Apartment Trends Magazine February 2020 | Page 39

RESIDENT RETENTION ASHLEY TYNDALL | CRITERION B AGENCY 4 Methods for Improving the Resident Experience THREE BIG ASKS Three requests all property manage- ment teams should ask of happy renters: Leave an online review I t’s no secret that happy residents lead to increased lease renewals, positive online reviews, and personal recommendations. However, sometimes how properties can improve the resident experience and make a real impact can seem like a mystery. Here are four actionable methods for improving your resident experience: 1. CREATE A TOP-NOTCH INITIAL EXPERIENCE Don’t save the best for last — a recent survey by Ellis Partners highlights that a strong fi rst impression is critical to creating the foundation for a positive resident experience. Properties can boost resident experience from day one by visiting each new resident within a week of their move-in. Th is will allow property managers to assess the renters’ level of content and immediately address any concerns or issues. Right off the bat, this eff ort sets a tone of care and consideration for the renter. On the other hand, once you have a poor fi rst impression, the likelihood of a better experience in the eyes of the customer is low. Additionally, residents begin making their renewal decisions during the fi rst month of their www.aamdhq.org lease based on initial experiences — happy residents become loyal residents. 2. SWITCH FROM BENEFITS TO VALUE Rather than solely focusing on the features and benefi ts, properties should prioritize the added value they can bring to their property, and therefore, to their renters. Provide feedback on their renter experience Identify one aspect that needs improvement The biggest return on investment properties can receive from happy residents is the positive recommenda- tions they share online. Value is what makes your property unique and a better living solution to other places. Th e more value a renter percieves, the happier they will be with their decision to rent with your property and the more likely they will be to renew. The fi rst request properties should For example, substantial value to renter experience can be added through a reliable and effi cient service delivery program. In fact, 57 percent of building managers state that quick response times and prompt completion of renter maintenance service requests are major factors in positive resident experience. management team, renters are likely to A few additional ways to add value and improve the resident experience while maintaining low costs are routine maintenance check-ins, inside and outside paint touch-ups, keeping a low move-in deposit, and regularly maintaining any outdoor landscaping. make of these renters is to leave a review of the property online. With a positive renter experience created by the continuous efforts of your property leave positive reviews that help draw in new leads. It’s important to ask for feedback and discover what area of your customer service your renter felt was lacking. This can help your team make improve- ments and increase renewals and resident experience in the future. JANUARY 2020 TRENDS | 37