I wanted to do something for my residents in my medium sized apartment complex for Christmas. But before I did anything, I wanted to bounce off an abstract idea off of the group.

I am considering opening up the coin laundry machines so that the residents can do laundry for free on Christmas eve or Christmas. Where I might be giving away an item that produces some extra income, the cost incurred would be minimal. It also might actually result in additional usage in the future.

I also think about it from a different way. If someone takes me up and does laundry on Christmas Eve or Christmas, this means they are not spending it with family. SO that is sorta saddening too, but it would give these folks something to do and be thankful for.

Over all it might cost me $40 in lost revenue and another $25 in utility cost

What if you did it the 27th and 28th the day after Christmas.

Perhaps instead of telling the group what I was considering, I should have asked - what you all are doing for your tenants?

Free quarters, a gift card, caramels all sound like great ideas....and hopefully you are treating your customers with the respect that they deserve.

I guess not giving away something for free is better than hooking them up. In the past I have given each household a Christmas card with candy canes taped to the outside of the door. What would happen if I placed money in these envelopes, or gift cards? My guess - I will find some empty Christmas cards on the ground where someone found out what is in one and is looking for more on the neighbors door.

Where business is indeed business, Christmas does give the world one day to reflect, and hopefully improve the way the world treats one another. I can't speak to the rest of you, but I feel the media beats up the world pretty badly. It is nice to have one day of hope for a better place.

IF someone elects not to use what I would have offered them during the free period, I can't really help them.

I suppose I should be thankful no one said I should be giving pickled eggs and chicken wings.

A load or 2 of free laundry. Meh.

And the rest of the year they will resent you because you have shown them the machines can be operated for free.

I'm a Christmas kind guy. Celebrate with family and friends. I've never thought because I love the season that as a LL I should treat the world. Don't get me wrong we support our local charity's ALL year and think that's a good thing.

I'm just not sure where this tradition started of treating tenants? Why do LL's think they need to bribe tenants to pay their rent? Why do they feel the need to be seen as the GOOD GUY around the holidays?

I don't give gifts because then it becomes expected and if you don't do it they will feel shorted.

I do let them know throughout the year they are appreciated in small ways. It seems to work well.

For instance when they agree to leave a key to have work done I make sure they know how much it is appreciated and helps me to serve them better. If I get a picture of a malfunctioning faucet I compliment them on how nice and clean it looks. I make it a point to compliment other tenants and never speak badly of any of them so they know I value my tenants.

I owe a lot to my service provider's as well who tell them I'm a terrific landlord who never cuts corners and wants things done right. But I take good care of my contractors as well. I always recognize good behavior and service and it seems to pay off.

My well maintained properties and fast response to issues all year long is my ‘gift’ to my tenants. Like Lisa, I give positive feedback on great tenant behaviors. And, I put nice upgrades to my houses that aren’t so common at the Class C level, like really great lighting in the kitchen, Panasonic bath fans in bathroom, good insulation, nice, attractive low-maintenance yards sometimes with a picnic table or bench.

As Allie said, gift giving can make recipients feel they need/want to reciprocate, and my tenants don’t have money to spare.

Lastly, holidays can be tricky. Not everybody has happy memories, and seeing others appearing to have perfect holidays can make it worse for those people sometimes. So, I am cautious about bringing up holidays with tenants.

As someone who worked in special education, I saw how teachers often became ‘unglued’ over their holiday parties, and the kids would get all jacked up. Always made me wonder why teachers at a public school were pushing what should be a family celebration. One of my students, a fifth grader who had been working hard to keep his behavior in check all year, got sent down from the regular classroom for his disruptive behavior. As the student blew off steam with me, he exclaimed,’ “Why do teachers have to do all these parties? If they would keep every day the same, I can keep it together.” He was exasperated, and I didn’t blame him. That teacher was known for her big Christmas party. And she was Jewish! She admitted she would never make a big deal out of a Jewish holiday, those were to be kept sacred. Hmmm....

When asked, ‘Why landlording?’ I’ve always responded, well, I’ve worked in Special Ed for many years, lol. So, I keep that wisdom from that fifth grader often in mind. My C class tenants do best with consistency, and I try to keep things on the down-low.

I don't do gifts because it does become expected. A Christmas card is all my tenants get.