5 Ways to Retain Tenants Longer

August 17th, 2011 by admin No comments »

With very strict competition ongoing in the property rental market, it is vital for both property managers and owners to maintain a positive representation with the tenants. The basic aspect of this business is to keep properties occupied with valuable, quality tenants while giving them the value of their money. Without renters, there is no way this business will be able to survive. Finding these significant renters to fill in vacancies take time and can cause the business to lose profit. Not to mention, it is more expensive to look for a new customer compared to renewing a contract with an existing tenant. Therefore it is very essential to keep your tenants pleased.

Below are the 5 ways that a professional property management company can retain tenants longer:

  1. Keep Tenants Feeling Valued. With competition pretty vast in the market, it is very important to keep renters valued. One way, for example, is to reward tenants who have provided good business for a specified number of years. The reward could be new kitchen counter tops, touch up the paint in many areas, or upgrade the bathroom, depending on what your tenant and your property equally needs. Not only are you making your customer feel valued but you are covering maintenance as well. Also, make sure that you keep your property clean, safe and in great condition.
  2. Offer Incentive. Another way a tenant will be inclined to renew their contract with you is if you offer incentives. A discount could be one incentive – if a tenant pays a lump sum for, let’s say, 2 years that he’s going to rent the place, he gets 1 month free rent. Incentives are one way of motivating a renter because they will see that they will get something out of the deal.
  3. Improve Property Appeal. Not all properties are “high-end” units with amenities like a pool, a gym, a basketball court, and anything such. However, there are other ways you can charm your tenant to renew with you. Investing in quality appliances is one such idea. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, even a high-definition TV will appeal to a renter. Also, a partially furnished property not only adds appeal but also decreases a renter’s financial concern.
  4. Keep Rent Suitably Affordable. Tenants will always look for properties that provide the most bang for their buck, while owners and property managers will seek quality tenants who are capable in paying the value of the property. It is essential to meet both ideals in this business to ensure great profits.. Rents should appropriately cover costs as well as tenant value. » Read more: 5 Ways to Retain Tenants Longer

Laws of Tenancy Mix in Retail Shopping Centres

August 17th, 2011 by admin No comments »

The tenancy mix in a retail shopping centre is critical to the property performance. Without care and strategy any neglected tenant mix can destroy the trade and cash flow for the landlord and tenants in the property.

The tenant mix forms part of the property strategy and business plan. Every good retail property should have a business plan that includes key issues such as:

  • Existing tenant mix
  • Lease terms and conditions
  • Current tenants lease expires and options
  • Rent levels, rent types, and rent review strategies
  • Current tenant locations
  • Customer numbers and history
  • Trade turnover for the tenants in categories and by months
  • Refurbishment and relocation plans
  • Vacancy plans

When leasing a retail property with multiple tenants the landlord should give due regard to these questions:

  • What the customers to the property need and want in the property
  • How the customers shop and when
  • How much they spend when they shop and on what
  • How the local area and surrounding suburbs are changing and if that will impact on shopping trends
  • Tenants that extend the visit time of the customer at the property

The property and leasing manager for the property should therefore research the local area and the customers to the property before making key decisions and directions in the tenant mix.

Tenant Mix Plan

To create a tenant mix plan or strategy for the retail property the above information is critical. Conducting surveys of the surrounding areas should be part of the process. Any errors in tenant mix should be avoided by carefully understanding the shoppers and what they want in the property.

Give due regard for who is shopping at the property and why. As part of that seek to understand the ratios of shoppers in each category. Here is a typical example:

  1. Young Families with children
  2. Young Families with no children
  3. Singles
  4. Retirees (late versus early)
  5. Families with teenagers
  6. Families with no kids now (left home)
  7. Income profile for the average shopper
  8. Workers in the area each day » Read more: Laws of Tenancy Mix in Retail Shopping Centres