Making the right first impression is essential for both tenants and landlords. Therefore, as a property owner, providing new residents with a Tenant Welcome Letter is crucial in the rental process. Welcome letters greet residents while also providing them with vital information and policies. The move-in process can be a hectic and stressful time, so having critical contact numbers and information conveniently in one place is a benefit to all involved. So, join us below for tips on creating the perfect tenant welcome letter for your rental.
What Should a Tenant Welcome Letter Include?
Every rental property has unique needs, policies, and details that landlords must convey to new residents. That said, a welcome letter or packet is the best way to accomplish this. While some elements will vary from property to property, let’s review some basics to include in any tenant welcome letter.
Cover the Basics
- Greeting and Welcome – Landlords should use this as an opportunity to extend a warm and personalized greeting to your new tenant.
- Property Information – Include the property address along with any relevant unit numbers. In addition, if the property requires any special access codes or entry restrictions, now is an excellent time to remind tenants of these details.
- Landlord Contact Information – Ensure that the tenants have the current contact information for either yourself as the landlord or your management representative.
- Maintenance and Emergency Contacts – Maintenance is an essential part of the landlord-tenant relationship. Therefore, tenants must know who to contact in the event of routine repairs or a maintenance emergency. So, list any relevant phone numbers or procedures, including contact for emergencies that occur after regular business hours.
Reiterate Key Policies or Instructions
- Move-in Procedures – Move-in is a hectic time, and tenants must know precisely what to expect and what is expected from them. This includes when and where to pick up the keys as well as any final deposits needed before moving in. Although landlords will likely verbally discuss this with tenants, it is also helpful to have it in writing.
- Renters Insurance – Requiring renters’ insurance has become industry standard over the past several years. Tenants can choose whatever property coverage limits suit their needs, but liability coverage should be at least $100,000. Thus, ensuring the tenant’s belongings are covered from peril and providing the landlord extra coverage against tenant damage.
- Utility Set-up – Unless the rental rate includes utilities, new residents will need to set up their own accounts with the utility companies. So, include contact information and any relevant instructions to help make this a smooth transition for your tenants.
- Rent Payments and Penalties – Receiving on time and in full rent payments is vital to a landlord’s success. Although the lease includes all policies and penalties related to rent payments, it is a good idea to reiterate this process, including the rent amount, accepted forms of payment, due date, and options to pay online if available.
- Move-in Inspection Checklist – A move-in checklist is essential to establishing the property condition at move-in. At the end of the lease term, landlords will compare this to the move-out report to determine any tenant damage beyond wear and tear. The landlord and tenant will typically go through the checklist together at move-in, but providing it ahead of time lets tenants know what to expect.
Property Specific Details
Every rental property is slightly different, so the tenant welcome letter may need to include specific property details. This may include things such as – trash days, parking assignments, entry fobs, garage openers, or HOA requirements.
3 Essential Tips for Writing the Perfect Tenant Welcome Letter
Providing a tenant welcome letter is only useful if compiled and delivered in the right way. As we said, moving is a hectic time, so it is easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. Therefore, to ensure that all vital information gets communicated effectively, check out these tips for writing your tenant welcome letter below.
- Keep it Professional – A tenant welcome letter, along with other documents, sets the tone for the landlord-tenant relationship. Therefore, everything needs to be professional, concise, and informative while adhering to all applicable Fair Housing Laws. In addition, be sure to use an online editor, spell check, or Grammarly to make sure everything is correct.
- Choose Your Timing – Landlords should provide the tenant welcome letter to new residents after the lease is signed and the move-in date is set. After all, much of the information is imperative for moving in.
- Delivery Matters – In addition to handing the tenant welcome letter to the resident, send a copy via email. That way, the tenant always has the information that they need.
To fully welcome new tenants and make a great first impression, landlords need more than just a welcome letter. At the time of move-in, landlords have another opportunity to set the tone of caring through the entire lease. So, consider the stress of moving and offer new tenants an entire welcome basket. In addition to everything outlined in the tenant welcome letter, include the following items at move-in –
- Copy of the Signed Lease
- Maps or Guides to the Local Neighborhood
- Troubleshooting Guides for Common Household Issues (Changing the HVAC filter, turning off the exterior water in winter, or even fixing a clogged toilet.)
- Small Snacks
- Cold Water
- Household Basics (Disposable dinnerware, trash bags, or cleaning supplies)
Is There a Stress-free Way to Rent Your Property?
Renting a property is a process most landlords can do successfully. However, owning and managing rental property for profit is time-consuming and often stressful. However, a tenant welcome letter and packet is an excellent place to start when building a healthy and professional landlord-tenant relationship.
For savvy investors, buying a rental property is one thing; managing it is another process entirely. Luckily, Bay Property Management Group offers full-service rental management with transparent fees and a commitment to providing top-notch service. Our team works on the owner’s behalf every step of the way, from targeted marketing efforts, finding and screening rental applicants, in-house accounting, rent collection, in-house maintenance management, and a trusted network of third-party vendors. So, if you are interested in learning more about what professional property management can do for you, give us a call today.