. If a great tenant is going through a tough time and needs a few extra days to pay rent, showing a little grace can strengthen your relationship.

4. Show appreciation. When tenants feel appreciated, they are more likely to stay, and even small gestures can have a big impact. Whether it’s a thank-you note, a small gift during the holidays, or simply acknowledging that they take good care of the property, it all adds up. Appreciation builds goodwill and loyalty.

5. Offer lease renewal incentives. Offering incentives for lease renewals is a great way to keep tenants. It could be a small rent discount, carpet cleaning, or other forms of incentives that show you value their tenancy. Incentives make tenants think twice before deciding to leave. They feel rewarded for staying, and you benefit from reduced turnover and lower costs.

Finding great tenants is not easy, and that’s precisely why we created a mini-course called “Getting Great Tenants and How to Keep Them.” It’s inexpensive and packed with real-world tips. This course shares our ten-step proven process developed over the last 25 years. If you are managing your property yourself or want to make sure you get the very best tenants, this course will give you a major advantage. Simply click this link to register!

I hope you find these tips helpful. If you want personalized advice, just call me at 703-405-5119 or send an email to sue@richeypm.com. I look forward to hearing from you!