BiggerPockets

Assuming they aren't behind on their rent ;)

I'm wondering what gifts I could give them that also help keep the property maintained... vacuum, fire extinguisher, plunger, haha.

Or maybe a gift card or gift basket, something to show that I appreciate them. I've found that there is less drama and arguments when you have a friendly relationship with your tenants, and a $50 gift is worth avoiding a lawsuit down the road.

Normally Id think $50 is high too, but I came into some money and would like to share it with the people that help me make my living. I know times are tough for them, they are lower income folks, and I'd like to do something that helps that out.

How about a stack of decorative envelopes to put rent checks in.

Vacuum cleaners are good.

Maybe a good quality pen with the rent due date printed on it in fancy lettering.

If your rentals are in a war zone, perhaps a bottle of ripple would be a suitable yuletide gift.

The possibilities are endless. :-)

How about a simple holiday or christmas card.

I have done $25 off of Januarys rent therefore inorder to get the gift they have to pay the rest of the rent. Just a thought.

Gasoline!

I know you were joking in your opening but you actually have to be careful about giving gifts like fire extinguishers. I used to give these to new tenants upon lease signing until a lawyer told me that I could be sued if a tenant used the extinguisher I provided and they were injured if it didn't operate correctly. What a country.

And yes that is correct there is a limit on $25 for it to be deductible.

Just because it is deductible doesn't mean it is ideal to spend it. I recommend going with the upgrade of their choice(pick out of three options) method. Gives them some input which may help keep them there. Not to mention you can write off the full thing.

P.S. I agree with the envelopes.