One of the less tangible but important aspects of good property management is establishing and then maintaining solid lines of communication with residents. This is a "two-way street" with mutual benefits for both sides, as a clear channel of communication makes it easier for you to reach and discuss issues, and for residents to notify you of concerns or problems that may need addressing.

Of course, not all lines of communication are face-to-face, or even verbal at all. One of the older, but tried and true methods of keeping communication lines open is the newsletter, but does this make sense in property management? It absolutely does, and here are a few reasons why.

Being Up To Date Matters

People want to be informed about matters or concerns that directly affect them, and this is especially true when it comes to issues of residence. For example, if a regular inspection has uncovered an issue with plumbing that will require an extensive maintenance period, and possibly even cut off the water supply for certain periods of time, all residents will want to be warned of this ahead of time, instead of finding out only as they are trying to take a shower or use the toilet.

Informing residents of work or other activities that are necessary but may have some impact on their day-to-day living experience is an absolute necessity. Failing to do so will not only cause complaints, but it may even cause residents to reconsider living there and move out.

You Can Pick The Format The Best Works For You

Today, a property management newsletter has many options for distribution. The traditional route of a printed document that is put in mailboxes or slipped under doors is still available, and for some, this may still make a lot of sense. However, it's also possible to distribute newsletters digitally, either through email, which should require the consent of the resident, or even through social media platforms.

In either case, the result is the same. You deliver the essential information that residents need to know, and ensure that everyone relevant is kept up to date.

Promote The Community

For properties with a lot of residents, there is a greater potential for forging a community. A community, in turn, creates stronger bonds and tends to encourage people to "anchor" there, making for more reliable, long-term residents. A newsletter, while not an ultimate solution, can be an important tool in helping to cultivate a sense of community. It is a centralized source of information intended for people with some common ground, in this case, all living on the same property.

You can use the newsletter to coordinate events and bring residents together as a community. It can even be a place for announcements one resident may want to make that would affect all other residents, such as offering services. Think of it as the equivalent of having a small-town newspaper for residents of the property.

If you want to help ensure your residential property activities succeed, contact Occupancy Solutions and let us help.