Home is Where the Heart Is

Your resident gives you a 30-day notice…they move just up the street because that complex was offering free rent…just because they are gone, doesn’t mean they are lost to you forever…

If you have residents that move just up the road or within 5 to 10 miles, send them a little note withine 30 days of them moving that says, you miss them and would love for them to come back, you value them as a resident and hope that they keep you in mind in the future… (heck, don’t wait until they leave to send a note like this…when you get a 30 day letter, send them a note similar to this and maybe you can keep them a resident)

If possible give them an incentative to move back to your complex.  If you can afford it, why not pay for their electric bill/water bill etc for the first month.  Remind them of all the things your complex offers…helpful staff, timely maintenance, activities, etc.

Send them a little note or a phone call 3 months,  6 months and 9 months after they move…just a short note that you are thinking about them, hope they are doing well…phone them to see how they are doing, etc.  Then for the 9 month letter (because this is when they will be thinking about renewing their new lease or moving again) send them a letter letting them know of any specials you are running and see if there is anything you can do to get them back.

This might seem like a lot of work, but it will pay off in the long run and you wil be surprised at how many might come back.  And then once they are back, keep them with great customer service…