Resident retention helps management teams to save on their bottom line and create that genuine community feel, so it’s easy to see why it’s such a sizable goal for management teams of all types of communities. The true key to resident retention is communication, and being able to communicate effectively with residents in a way that leaves them feeling cared for, appreciated, and a valuable part of the community as a whole. With proper communication, residents are left assured that they’re investing their time, money, and energy into a community that cares back. 

resident retention, there are a few things management teams should keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s not just about timing of communication, but being available for open and honest communication as often as possible. If answers to questions and concerns are provided in a timely manner, that’s undoubtedly important, but if the timely answers aren’t those that leave residents feeling as though they’re being listened to, you’re going to have a problem. Really listening to what residents have to say, and coming up with solutions that work both for management, the residents that you’re communicating with, and those that may be involved from the outside, is the type of communication that makes residents want to stay. 

Opening different lines of communication to residents is also important, as one may have a schedule that makes phone calls during business hours difficult, while another may not feel comfortable enough with email or online communications to reach out in that way. For the best resident communication, having an online communication available along with a telephone line and message taking system for off-hours calls is the best way to reach your entire community and allow them to reach you when they need it most. 

With effective communication, it’s easy to see how you can really reach residents and have them able to reach you in a way that keeps them satisfied as part of your community. This closeness that communication breeds will also help to aid in creating an organic and genuine feel of community, something that not only keeps current residents coming back, but new residents interested in becoming part of this community as well.