How Do You Raise Rent For A Long-Time Tenant?
Dear Landlord Hank,
We have some long-time, great tenants who always pay on time. How do you know when to raise the rent for these types of tenants? Of course markets are different across the country, and when we bring in a new tenants we raise rates, but how do you handle the older, long-term ones you want to keep?
-Landlord Tim
Dear Landlord Tim,
Great question, Tim, and a tough answer.
I won’t let a desirable, long-term tenant go over a rent increase.
But when our fixed expenses increase I talk to the tenant individually.
How to raise rent for a long-time tenant
It goes something like this:
“My expenses have increased annually and you haven’t had a rent increase in ‘ X’ years. I really want you to stay, but I need to raise your rent ‘X $’ starting in three months. Can you handle that?”
And then I wait for them to talk. Don’t you say anything even if you have to wait for a few minutes for them to think about it. They may be calculating if they really do have the budget for your rental increase.
Also, you need to know if there is anywhere else they can go that is comparable for less money.
I’m also willing to negotiate an increase for a great tenant. If they really can’t afford the full rental increase, maybe they could pay half of your desired increase.
The rental market will also influence my decision to raise rents.
I want to be at least competitive with other rentals with the same location and amenities.
I have let tenants talk me out of an increase too, on rare occasions.
Great tenants are golden. But so are wonderful places to live, with comfortable surroundings, safety and responsive management that makes an effort to keep the ship and all passengers running smoothly and happily.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Source: arpola.org
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