Competition referral bonuses

Has anybody ever worked out a referral program with neighboring properties? I used to manage a building that was an A property, and when people came in who were looking for much something cheaper, I would send them down the road to our Sister property (A low B/high C). We had maps printed up with directions to our Sister property, along with contact information for once they got there. Now I am managing a building without a nearby Sister property so I am wondering how I might be able to refer prospects to another property and get a small referral bonus for it? The main reason being that we only have 1BR apartments and I get lots of interest from people looking for 2BR. How would the other community know that the business was coming from me, other than me trusting the prospect to say something to them?

I would suggest calling the neighboring community to let them know you are sending a prospect over. Most of the Senior Communities in my area work together. Because our prices, community style, and features are so varied we do not really compete too much. If I get a referral from another community and that prospect moves in I will either take flowers to their office or drop off a gift card.