Welcome Packet?

Question

Does anyone use welcome packets?  Something to leave for a new tenant to welcome them to their new home, maybe let them know what's around them like stores and restaurants?  If so, does anyone have an example they would be willing to share?

Mindy Jensen · Answer

A bottle of multi-purpose cleaner, like Fantastic, a roll of paper towels, a 6-pack of TP, a 1-lb package of spaghetti, jar of pasta sauce, frozen garlic bread in the freezer.

I'm in Colorado, so we're very dry out here. I also give one lip balm and bottle of water per person.

Andrew Syrios · Answer

We give them a handful of documents along with the lease (i.e. a lead disclosure and what not) and also leave a "move in gift" which is mostly cleaning supplies, a cheap plunger and the like (hint, hint). We throw in a snickers bar to boot. Comes off as doing a nice thing for them that starts the relationship off right and also hopefully increases their cleanliness a bit too.

Robert P. · Answer

We just started as landlords and got the tenants a little welcome basket that includes your basic information about utilities, water shut offs, and recycling rules, etc. We also add in a few other things based on us getting to know them a little during the process before they move in. This could include a dog toy, gardening book, or some cool coffee mugs. Very simple and keep it under $20. We also include our top picks for restaurants, things to do and more in that packet to get them acclimated with the area. Even if they are from the area, it's still good to give them our "top picks"...you never know what they haven't tried!

Important thing is to make them feel welcomed and that you care about their well-being. My theory is that if you respect the tenants as people and not just cash flow, you will be better off down the road!

Mark Smith · Answer

Thank you everyone!  These are all great thoughts.  I was thinking I would also provide some notes about things around the area; restaurants, stores, health facilities, etc.  Cleaning supplies are a good idea as well.  I'll be brainstorming to see what else may be a good idea :)

Kaycee Miller · Answer

I love Tenant Welcome kits! They are such a simple gesture that shows your tenant that you care about them and your property. You will make them feel special and reinforce their decision to move into your rental.  Inexpensive cleaning items are a great idea, and also think about those small conveniences that a stressed out mover might have forgotten. A few bottles of water, a coupon to a local pizza place and 4-pack of toilet paper (just $1 from the dollar store) can really put on smile on your new tenant's face that first night in their new home.

JD Martin · Answer

Man, I always have to be Debbie Downer :D

I'm not going to disparage the idea of welcome kits - most of what I see mentioned is pretty reasonable, and it's important to remember that tenants are people - but I would caution against going too far to be/appear "chummy" with the new tenants. At the end of the day it should always be remembered that this is a business relationship, not a friendship, and while there's nothing that prevents you from being friends or friendly with tenants, my experience is that too much closeness creates more problems than it solves. People will take liberties with friends and family that they wouldn't think of doing with professional business associates, so I do my best to be friendly but detached from my tenants. If you ever have to "discipline" a tenant, they are going to be far more offended if they thought you were "friends" than if they thought you were a business associate.

Robert P. · Answer

Agreed! I would love a nice bottle of wine. I just try and steer away from getting involved in people's sobriety, etc. Simple enough to just ask them that though. @BrannDon Albert

BrannDon Albert · Answer

@Robert P. Good point. Though, a quick "Hey do you guys like wine?" isn't too hard, I agree that getting to know them a little better and doing something less generic would be good. Maybe I am just passionate about free wine since it has always worked on me :)

Robert P. · Answer

@BrannDon Albert I would tend to stay away from alcohol without getting to know them first. (Are they sober, etc). Something personal is great. When you are signing the lease documents it's real easy to get to know them more. It's a great way to find out what they are passionate about and then buuy them something based on your findings. Goes a long way compared to just a generic gift.

BrannDon Albert · Answer

I have not yet gotten a signed lease for my first rental property, but I really like this idea. Though I am thinking more along the lines of a gift basket that says "Hey I like you and I am excited to have you here" rather than something the seems less personal like lease docs and a How to Pay Me guide (shoot I forgot to use the sarcastic font).

I am surprised that nobody has suggested a bottle of wine or champagne for the new tenants to enjoy while they celebrate their new home.

Welcome Packet?

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