by Theresa Bradley-Banta
When was the last time you had a conversation with your property management company about raising the rent on your rental units? What was your goal? Increased revenue? A desire to see improvements to cash flow?
I have good news. When you start talking about ways to create revenue in your multifamily property you’re on the path to success.
You might be surprised at how many multifamily property investors do nothing but collect the rent and occasionally glance at the profit and loss statements. I want to be sure you do more than that. The best way to be sure you’re not leaving money on the table is to create and implement new and creative revenue generating resources.
Here are a few ideas to get you started . . .
30+ Ways to Create Revenue in Your Multifamily Property
Shop vendors and service providers, negotiate charges
Let your vendors and service providers know that you will review their fees and services annually. And that you will be shopping around and comparing them to the competition.
Your reviews should cover your providers of:
- Insurance
- Trash removal
- Pest control
- Cleaning
- Property management
- Leasing
- Marketing
- New and refurbished appliances
- Carpet and flooring
- Laundry leasing
- All third party skilled maintenance providers for painting, electric and plumbing, HVAC, etc.
Don’t make this an idle “threat.” Put your annual review process on your calendar and do it. This is also a great opportunity to get input from your providers on ways to lower costs and streamline services. They may have ideas you never thought of.
Tip: Consider hiring an on-site manager to replace your third-party management company.
A special word is in order regarding laundry leasing: Be sure to review any third-party leases the sellers may have signed with a laundry vendor (or any other vendors). Are you locked in to a long-term lease for washers and dryers? Are you better off buying your own laundry appliances? Pay special attention to revenue sources where you split the proceeds with a third party.
Change your offer to prospective residents
When was the last time you or your team studied market rents and concessions? Can you:
- Raise rents?
- Decrease rental concessions? (Concessions are enticements to new tenants such as free lease signing bonuses, a reduction in rent or security deposit or other perks that decrease property revenue.)
Ancillary income: add new amenities, services and fees
You might be sitting on a gold mine of untapped revenue sources. Consider charging fees for:
- Parking
- Storage units
- Whole building WiFi
- Recycling programs
- Bike storage
- Pet rent
- Late rent payment
- NSF
Vending machines are another excellent source of revenue. You might also consider renting common areas for special uses such as parties or even leasing your rooftop to the local cable or telecommunication companies for installation of communication towers.
Implement new leasing policies
Your operations policies should include lease expiration and unit turn management. You’ll increase revenue by decreasing the time a rental unit sits vacant.
- Stagger lease expiration dates and keep vacancies to minimum
- Implement a system for contacting residents 60 days prior to least expiration
- Streamline the make-ready process
- Establish pre-leasing strategies for upcoming vacancies
- Offer incentives to your leasing team for new and renewing leases
Implement proactive maintenance policies
Catch potential problems early. Establish a regular property inspection schedule of:
- Rental units (occupied and unoccupied)
- Common areas (indoor and outdoor)
- Major building mechanicals (roof, boiler, HVAC, etc.)
A simple proactive fix can often eliminate expensive repairs down the line.
Utilities and green building practices
Today’s residents are looking for properties with the latest green building practices. Not only will new systems increase revenues through lower costs and rebates they can be implemented in your marketing strategies.
- Implement a Resident Utility Reimbursement Program (RUBS)
- Install energy efficient building systems such as a Durolast reflective roofing system
- Install energy efficient windows
- Cover windows with awnings to lower heating and cooling expenses (this is a great way to improve curb appeal too)
- Install energy efficient lighting
- Take advantage of ENERGY STAR products and rebates
Your number one job as a real estate investor
You’ve got to constantly stay in the conversation about how to implement new ideas for increased revenue. You can’t just visit the topic once a year.
Whether you manage your property yourself or a third-party management company does it for you, operations policies that affect the bottom line must be implemented and monitored constantly. A monthly review is a great idea.
And you must be creative.
Raising the rent is one thing, finding new sources of income can be more of a challenge. Seasoned real estate investors continually challenge themselves and their team members to come up with new ideas, policies and ways to implement changes to operations.
Learn more:
6 Creative Sources for New Revenue at Your Apartment Complex
Multifamily Property Checklist: An Owner’s Guide for Operating Apartment Buildings
Hiring and Managing a Multifamily On-site Property Manager
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Hello Theresa I really enjoyed your article. I was wondering if you can give ideas for a HUD property? Our rents are at a max from what I was told and I have increase garages/carports/washer & dryer leasing.
Am not sure what else I can honestly increase without crossing the HUD agreement my owner has.
Any new creative ideas?
Thanks again!!!!
Hello!
Thanks for your question and for your feedback on my article. I’m guessing you’re referring to Section 8 or other subsidized housing, as opposed to an FHA foreclosure. Is this right?
I’d be delighted to continue the conversation if you’d like to give me more details!
~Theresa
Same here. I manage a rent restricted community. We are not able to charge for anything that is exclusively in the common areas. Example: bike racks, clubhouse, picnic areas. We are at max rents and offer garages which are optional. Any other ideas for ways to increase the ancillary income? Our rents are already at max allowable market rent.
I highly recommend that you network locally with property managers and landlord-tenant attorneys who specialize in subsidized housing. Both will know the legal requirements for your area and will likely have ideas you have not considered.
And take a look at the following for some ideas to get you started.
30+ Ways to Create Revenue in Your Multifamily Property
6 Creative Sources for New Revenue at Your Apartment Complex
Would love to hear how you’re doing!
Theresa, I have a municipal water tower with one cel provider on there now. Are there any companies that would market our tower? I’m assuming they are and they would do some type of revenue sharing agreement but the normal google search doesn’t seem to be yielding any meaningful results.
Great question John, but I really don’t know the answer. Best wishes. Let us know if you find some creative solutions! Theresa