Resident Appreciation Day is a day in which that leasing staff or a property management group can celebrate their tenants and say thanks for their residency and business. While there isn’t a specific date nationwide for Resident Appreciation Day, there’s no reason why you can’t still pick a date to express to your residents how much you appreciate them.

Almost any day is a great day for tenant appreciation. For instance, you can show your Residents some love on Valentine’s Day. National Customer Appreciation Day is April 18, which is a perfect time to say thanks to your tenants. Thanksgiving is another day you can show your gratitude. Just pick a day and then do something special.

The benefits of celebrating Resident Appreciation Day

 Although Resident Appreciation Day is used to celebrate tenants, leasing staff and property managers can benefit too. Showing appreciation builds rapport between you and your tenants. This celebratory day might encourage them to renew their leases, take extra care of the property, or leave positive reviews if and when they move. Here are some resident appreciation ideas leasing staff can start using immediately:

1. Free coffee, water and donuts or candy bags

 Even the smallest treat or giveaway can feel like something special. Buy coffee and bottled water to pair with donuts or bags of mixed candy. Keep these items in the leasing office—or another common area that’s accessible to all tenants—and then send out an email to residents the day before Resident Appreciation Day to let them know these treats are available to them. The tenants can stop by during their free time to pick them up.

This method is simple and cost-effective because these items can be bought in large quantities. Stop by your favorite coffee shop to purchase jugs of hot coffee. Donuts can be bought by the dozen. Variety bags of candy can be bought in bulk, and leasing staff can put small portions of the mixed candy in decorative plastic gift bags.

2. Games

Hosting games on Resident Appreciation Day is a convenient way to show tenants appreciation without requiring residents to be in the same place at the same time. Invite tenants to stop by the leasing office and have them fill out an index card with their name, unit, email, or phone number. Fold the index cards, place them in a bag or container, and then draw a card for a prize. Or keep a large jar of candy in the leasing office and challenge tenants to guess how many pieces of candy are in the jar. The resident(s) who guess closest to the exact number can win a prize (think $100 Visa cards or $100 off their next month’s rent).

3. Handwritten thank you messages in greeting cards

Sometimes it’s the thought that counts. Considerate, handwritten messages can be just as valuable as monetary gifts for some. And it’s quick and easy to do. For Resident Appreciation Day, have leasing staff write out appreciative messages in greeting cards. Put the cards in envelopes and tape the cards to front doors. If you’re managing a large complex and don’t have time to write out hundreds of cards, you can still send thoughtful messages. Use email marketing tools to send digital thank you messages to your tenants.

4. Fun, relaxing activities for tenant appreciation

 Hosting fun, participatory activities is a great way to show tenants appreciation while building rapport. Plan a movie or a game night in the leasing office. Choose a family-friendly movie so adult tenants who have children can attend. Set up karaoke, board games and trivia games in different corners of the common area. If the weather is nice, host the game night on the patio or the movie night outside.

How a little tenant appreciation can go a long way

Just like customer appreciation tactics in businesses encourage customers to return, tenant appreciation tactics can also encourage high retention rates among residents. Use some of these resident appreciation ideas to show tenants appreciation and see how many of your residents give you positive feedback. Explore the CenturyLink blog or Leasing Staff Support page to find more ways to make your rental business successful.