In a world where temporary thrills are often prioritized over lasting relationships, the strategy adopted by developers and property owners in the purpose-built rental market appears to be no exception. The zealous pursuit of immediate occupancy and rapid sell-outs has overshadowed an equally important facet of property management: nurturing tenant loyalty. But what if we refocused our lens to not just attract, but retain? Could this pivotal shift transform not only our revenue streams but the core of rental culture itself? Or do we even care?
While all developers and property owners across Canada are relishing in dropping vacancy rates, which for purpose built rentals nationally sits at 1.9% as reported by CMHC, January 2024; and Edmonton alone has dropped from 4.3% to 2.4% — it seems silly to question or challenge the status quo when we can easily just rely on provincial migration to take care of the profits, but what about in the longer term? According to an Angus Reid survey, only 36% of renters would recommend their current rental building to a friend or family member. This alarming statistic begs us to take a closer look at how we are managing and engaging with our tenants and building our long term legacies. Why would anyone be satisfied to lose tenants to their competitor just to buy them back with their next project?
An Industry Fixated on the New
Current industry tactics are akin to a revolving door—enticing newcomers with irresistible incentives like a free month’s rent or reduced deposits, only to usher them out as the next prospect arrives. At face value, this might seem like a win: properties remain occupied, and cash flow persists. However, beneath the surface, this model breeds a transient community, marked by escalating turnover rates and, consequently, a diluted sense of belonging.
The Cost of Transience
From my personal vantage point, I recall the constant flux of residents at one of the projects that my team managed the Marketing and Lease up from opening to a total sell out in under 7 months—a testament to the allure of newcomer perks. Over time, it became clear that the excitement of fresh tenancies was triumphing over the contentment of enduring ones. The message was crystalline: long-term residents are unsung heroes, their commitment unrewarded. Our building felt less like a community and more like a temporary lodging, raising questions about what could have been if loyalty had been incentivized.
Evidence Points to a Need for Change
Digging into the data, it's unnerving to find how fleeting residency has become. For instance, a study by ResidentRated revealed that the average tenant hangs onto a rental for a mere 27.5 months. In areas like Alberta, where turnover rates rest at 28.4%, these numbers hint at a culture of seasonal residency, rather than sustained tenancy. Such statistics beckon us to reimagine our approach to tenant engagement and rewards.
Counter Arguments: A Necessary Dialog
Yes, the short-term rental gains and resale metrics may paint a rosy picture, enticing some to declare the status quo triumphant. Critics might even argue that it's up to the residents, not the developers, to forge communal ties. There's also the apprehension that loyalty incentives could be exploited, leading to complacency and potential losses. While these counterpoints merit contemplation, they overlook the long-term value embedded in a stable, invested tenant base.
Envisioning a Future of Loyalty and Community
It’s time to craft a new narrative, one that valorizes tenant loyalty and community coherence. What if, instead of transient perks, we established rich, enduring cultures within our buildings that cultivate tenant satisfaction and steward long-term occupancy? Imagine the upsurge in desirability for a property where tenancy is a badge of honor, not just a financial transaction.
Making the Case for Loyalty
An overhaul is in order—a move from fleeting courtships to long-lasting relationships. Tenants should not just feel housed but valued, their perpetuation celebrated. Financial incentives earmarked for transitory occupants could be reallocated to honor those who have made the property their long-term home. Such tokens of appreciation have the potential to foster a loyal community, hungry to stay and contribute to the property's legacy.
Final Thoughts: The Path Forward
Developers and property owners stand at a crossroads where the lure of quick turnover could give way to the stability of resident fidelity. As industry stakeholders, we hold the power to either perpetuate a culture of evanescence or to embed a lasting legacy of community and commitment. By flipping our focus from short-term allure to long-term loyalty, the industry could witness a transformative shift—one measured not just in temporal gains but in the enduring spirit of community that permeates through every brick of a truly successful rental development.
Ultimately, the choice lies in our hands: chase the immediate windfall or invest in a future where rental buildings aren't just spaces, but sanctuaries that tenants are proud to call home, year after year.
3 Tips to Remember
Tenant turnover is costly—investing in retention could be more profitable in the long run.
A sense of community and belonging leads to happier, longer-term residents.
Rewards for loyalty benefit both the tenants and the property's reputation, potentially leading to higher demand and waitlists for future projects.