Your residents know you. They know your property and how you work. If you’ve done a good job, they have a positive impression of you and, when asked, have given you a five-star review.

The best property managers consistently nurture the relationships they have with residents — you don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to get a renewed lease. Any sincere gesture on your part, big or small, will let a resident know how much you truly value them. A simple thank-you is always welcome and appreciated.

Best practices

Reward reviewers. Acknowledging online reviews shows residents that you appreciate them, and it demonstrates to potential renters that you’re a caring and responsive professional. The key is to show your appreciation after your residents complete a review. Here are a few ideas:

• Give a small token of thanks — a VISA gift card, a Starbucks gift card — allowing the resident to treat themselves.
• Hold a private event just for residents who reviewed you. Treat them to a sporting event or a movie, or host an on-site pizza party.
• Make your resident a star! Include them in video testimonials that talk about your properties and great customer service.
• Hold monthly drawings that residents enter to win by submitting a review.

Give a unique move-in gift. Offer services instead of stuff: meal delivery, a spa treatment or housekeeping. Jot down items that prospective residents mention they like or want, then present it as a thank-you or housewarming gift after the lease is signed.

Hold a resident-appreciation event. Craft your party around a theme — superhero characters, an awards show, Halloween — and offer snacks, activities and giveaways so everyone remembers what a good time they had.

Recognize residents who send you referrals. Receiving prospective renter referrals from residents should be a goal for every property manager. When the referral signs with you, send a gift to the referring resident and follow up with a thank-you.

Other ideas

1. Send birthday, anniversary and holiday cards to your residents.
2. Donate in your resident’s name to a local charity that’s near and dear to them.
3. Initiate a referral reward program for residents.
4. Take the opportunity to highlight your community culture by hosting a series of how-to classes instructed by guest speakers from your pool of interior decorating, crafting and lifestyle experts.
5. Connect with residents on social media and invite them to engage with you there.