Dealing With Tenant Requests Over the Holidays
The holidays are right around the corner—the busiest time of the year for many, including landlords.
While the festive season is a time for joy and good cheer, it can also be a particularly challenging time of the year for rental property owners.
This is also the season when you want to spend more time with your own family, so tenant requests and complaints are generally the last things landlords want to deal with. But, from broken boilers to noise complaints, the holiday season throws up a range of issues that can cause headaches for you and your tenants.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of managing your properties over the holidays, don’t worry. Here are some tips on how to deal with tenants over the holidays, so you can enjoy the holidays, too!
You’re a Landlord, Not A Hotel Owner
First things first, you have to remember what your business is, so that you can establish what your boundaries are. You’re not in the hotel industry, where you’re expected to respond to every request immediately. You’re a landlord, who’s only responsible for specific aspects of your rental property’s maintenance.
But there is a difference between emergency and non-emergency fixes, so let’s break it down a little further.
Tips on How To Have a Hassle-free Holiday as a Landlord
You deserve to enjoy the holidays just like any other person. So here are our tips for dealing with your tenants’ requests over the Christmas and New Year’s:
#1 Prioritize
Before the holidays, you and your tenant should agree on what qualifies as emergency maintenance so you both know whether i’s an urgent request, or one that can wait until after the holidays.
For example, a lot of emergency repairs can happen during winter due to frozen pipes or heightened use of appliances, like boilers.
If a tenant calls at night and needs you to address a defective heater or furnace in freezing weather, then that’s definitely a high priority. But if a tenant calls because of a faulty lightbulb in the garage, there’s no rush to fix it until after your winter vacation.
#2 Give Your Tenant a Heads Up
Make sure to give your tenant instructions on how best to keep in touch over the break. Specify the best time, dates, and communication methods your tenant can use to inform you of any requests.
More specificity in your instructions helps you maintain healthy boundaries, so that you and your tenant can BOTH enjoy your holiday with friends and family.
Pro Tip: It’s also good practice to give your tenant a list of FAQs, i.e., common answers to questions the tenant may have, so that they don’t bother you with too many minor issues during your downtime.
#3 Find Someone that Can Fill In For You
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from trusted vendors and contractors to help fill in for you.
As a landlord, you should know which providers are available for emergency repairs and other property management issues, some of which are even available 24/7.
Before you leave for the holidays, it’s your job to confirm with these partners that they are able to service your tenants and your properties while you are away.
You Deserve to Enjoy the Holidays
The bottom line is: you can still have a good work-life balance, as long as you prioritize and set boundaries.
While it initially seems difficult to let go of your business during the holidays, it can be done! Take the necessary steps above to prepare your tenants and yourself so that you can have a few days off without worry or fear.
Just remember, if it’s not important, it can wait.
Do you have problems with maintaining your property in Metro Detroit? Call us today to work with our team of property management professionals with over 20 years of experience in the area.