March Event Ideas + How to Tackle Difficult Renewal Talks
As a property manager, keeping residents engaged while navigating renewal conversations can be a challenge. March presents the perfect opportunity to freshen up your resident engagement strategy with creative spring marketing ideas for multifamily communities. Here’s a secret…. we’re showing you how March resident events and proven strategies for tackling renewal conversations can get residents to renew, even when renewal rates are higher than market rates.
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March Resident Event Ideas to Boost Engagement
Hosting engaging resident events is key to keeping your community active, connected, and more likely to renew their leases. Here are some creative spring marketing ideas for multifamily properties, on any budget:
1. Spring Forward Picnic: A Seasonal Community Gathering
Celebrate Daylight Savings Time (March 9) with a “Gather & Grow” picnic event. Encourage residents to bring blankets and enjoy a spring-inspired outdoor meal. Set up games, a flower-arranging station, or a themed photo booth to enhance engagement.
2. Chips & Coke To-Go: A Simple but Effective Resident Appreciation Event
Sometimes, the easiest events make the biggest impact. Set up a grab-and-go snack station in high-traffic areas like the leasing office, mailroom, or entry gate. Offering free snacks is a quick way to foster goodwill and create positive touchpoints with residents.
Get 12 Resident Event Ideas when you join the $7 Spark membership.
(Plus 12 other resources for marketing and retention. 👀)
3. Read Across America: A Book Swap for All Ages
March is Read Across America Month, making it a great time to host a resident book swap. Set up designated tables by genre or age group, provide Dr. Seuss-inspired treats, and create a cozy reading corner with themed decorations. Encourage social sharing by setting up a fun photo backdrop and offering prizes for the best book-themed costumes.
How to Have Tough Renewal Conversations with Residents
Renewal season can be tricky, especially when residents are facing a rent increase. Here’s how property managers can navigate these discussions effectively.
1. Lead with Empathy in Renewal Conversations
Residents may feel frustrated when they see that their renewal rate is higher than what’s being offered to new renters. Acknowledge their concerns with phrases like:
“I completely understand that this price increase is frustrating, and I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.”
“I know this isn’t the news you were hoping for, but I want to be as transparent as possible about why rates have changed.”
2. Explain Market Pricing with a Simple Analogy
Comparing apartment pricing to airfare can help residents understand why rates fluctuate. (Aka - why they’re probably having to pay a little more than when they moved in.) Here’s some hot topics you can weave into your conversation.
New leases often include promotional pricing to fill vacancies quickly.
Renewal rates reflect market demand and long-term value of securing their home.
Rent changes are based on availability, lease terms, and market conditions at the time of renewal.
3. Highlight the True Cost of Moving
So many residents consider moving to save money, but so many people overlook the other costs. Walk them through a cost breakdown and make sure to include these:
Moving company fees
Security deposits
Utility transfers
Time and effort involved in relocating
Offer a cost-of-moving worksheet to illustrate how renewing often saves time, money, and stress.
Guide For Renewal Conversations - With Scripts!
This month our Spark membership is focusing on how to handle renewal and communication conversations. Especially the tough ones. 😬
Join for only $7/Month
4. Set Boundaries When Conversations Get Heated
Oof. We’ve all been there. We’re having the renewal conversation and a resident starts to get so angry. Maybe even not so nice words start to fly. If a resident gets upset, breathe, stay professional and set clear boundaries:
“I can hear that you’re frustrated, and I want to help, but I need us to have a respectful conversation to find a solution.”
“I’m happy to discuss this, but I can’t continue if there’s yelling or cursing.”
Use Resident Events & Renewal Strategies to Retain More Residents
Property managers, no need to stress out over renewals. Take these March resident event ideas and use the effective renewal conversation strategies to boost resident engagement and retention. A strong sense of community, clear communication, and an understanding approach will make it easier to secure lease renewals and maintain a thriving multifamily community.
