It doesn't matter how long you've owned rental properties, tenant communication is vital to being a successful landlord because fast, clear communication is a key to success with ensuring that your tenants stay happy and pay their rents on time.
10 Reasons Landlords Should Communicate With Tenants by Texting
1. Texting is fast
Text messages are the fastest way to contact your tenants. Text messages are sent and received in an instant. Depending on the service or app you use, you can also see if the tenant has read the text message. And it’s more likely that the tenant will check their messages more frequently than emails.
Here are the problems with calling and emailing. Trying to reach someone depends on the time you have to speak to them and whether they are available to answer the call. Emails are quicker than a call, but this also depends on tenants checking their emails.
2. Texting tenants is easier
It’s easier for tenants to text landlords if they need to contact you quickly. This type of service leads to a better customer experience because tenants can receive instant responses. This, in turn, reflects positively on your reputation as a great landlord, reducing tenant turnover and making it easier to fill vacant units.
After all, it’s not just landlords who are busy. Your tenants may also lead a hectic life and don’t always have the time to reach you or draft out emails.
3. You can send more than just a text
You can spend a great deal of time talking to a tenant as they attempt to describe an issue and the extent of any damage. Texting gives you the ability to send photos and videos. This is an invaluable resource when resolving maintenance issues.
With the help of visuals, you quickly get a clearer idea of what exactly has occurred with your property and what needs fixing. You can also provide a solution much faster as you have seen the problem without having to visit the property. So, texting tenants to resolve maintenance issues saves you and your tenant time and money.
4. It’s what the customer wants
Studies show that 75% of millennials would rather lose the ability to talk than the ability to text. The statistics are the same for Gen Z. So, it’s better to jump on the trend now to prepare yourself for the next wave of young tenants.
Aside from making it more convenient, younger generations are not used to or even comfortable talking on the phone. So, a messaging service is what they are looking for. Many young adults view it as obtrusive if you call without warning them.
5. You can stop wasting time
When it comes to checking voice mail messages, 19% of millennials don’t bother. It may not sound like a lot, but if you are in the habit of leaving voice messages, chances are that 1 in 5 of your tenants will never hear them.
6. Enhanced tenant engagement
Receiving a text message can be more personal than an email. This allows tenants to feel a little bit closer to you and improves engagement. You can make valuable connections with tenants without having to make a phone call.
7. You have better records
Unless you delete them, your messages stay there for the long term. This is essential if there are any severe disputes between you and the tenant.
Text messages are considered written proof, and it’s much easier to authenticate a text message than a conversation that is not recorded—which legally you probably can’t do. As an electronic record of dialogue, you can enter as evidence into court if you need to file an eviction.
8. Text messages can refresh your memory
We have all had that bugging feeling of forgetting something. The upside of having a permanent record of your text communications is that you can always go back and see what it is that you might be forgetting. It’s like a digital Post-It note.
9. You can resolve issues 24/7
Having text communication with your tenants helps you to resolve issues fast. Although there’s a question about maintaining a work-life balance, having access to text messages allows you to sort out emergencies when they occur. At the same time, you can also stay in touch with your employees for internal operations.
10. Texting is a cost-effective solution
Typically, you want to find the most cost-effective method to communicate with your tenants. Plans may include free text messaging, as well as free photos and videos. Even if there is a cost to the service, the advantages will far outweigh the small fee you may incur from a text service. Many mobile apps allow you to send videos and images for free.
Contact Martin Property Management
For more property management tips, or to speak with us about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or click here.
