SMS should be a common tool used by property managers to save time and grow client relationships.
Just when you think you use SMS texting well, more ideas come along to make you even more effective – the tips in this article will hopefully do just that!
These tips were taken from and inspired by a Facebook competition we ran a little while ago.
Here are the top ten effective ways to use SMS texting in property management:
#1- Rent due date
For your hardened serial offenders on the day their rent is due to use text like ‘We wish to remind you that your rent is due today. If you cannot pay today, please call me today’.
#2- Routine Inspection reminders
Got an impending routine inspection already booked? Send the tenant an SMS Text a day or so before the appointed day/time reminding them when you will be there, and a link to your checklist. If you need to follow up on unsatisfactory items, use SMS text as another follow-up reminder. SMS Text doesn’t replace your legal notice requirement to inspect and re-inspect but simply reminds them of the notice already given, closer to the date to increase your chances of a successful appointment.
#3- Garden upkeep reminder
Yes, as simple as it suggests, an SMS text to the tenant when the lawn is long overdue for a cut, will get the message to them quickly! (Please be aware with your state legislation if this action is deemed a formal routine inspection, or not!)
#4- Appreciation texts
‘Catch your tenants out’ doing what’s right with an SMS text thank you after a well-presented routine inspection, or paying their rent on time in accordance with a payment plan or something else praiseworthy! Use SMS texts to build goodwill and trust with your tenants.
#5- Rental increase
You’ve sent out your rent increase notice with the right legislative period, but sometimes tenants forget to pay when the rent increase takes effect. An SMS text reminder a week before their new rent amount is due will do the trick.
#6- Tribunal/Court hearing reminder
A few days before the due hearing, remind the tenant by SMS.
Confirm repair work order placement and also completion:
#7- Confirm job allocated
When a work order has been generated, send an SMS to the tenant with words like: ‘Confirming Joe Plumbing will be attending to your recent repair request. If you don’t hear from them in the next 24 hours, please call them on (number) to arrange access”
#8- After work completion
When work has been completed and you have received the tax invoice, send an SMS to the tenant with wording like ‘We have been advised that recent work conducted by Joe Plumbing has been completed. Please let us know if you have any further concerns, or the work has not been completed properly”. It’s a sad fact that some tradespeople invoice a job they haven’t done, and this strategy helps to keep this issue in check.
#9- Confirming the lease sign-up appointment
Yes, we all hate a call ten minutes past our sign-up appointment time with the tenant saying “Where are you? I’m at the property to sign the lease!” when they should have been at your office. A quick reminder email the day before this appointment with the day/time, the location of the appointment, what monies they need to bring, who needs to be there and what time frame they need to allocate for signing and send it to all tenants signing the lease.
#10- Final inspection reminder
A few days before the scheduled inspection, send an SMS reminder of the date/time of the inspection and also a reminder that the property needs to be cleaned. You may choose to send an SMS a week before with the name and number of your recommended cleaner and carpet cleaner as well.