If a landlord wants to give a gift to a tenant, such as a Thanksgiving turkey, what does veteran landlord, property manager and real estate investor Hank Rossi think of that?
Find out in this week’s question.
Dear Landlord Hank:
With Thanksgiving approaching what do you think is an appropriate gift for our tenants? We were thinking about a small turkey for Thanksgiving as a gift to a tenant – doesn’t cost much and we want to show our appreciation.
– Landlord Tim
Dear Landlord Tim:
You folks are obviously a caring family and apparently the current rental situation is working out very well for you.
If you want to give a small gift to a tenant, there is nothing wrong with that.
Some folks would question where you draw the line if you give a gift for Thanksgiving, what about Christmas and birthdays too?
I am very thankful for my tenants but I view this as a business relationship.
That doesn’t mean I don’t care about my tenants, I do.
I’m Johnny on the spot for maintenance needs, etc.
Go with your heart but let your head lead
I know I’m a great customer for many businesses but I don’t receive any gifts from my electric utility, the water company, grocery store, etc.
Go with your heart but let your head lead.
You don’t want your tenants to think you are soft so they could take advantage of you with late rent. Or, abusing you in some similar manner such as an unauthorized pet or occupant, or other lease violation.
I’m not saying a gift could lead to that, but that is one reason I like to keep things strictly business so someone won’t think that you’ll bend the rules for them since you are on such good terms.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Other recent Dear Landlord Hank posts you may have missed:
If A Good Tenant Loses A Job How Long Before You Evict Them?
How Do You Raise Rent For A Long-Time Tenant?
How Do You Know When To Change Property Managers?
Where Do You Draw The Line On Normal Wear And Tear?
Dear Landlord Hank: Do You Conduct Rental Inspections? How Often?
Dear Landlord Hank: How Do I Motivate My Tenants To Conserve Water?
Is An Old Drug Conviction A Big Deal?
Dear Landlord Hank: Should I Give A Tenant More Time To Pay?
Dear Landlord Hank: Tenant’s Sewer Line Clogged With Tree Roots
Do You Call A Prospective Tenant’s Employer For Verification?
Dear Landlord Hank: Service Dog Ruined Backyard In My Rental Now What?
Dear Landlord Hank: Do You Ask Tenants Or Maintenance To Replace Light Bulbs?
Dear Landlord Hank: Why Are Tenants Rude When I Ask For Rent Payments?
