Consider all the worst parts of moving. There's the hassle of finding a new place to live, of boxing up all of your possessions, the struggle of literally moving all of your furniture across town. It's not just annoying, it's also expensive. Even for those who rent a truck and move themselves, moving can be a pricey, all-day affair. While the incentives to stay in one's apartment to avoid the hassle of moving are indeed tempting, some property managers have forged a plan to lure even the most reluctant of tenants to their property.
Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management urges other property managers to think outside of the box. Rather than just filling vacancies, imagine the ways in which you could help make the moving process easier. One such way? By allowing new tenants to use a community truck to bring their possessions to their new apartment or home. This is the kind of amenity that pays for itself time and time again.
Trucks also offer a great new form of advertising your community. Custom wraps featuring photos of your property along with information about how new tenants can use that very truck is an eye-catching way to pique interest in folks who might not otherwise consider moving. These trucks tend to make their way around town to spots you might not normally consider advertising, exposing your brand to an entirely new set of eyes every time it's in use.
Of course, such amenities are not without their downsides. Trucks will require regular maintenance, but you can pass on the cost of gas to your tenants. Insurance can also be tricky to sort out, so be sure to speak with your auto insurance adjuster about coverage before lending out the truck to just anyone. You'll also want to ensure that you won't be liable for any injuries sustained in the moving process.
You'll also want to establish clear policies, rules and procedures before loaning the truck out. Only lend the vehicle out to those who have signed a lease, and keep loan periods to a short window of a few hours, rather than for an entire weekend. Get details about where the car will go, who will be driving it and when to expect it back. The more information you have about the use of the truck, the better. After the tenant returns the truck to you, ask them to leave you a Yelp review detailing their experience.
While this amenity isn't exactly revolutionary, it's become a no-brainer for property managers over the years. If you still haven't invested in a communal vehicle, it's time to get shopping.
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
