Is that Vacant Unit Really Ready?

Do you inspect the vacant units after your staff says it is done?  No, why not?  Does your staff keep a check on the vacant units until they are rented?  No, why not?  Is that vacant unit really ready?  Um…you don’t know…A vacant unit can rent easy or hard…it depends on how it looks.  Here are some simple tips to make sure your vacant units are as ready as ready can be…

1. Make sure everyone knows what they are suppose to do and have them take responsibility for that work.  Do up a checklist of items that need to be done by each staff member and have them initial or sign off on it when they are done.  Then WHEN you go to check up on the unit to see if it really is ready, you will know who did their job and who didn’t…
2. Make your complex a 5 star complex.  Leave little note cards around that says what has been done.  Did you replace the dishwasher?  Then leave a note that says, “We hope you enjoy your new dishwasher.  It was replaced on (such and such date)…or did they get new carpet, then tell them about the carpet…When you put anything new in an apartment, leave a note letting them know what is new…Let them know that your cleaning person has a 25 point checklist that they follow which allows your new move-in to walk into a clean apartment..
3. Show off your staffs work.  Just like leaving notes to show off the new stuff, leave notes that show off what your staff did…a note in the refrigerator that says: “Lift up the crisper and see how clean it is underneath.”
4. Find a statement that fits how hard your staff worked on this unit and put that on front door.  Something like: “This apartment has been handled with care because we knew someone as special as you would be making it your home.”

Let your new move-in know what was involved in getting this apartment ready for them.  Let them know you care about them.