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Tips for New Property Managers 

December 30, 2022


As a new property manager, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all of the responsibility that has been placed on your shoulders. However, there are some tips that you can follow in order to make the job a bit easier. By following these tips, you will be able to successfully manage your properties and keep your tenants happy. 

 

Establish Clear Expectations 

Establishing clear expectations with your tenants at the onset of their rental agreement is fundamental to ensuring a smooth and successful tenancy experience. It enables you, as a property manager, to clearly explain the terms of the agreement and allows your tenant to gain a thorough understanding of their obligations. This communication sets the tone for your relationship and provides direction on how the tenancy should progress. Outlining expectations prior to signing an agreement also allows both parties to discuss any concerns before rejoining any commitments. As such, it is in your best interest as a property manager or property manager to ensure that expectations are explicit from day one.

 

Get to Know Your Tenants 

As a property manager, it’s important to build relationships with your tenants in order to ensure success for all parties. Taking the time to get to know each tenant and allow them to get to know you is an effective way of creating an encounter that is mutually beneficial. Doing so can not only help you in the future if things don’t go the way you expected but also simply show your tenants that their well-being matters to you. Professionals suggest taking some time out of the day to ensure that these connections are strong, whether that may be a friendly conversation or helping out on any maintenance issues. It’s also important not just to have communication between you and the tenants but among tenants as well so they can develop a support system within the rental property. Making sure your tenants feel heard and secure will undoubtedly lead to happy customers who ultimately respect your rules and regulations. 

 

Be Responsive 

As a property manager, it is important to take tenant needs and concerns seriously. Taking proactive steps to ensure tenant satisfaction will result in positive interactions with tenants and can help make their experience enjoyable. It goes beyond responding quickly when they contact you with an issue or concern. It’s important to be attentive to probable issues that may arise before they even occur, such as making it easier for tenants to pay rent or proactively visiting the rental unit for regular upkeep and maintenance. If your tenants feel like their needs are met and taken care of, then maintaining a good relationship becomes much more manageable. Your main priority should be to always act in ways that best demonstrate responsibility as a trustworthy property manager. 

 

Respect Tenant Privacy 

Tenants in a rental unit should feel that their personal space is respected and valued. As a property manager, building trust by respecting privacy is essential. Always announce when you’ll be entering a tenant’s home for repairs, maintenance, or any other work. Give them plenty of advanced notice to allow them to prepare before entry. Additionally, ensure that all conversations you have with your tenants regarding their tenancy are conducted in a professional manner and remain confidential. If other potential tenants inquire about the details of the current ones, it’s best to respond politely but firmly that such information cannot be disclosed due to privacy laws. By consistently demonstrating respect for their privacy during the leasing process and beyond, you can build strong relationships with your tenants from the start. 

 

Follow Up with Previous Tenants 

Following up with tenants after they move out is an important part of property management. Not only can it give precious insight into the tenant’s overall experience, but it can also provide a level of understanding between property manager and tenant that can help make future transactions smoother. By having a system in place that checks in with tenants after moving out and encourages feedback, you can use the information gathered to improve how your properties are managed and better serve your tenants going forward. 

 

All in all, being a successful property manager takes hard work and dedication – but it can be incredibly rewarding. By developing clear expectations with your tenants from the start, getting to know them, being responsive to their needs, staying on top of maintenance and repairs, respecting their privacy, and following up with them after they move out, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. After all, happy tenants make for a more successful and enjoyable business overall! Take the time to invest in your tenant relationships and everyone will benefit. 

 

MMC Properties is a premier property management company in Middle Tennessee, serving the greater Nashville area of Smyrna, LaVergne, and Murfreesboro. To learn more about the services we offer, call (615) 849-9006 today.