We often hear the word “community” and wonder what it means. Is it a place to live? A city or village? Maybe it’s something less tangible; like a feeling. If you look it up, the word community has a few different definitions. The one that best describes what you as a landlord should be working to achieve is: a social group of people who live in the same area. To build a community, you’ll need to find a way to get your group of people to become social. There are a few things that you can do to make this happen, and when you do, you’ll become more than just a landlord. You’ll be a community builder! 

Safety First 

As a landlord, you know how important safety is to the residents of any community. Safety goes beyond strong, functional locks and proper outdoor lighting. The first thing that you want to focus on is creating a safe place for people to feel comfortable. We all know that there are neighborhoods that are considered safe, and neighborhoods that are not-so-safe (or declining). Your might have a secure location that is surrounded by a declining neighborhood, so consider a few tips to keep you and your residents one step ahead:

  • A home security system can go a long way toward protection
  • By getting to know the neighbors well, you’ll have an extra measure of security
  • Neighborhood watch programs are low-cost and efficient ways to prevent crime
  • Be sure that the yard and surrounding areas are clean and well-maintained
  • Install a few extra lights; motion sensor light are a great deterrent

A Place To Gather 

A place to gather is a wonderful way to build a sense of community. Having a communal place where people can relax, join in an activity, or just talk comfortably is essential in building good relations between residents. An outdoor courtyard is a great place where people can meet. Make it pretty and welcoming with: 

  • Plenty of comfortable seating, from benches to chaise lounges 
  • Appealing landscaping, from flowers to trees
  • A fire pit or a BBQ pit 
  • Partial cover, such as a pergola, 

Most of these things will encourage people to visit in bright sunshine, sunset hours, or even light rain. Whatever you do, keep up on repairs and maintenance it so that it looks well-cared for and inviting.

See And Be Seen 

Depending on what extra space you have at your location, a community room for games, meetings, or activities can bring people together. Have tables and chairs available, maybe even a couch or two for relaxing. This is a great place to host events or activities with you and the residents in attendance. They key word is YOU!

  • Have a pizza party 
  • Host a BINGO game
  • Rent a big-screen television and throw a celebration for a major sporting event (The Super Bowl, World Series, Daytona 500) or awards show (The Academy Awards, The Grammys) 

You need to be a present figure at your rental location so that residents will know you, trust you, and feel better about staying with you. Be approachable and friendly, open and honest. 

No matter how you decide to foster a community, all you need is a little bit of effort to get it started. At Occupancy Solutions LLC, we know the importance of community and we can get you started with just one phone call. Don’t lose out on good people and a good community when the power of togetherness is in your hands.