While summer is still here, the subject of students heading back to school is likely on the minds of residents at your rental property. If you are a landlord or property manager, these ideas can help make the new school year fun for families and students alike, all while promoting community.
With summer break nearing its end, school supplies are lining store shelves, and children are soaking up those last summer rays. Back-to-school season is in full swing, and now is the perfect time to wow your residents and remind them why living in your rental property is wonderful.
As parents and students are settling back into a new schedule, provide them with a little something extra to help foster a successful school year. Like any resident event or rental property initiative, a little thoughtfulness can go a long way in ensuring that your rental property is a great place to live and that your units and rental business consistently stand out from the competition. These ideas are sure to make your residents feel that you always go the extra mile for them.
Study Room:
Does your property already boast a work lounge for the adults in residence? You can cater to school-age students as well by creating a section of this space for studying, with a reading nook and child-sized desks where children can work. You can purchase a few small bookshelves and kids’ books, along with comfy chairs or beanbags to make the space extra cozy and comfortable for young kids and students. If you want to offer occasional treats, you can provide small healthy snacks such as fruit or granola bars.
Bus Stop Safety:
If your property serves as a bus stop for school-age children, take extra precautions to ensure the kids’ safety and comfort. Consider adding a weather cover for cold or rainy days, and post children-crossing signs to remind residents that they may need to stop for a wayward student heading to the bus stop. Safety is key; residents will thank you for the attention placed on their children’s well-being.
Back-to-School Party:
Children may be groaning about the impending school year, but that doesn’t mean a little fun can’t be had. Invite residents to ring in the new school year with a themed event. Schoolhouse decor can often be found at your local dollar store. Make the event a hit by including themed snacks and a movie such as “High School Musical” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or “The Breakfast Club”, depending on the age of your student residents. Wow your residents by giving each student a gift bag of inexpensive school supplies like crayons, scissors, and glue.
Student Award Program:
Create an award program that offers small prizes to the children with high grades at the end of the quarter or semester. If you rent to college students, consider a merit-based rent reduction. Students with a certain grade point average can have a percentage or a set amount taken off of their rent each month, provided they maintain the grades. You could gain notoriety for this program (be sure to alert your local media outlets) and will attract responsible student renters. It’s a win-win!
Learn more: 5 Things Your Gen Z Renters Want You to Know
Resident Book Exchange:
Facilitate learning and provide a quiet activity for kids with a book-exchange library. Provide a small number of age-appropriate books to get started. Students can donate their extra children’s books, borrow a book, or leave a book to exchange for a new one they haven’t read. Parent residents will be truly grateful for the collection when a last-minute book report is due.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the new school year can be stressful for parents, but it can be an opportunity for property managers and landlords to provide excellent customer service. Your thoughtfulness will always have an impact, and your residents will certainly remember this once their lease renewal period comes around.
