These are challenging times, requiring some serious strategies to keep our units rented. The class on May 26 illustrated some of the tactics that members have proven effective.

Starting with receiving the 30 day notice that a tenant is moving, landlords are making a real effort to retain residents. What will it take? Finding another of your units for them? Adjusting the rent? Taking payments while they get through a rough patch? Letting them get a pet? Landlords in Central Oregon don’t want to lose a good tenant.

Marketing the unit has also become more creative. The newspaper doesn’t seem to be the best method of advertising any more, so landlords are using anything available. Telling the neighbors of the unit. Writing a brochure for the curb flyer box. Posting them in bulletin boards. Craigslist.com and Now Renting magazine ranked high in effectiveness and return for cost. The new website, rentbend.com has worked for several owners and managers.

Now is the time to have your units looking their best from the curb all the way through. Make sure that all repairs are done and the paint looks fresh. Are the light fixtures starting to look dated? Look at the unit from a fresh perspective and see what will sell it to a good tenant.

Creative incentives to pull in tenants, that were mentioned at the class included free rent the month of December, or the end of the lease. Or, try $99 rent for the move-in month . How about movie tickets, DVDs, turkeys and washing machines to get a tenant interested? Whatever it takes, we need to get these units rented!

Linda Frost

Vice President