I've been a renter for many years now. I like to think I've been understanding (especially since I work in property technology) but at times, irritated with the renewal process. This is mainly for one reason: meeting in person to hash out the lease renewal agreement.

In the past, it was challenging to find a time I wasn't in the office to hurry home and meet with a leasing agent and go over details/questions about the contract. Then, it was difficult to find time for my roommate to meet and hash out details and/or tour other layouts. But this year was different...

Let me back up even further. I moved to my existing community in April 2020, so if that rings a bell, everything was digital - touring the community virtually, signing the lease, asking questions via video, the move-in process, and the welcome kit (they had a QR code welcoming us, which I still remember!).

Now, flash forward to April 2022, I thought, "I wonder if they'll keep the renewal process online again." Of course, it wasn't a huge surprise that they did as we continue to see the industry adopt new technology and streamline processes for renters and on-site teams. But, I noticed how smooth this year's renewal process was even more so than the year before! 

So, here's one happy renter (????) reminding you - property managers, marketing managers and leasing consultants - that I appreciate you adopting new tech and your continuous support in answering renters' questions!

3 Tips to Keep This Year's Renewal Process Smooth and Renter's Satisfied

1. Send out an email addressing FAQs about renewal notices before renewal offer emails go out. I'm assuming these renewal offers are automated emails, so it may not be possible to add those FAQs into the body of those automated emails. If this is the case, address FAQs in a different email (bonus - make it a video to see higher engagement!). Address those no-brainer questions and address questions that aren't as common, such as, what do you do if you're dropping a roommate and adding another? This is a real question I had to ask!

2. Post on social media. Like you, renters are busy, and they all consume your content differently, whether via email, social media, or stopping by the office to ask (I know the latter isn't the most ideal). So, cover all your bases and post a video letting renters know that some may be receiving a renewal notice soon. After all, busy season is approaching, so it applies to many of your renters!

3. Add a callout on the flyer in the elevators. You could even make it into a QR code with a video attached where you link that social media post or video in the email addressing FAQs about renewals! Again, all residents consume your content differently. This is a simple but quick win to get in front of your renters!