Landlords and property managers who need to communicate and deal with large numbers of tenants on a regular basis have to contend with a number of different challenges in order to do this effectively. They often use a variety of different solutions, platforms and methods to fulfil essential functions such as:

• Storing documents, such as tenancy agreements, gas safety certificates etc. for each property in the portfolio
• New tenancy and tenancy renewal admin/reminders/communications
• Collecting and tracking rent payments and/or service charge payments
• Informing tenants about things like planned maintenance, community events or other important communications, both en masse and individually
• Logging and prioritising tenant issues, such as repairs or maintenance needed
• Answering tenant questions/communications/responding to feedback in a timely manner
• Keeping track of occupancy
• Identifying money and energy-saving opportunities and other efficiencies
• Managing shared amenities in properties
• Managing bookings of hireable facilities in properties e.g. meeting rooms

Here, we look at how a tenant engagement and property management app (in one) can be of tangible benefit to landlords and property managers. 

Effective communication with tenants builds relationships and increases retention

A major benefit of a tenant engagement app is that it gives tenants a voice and simplifies the processes for them to get in touch with their landlord or management company. When they can easily communicate about repairs and maintenance or any other issues that might crop up, and receive quick responses on the same platform, it provides tenants with a positive experience that makes their life easier and gets any problems resolved speedily. Tenants that feel they matter to their landlord and are heard when they have something to say can be a differentiating factor that has a big impact on tenant retention.

Tenant engagement apps help build a sense of community and more positive inter-tenant relationships

Tenant engagement apps that enable tenants to communicate with each other as well as the landlord or property manager can help to foster a sense of community between the people that live in and use a building. Whether it’s helping neighbours out at a time of need or organising resident events, tenants who feel part of a community are more likely to stay long-term. 

Streamlining multiple admin processes

If a landlord or property manager uses several different pieces of software or processes to keep track of various admin tasks and where things are up to with every property in the portfolio, it can take a significant amount of time to keep on top of everything. A property management platform can change all of that, simplifying things so that all of these essential functions can be carried out and tracked in one place. This offers a more joined-up solution, such as with a CRM or a suite of smart building tools, along with payment records all in one central location. This efficiency can cut down on the admin time and resource needed to manage the property, as well as making things easier for tenants at the same time. 

More efficient building management with a tenant engagement app

When it comes to managing buildings, especially those with some shared amenities and bookable facilities, such as gyms or meeting rooms, a platform that can track which areas are in use at specific times can help landlords or property managers to run buildings more efficiently. For example, ensuring cleaning staff are directed to areas not being used at that specific time rather than having to wait for a space to be cleared before they can carry out their duties. 

Drive new revenue streams and increase ROI

An app that all tenants check and use frequently provides property manager and landlords with a range of potential new revenue streams. For example, partnering up with local businesses for marketing purposes to your tenants or monetising bookable areas of the building when not being used by tenants. You can use the data gathered by the app to find out when parts of the property are being underutilised and look for opportunities to turn this into ways that produce profit, such as enabling local PTs to use your gym facilities or businesses to hire out meeting space at otherwise quiet times. 

As you can see, tenant engagement and property management platforms can make a real difference to many areas of running a property with multiple tenants, and also contribute positively to the bottom line. Choosing a provider that can tailor the platform functionality to your exact needs is important, as it ensures the app does everything you want it to, everything your tenants need, and can tie in with third-party software to provide a joined-up solution that helps you be more efficient and provide a high level of service. 

For more information about how we can produce a tenant engagement and property management platform that works for your requirements, at a fraction or the cost and timescale of conventional app development, get in touch with our team today.