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As home construction (for buyers) are expected to dramatically increase over the next five years, it is more important than ever that property managers are able to cater to the population

trying to figure out whether it is better to buy or rent. As such, Barker Management Inc. knows that relationships with tenants are long-term when property managers know how to build trust

with their customers. Since property management customers are both renters and property owners, this can be challenging. But with effort, building trust with customers is doable and key to

steady cash flow. GET TO KNOW THE TENANTS _WHY DO TENANTS NEED HOUSING?_ It may seem like an obvious answer, but it’s not. Why a tenant needs housing goes beyond them needing a roof over

their head. For example, they may actually be looking for a place to eat, sleep, and be a host. This means that they plan to have over visitors. Barker Management Inc. explains that a

hosting tenant is going to be extra concerned about working appliances, plumbing, as well as the overall appearance of their housing. Additionally, guests could mean greater wear and tear on

the property. Or, your tenant may be looking for housing that allows them both lodging but also a place to work from home. In this case, the tenant is going to be concerned about low noise

levels, as well as strong Internet access. It also means that they will probably be a quiet tenant that will usually be home most of the day. MAKE EXPECTATIONS CLEAR _WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

THAT THE PROPERTY OFFERS?_ This informs tenants what they are able to enjoy. A tenant enjoying the benefits on the property often keeps them from feeling frustrated with “the rules” of the

property. Barker Management Inc. notes that how expectations are framed make a very large impact on how likely they are to be followed. _WHAT ARE THE RULES?_ This is what helps tenants know

their responsibilities as renters. Additionally, it keeps the property owner happy and less likely to intervene. It is important that the rules are clearly defined and quantifiable — a

company with few or no rules is often a disaster waiting to happen. _HOW OFTEN SHOULD PROPERTY MANAGERS REMIND TENANTS OF THE BENEFITS AND RULES?_ The answer is different for every property

management company as well as for every tenant, but Barker Management Inc. believes that it is ideal to make an intentional effort to inform tenants of the benefits and rules of the property

on a monthly basis. Not only does it keep these things fresh in the minds of renters, but it also grants the property manager plenty of leverage in the rare event that an unruly tenant

needs to leave. _IN WHAT WAYS CAN PROPERTY MANAGERS EXTEND REMINDERS TO TENANTS?_ Email newsletters and bulletins tastefully posted around an apartment complex are common ways that property

managers keep tenants informed. In person visits with tenants can also be a great way to both build relationships with tenants as well as notice anything out of the ordinary that requires a

property manager’s attention. PAY ATTENTION The most important thing that property management companies fail to do is simply pay attention to the maintenance needs of tenants. Because prompt

maintenance is the most crucial trust building opportunity with renters, property managers should anticipate both routine and emergency maintenance needs. The best property managers

proactively ask their tenants about maintenance issues with the property. Additionally, they have adequate maintenance staff that can respond quickly to any maintenance need that may arise.