Property owners and managers are constantly searching for ways to secure and maintain high-quality tenants. In today’s competitive market, the ability to attract and retain top-tier occupants is crucial for long-term success. Ali Choudhri, CEO of Jetall Capital, has provided some keys below on how to attract and retain high-quality tenants for your commercial or residential property.
High quality tenants are the goal, as they provide rent stability, bring in more income, usually take better care of the property, and make the place more tenable for their peers.
Key Strategies to Attract and Retain High-Quality Tenants:
- Optimize Online Presence: Make sure your property has a compelling online presence through a well-designed website, professional photos, and virtual tours. Use SEO keywords such as “prime commercial space,” “top-tier office space,” and “high-quality retail space” to attract the right audience. Outside or a brokerage firm, your online presence is likely your primary lead source,
- Maintain the Property: Well maintained and aesthetically appealing properties attract more eyeballs than eyesore properties do. Updating fixtures, fresh paint, keeping the property clean and a high level of attention to the outside of the building will attract far more prospects than ignoring these things and, ultimately, advertising your lack of concern for tenant welfare.
- Competitive Pricing: Research the local marketplace to determine the current rate for the area and on comparable properties. Overpricing your unit will scare away prospects, but at the same time underpricing the unit will cause them to think something is wrong with the property or you (the landlord).
- Tenant Screening: Screening tenants is one of the most important ways to protect your investment. Experienced financially mature tenants are used to establishing they are financially sound for purposes of obtaining lease credit. Only the less desirable tenants will balk at the screening process. Your background check should include employment history, credit checks, rental history checks, social media platforms, and a background check.
- Clear & Open Communications: Transparent communications with tenants will go a long way towards building a foundation of trust and mutual respect. This is true before signing and more true after they move into the space. Landlords must communicate repairs and expectations in a timely manner and clearly. It should not be a struggle to get calls returned or concerns addressed, and a clear system for communications should be established and upheld.
- Lease Term Flexibility: Providing some reasonable level of flexibility makes it both easier to sign new clients and keep them renewing over multiple terms. Allowing short term lease options, space customization or tenant improvement (depending on the market), can make your property far more appealing vs a secondary choice.
- Amenities, Amenities, Amenities: A property with appealing amenities will win over a more drab property every time. Security, health / exercise options, food on site or near, transportation, etc. All of this adds up in the prospects decision making process.
- Regular Property Upkeep: Maintain your property to a high standard to attract and retain tenants who value professionalism and attention to detail. Cleanliness, security, ease of access, ground maintenance, etc.
Once you’ve attracted high-quality tenants, focus on keeping them satisfied. Implement proactive maintenance, personalized service, and open communication to ensure long-term lease agreements. By following these strategies you can increase the visibility of your commercial or residential property, attract high-quality tenants, and foster long-lasting tenant relationships.
