Appropriate Rent
One of the best ways landlords can appeal to tenants during COVID-19 is to set an appropriate rent amount. Do your research to see what the current market rent is and set it as close as you can to that amount while making sure it fits your rental proforma goals. If you need to attract more potential tenants, you can lower your rent a few percents to be just below the market rent. This should bring you a better variety of tenant candidates so you can be sure you are comfortable with the tenant you end up choosing. Tenants will also appreciate the affordable rent during these uncertain times. All working-age members might not be employed right now, and some may have been employees of companies that COVID-19 has put out of business, so a lower than market rent may be a blessing to some.
Be Flexible
Another way landlords can appeal to tenants during COVID-19 is to assure flexibility. Hopefully, you are in a position to show compassion by being flexible with rent payments. Make arrangements with the tenants to accept multiple partial payments overtime to make sure they can pay their rent, but they may not be able to pay it all at once. Another way to be flexible with tenant rent is to arrange with tenants to lower the current and next few months of rent and raise the second half of rent payments to make up the difference. This should give the tenants enough time to fully stabilize their household and begin to make regular rent payments.
Make Improvements
If you can, you may want to update the kitchen, especially if there is visible wear and tear on the cabinet doors or countertops. Make sure all toilets, sinks, and showers are clean and in working condition with no rust or mildew build up. You may even want to throw up a fresh coat of paint and patch any holes missed. Great tenants will appreciate your efforts to keep the property up to date and clean and will work to make sure the rent gets paid.
Curb Appeal
One of the easiest ways landlords can appeal to tenants during COVID-19 is to improve the curb appeal of the property. If the house appears well maintained with some inviting landscaping, a tenant will be more apt to select your house over a house that appears like it needs to be pressure washed or the mulching looks old. Your rental property appearance speaks volumes to your management style. Clean, updated properties are more quickly rented and have less turnover than properties that are dark and dingy.
Offer Extras
If you have a great tenant apply and you want them to pick you over another landlord, offer extras! Make sure the rental unit has a clothes washer and dryer, and all other major appliances in the house, such as the stove, fridge, and microwave. Also, make sure the unit has clean and working blinds, door handles, and locks. You may sweeten the deal even more by offering a free unlimited utility, such as internet or cable services. Perhaps, provide the basic high demand essentials, such as a pack of paper towels, toilet paper, or hand sanitizer with every payment towards rent.
