E-Renter News

Is the Landlord/Tenant Relationship a Friendly One--or Strictly Business?

Every landlord has a unique way of interacting with his or her tenants. Some see the relationship as strictly business. Others, particularly those who live near their tenants, have a more friendly relationship. And some are more like family.

An informal poll of landlords and property managers revealed quite a range of ways to celebrate the holidays with their tenants—or not. From complex-wide holiday parties to simple greeting cards, just about anything goes.

A number of landlords replied that they give tenants gift cards for pizza, local restaurants, or grocery stores. “It doesn’t have to be a large amount; I only have four tenants, and we have a good relationship, a $25 gift card for each one doesn’t break the bank—and they really appreciate it,” said a Michigan landlord.

Other landlords demonstrate appreciation to their tenants with gifts of food. Homemade cookies, tins of popcorn or candy, or fruit baskets are almost always welcomed. An idea we like is the five-pound box of small oranges that most groceries carry. You can’t beat them for a healthy and inexpensive gift. You can’t always know if your recipient has dietary limitations, but most folks will pass along anything they cannot eat.

For multi-unit landlords and property managers, a holiday card is easier to manage. Just as cards are sent to plumbers, handyman services, and landscaping companies, they are mailed to their tenants too. These days, you can’t be too careful in considering tenants’ individual beliefs and religions. Not everyone shares in the same celebrations, so don’t offend a tenant with the wrong message.

Keeping the landlord/tenant relationship strictly a business one is a good way to avoid problems in this area. Your duties to your tenant are spelled out in the lease—and as long as you abide by your agreement, you don’t need to feel obligated to provide gifts at all!

This entry was posted on Friday, December 18th, 2009 at and is filed under Landlord Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.