It’s no secret these days that managing rental properties is a tough  business.   Landlords are
competing for a very thin supply of tenants.  I have been managing real estate for many years and I feel I have developed a good rapport with my tenants.  Let’s face it,  turnover’s can be very expensive especially if an eviction is involved.  There are several things you can do to make sure your tenant is happy with the property they are in, as well as with you their landlord.  It doesn’t take a lot to spruce up a home.  Simple things that make living there more comfortable mean a lot to the tenants. This is the best time of year to purchase window air conditioning units.  Places like Home Depot and Lowes usually have them at clearance prices.  Ceiling fans are a very inexpensive way of making your tenants happy.  I have purchased them for as little as ten dollars each and they are very easy to install.  When ever I go to Home Depot I always check their clearance section, especially for faucets.  I have purchased designer faucets in some cases for a fraction of what they are new.  The most important thing you can do to help ensure your tenant does not think about moving is being an attentive landlord.  When a tenant calls or voices a concern make sure you listen and address the issue immediately.  The best compliment a landlord can receive is one of a referral from a tenant.

Chris Yatooma, President
Real Estate Investors Association of Oakland