Should landlords ask for feedback from a tenant who is moving out regarding how satisfied the tenant was with the rental unit/property management?
Asking for feedback from tenants moving out can be a good business practice to help improve property operations. When departing tenants provide feedback, a landlord can use their responses to evaluate rental policies and practices to determine whether property operations need changes or additions. As an alternative to a discussion between landlord and tenant, the landlord could provide a printed form using a rating scale to indicate tenant satisfaction with maintenance/repairs, rent payment options, rental rules, amenities access/use, or other rental matters. The printed form could include a section for optional comments or suggestions for property improvements.
Questions that could provide feedback to improve business operations include:
Why is the tenant moving?
Many landlords track reasons for tenant move-out. Was the move-out due to family matters, opportunity for a better place or bigger place, a place with more amenities, or was it related to property management issues such as rent affordability, repairs and maintenance, neighbors/privacy, or noise/disturbance?
Is the tenant making a local move to another rental complex?
A local move to another rental complex may be an indication that the landlord’s unit/property is not competitive in terms of rents, amenities, features or policies. The tenant’s decision to move may be based on getting a better deal. If the landlord has not conducted a recent market study, the landlord may be missing the opportunity to attract and retain good tenants.
How did the tenant search for a new rental?
A landlord can use this information to evaluate his advertising plan and media strategies and accordingly make changes to improve his advertising effectiveness and coverage in the local area.
Did the tenant consider his rent to be a fair rent for the unit/area?
This response provides market information on rent affordability in the area and a comparison of the rental unit to similar units in the area.
Did the tenant express satisfaction with his rental experience during his tenancy?
The tenant’s answer provides direct feedback on property management and rental policies.
What would the tenant suggest for property upgrades and improvements?
Comments and suggestions could include physical property improvements as well as improving tenant customer services and response times.
Would the tenant rent from this landlord again?
The answer can be a confirmation of a satisfactory landlord tenant relationship or feedback to focus on areas that need attention.