Managing Properties During The Holidays

Celebrating the holiday season comes with heartfelt cheers, merriments and of course... gift-giving! For landlords, it’s an opportune time to show appreciation to their tenants, further establishing a good rapport and letting them know they aren't just renters, but valued members of the property community. Here are some thoughtful and ideal gifts to present to your tenants during this festive period. 1. Gift Cards You can never go wrong with a classic. Gift cards are simple, flexible, and almost universally appreciated. Consider choosing something broad, like Amazon, or go local with a grocery store or neighborhood restaurant. A gift card to a local coffee shop adds a personal touch — especially nice if you know your tenants’ favorite spots. You could even gift a Netflix or streaming subscription for cozy winter nights in. The great thing about gift cards is that they let tenants treat themselves in whatever way they like best. 2. Customized Ornaments Personalized ornaments are a small but heartfelt way to make tenants feel at home. You could include their name, move-in year, or the property address for a fun keepsake. It’s a thoughtful detail that adds a personal touch and becomes part of their holiday décor — and every time they hang it up, they’ll remember your kindness as a landlord. 3. Holiday Baked Goods Few things say “happy holidays” quite like a box of baked goods. A tin of homemade cookies, brownies, or a festive pie can make your tenants feel genuinely appreciated. Not a baker? No problem. Support a local bakery or café and deliver a few beautifully packaged treats. Either way, it’s a warm, personal gesture that spreads joy (and great smells). 4. Gourmet Baskets If you want something a bit more polished, consider a gourmet gift basket. Fill it with snacks, chocolates, fruit, coffee, or wine — something your tenants can share with friends or family. It’s elegant, easy to put together, and perfect for showing gratitude. Bonus : you can tailor it to different tenants’ lifestyles — think cozy tea and blankets for one household or a snack basket for another. 5. Home Improvement Vouchers Practical gifts can be surprisingly appreciated. A Home Depot or Lowe’s gift card lets tenants take care of small upgrades or DIY projects they’ve been meaning to do. It’s a subtle way of saying, “I care about you making this space feel like home.” Even a modest voucher can empower tenants to personalize their space, and that often leads to longer, happier tenancies. 6. Personalized Calendars A custom calendar is both thoughtful and useful, especially if you include important local dates like trash pickup days, community events, or holiday closures. You could even highlight renewal dates or maintenance check-ins. It’s a great way to show you care about their day-to-day experience, not just the rent check. 7. Quality Housewares If you prefer a simple but stylish route, consider small home items like scented candles, cozy throw blankets, cute coasters, or a potted plant. These gifts are practical yet decorative, and they help tenants create a comfortable, inviting living space. It’s also a great option if you’re managing multiple properties — easy to buy in bulk but still feels personal. Remember, gift-giving is an act of kindness that reinforces your relationship with your tenant. It's the thought that counts, not the cost. So, consider these ideas and spread a wave of joy and gratitude towards your tenants this holiday season!

Whether you're a new landlord or renting out your vacation home, enhancing your property's curb appeal can increase its rental value and attract more potential tenants. Good landscaping shouldn’t just look nice, it should be easy to maintain. Here are seven simple, low-maintenance landscaping ideas to help your rental stand out and stay beautiful all year long. 1. Choose Low-Maintenance Greenery This is a win-win for both tenants and landlords. Choose plants that require little maintenance, like juniper, lavender, or rosemary. These plants can adapt easily to different weather conditions, reducing the need for constant care. 2. Invest in Mulch Mulch around the plant beds can give the property a well-maintained appearance, plus it helps in weed management. Organic mulch also improves soil fertility as it decomposes over time. 3. Add Outdoor Seating An outwardly inviting property can attract potential renters. Setting up a simple patio or a garden bench within a landscaped garden can highlight an ‘outdoor living space’ potential and significantly increase curb appeal. 4. Install Outdoor Lighting Adequate outdoor lighting can make a significant difference. It not only illuminates the walkways ensuring safety, creating a cosy atmosphere but also highlights the beautiful features of your property. 5. Consider an Irrigation System An automatic irrigation system can save a lot of grief concerning plant maintenance. The initial cost might be more, but the benefits it brings in terms of less maintenance and water conservation can be significant. 6. Add Pavers or Pathways Incorporating pathways or pavers can make a property look more organized and designed. They can help in areas where grass might struggle to grow and provide a clear, clean path to prevent accidents caused by slipping or tripping. 7. Don’t Skip Regular Maintenance Even the simplest landscaping requires some maintenance. Routine mowing, trimming, weeding, watering, and leaf blowing maintains a beautiful and inviting outdoor space. Remember, your rental's exterior gives the first impression to potential renters, and well-designed, low-maintenance landscaping could help it stand out from the crowd. Moreover, landscaping is not just about enhancing the aesthetic appeal. It can also play a practical role in reducing water usage, enhancing privacy, or creating favorable outdoor living conditions, all of which can make your property more appealing to a potential tenant. Happy landscaping!