3 Ways Spokane Property Managers Can Keep Long-Term Tenants
Hey there Doc here from Cobalt Property Management.
We’ve got some exciting news to share from the rental world. A recent poll conducted by Billion, one of the nation’s largest property management platforms, revealed that 47% of tenants plan to renew their leases. That’s the highest rate we've seen since 2021—and it's a strong indicator of what matters most to renters today.
So, what’s driving tenants to stick around? According to the survey, renters identified three key reasons they plan to renew. And if you’re a property manager looking to boost retention, these insights are pure gold.
1. Deliver Exceptional Service Through Communication
Tenants are staying because they feel heard. One of the most cited reasons for lease renewal was the quality of service provided by property managers or landlords. While "service" is a broad term, it boils down to one essential element: communication.
From the moment a tenant inquires about a property to the day they return their keys, communication should be:
Clear – Explain expectations and processes upfront.
Responsive – Acknowledge questions and requests quickly.
Frictionless – Make it easy to connect by phone, text, or online.
Think of it as onboarding a valued customer. If the experience is smooth and the tenant feels supported, they’re much more likely to stay.
2. Prioritize Maintenance Responsiveness
Maintenance requests are a make-or-break moment in tenant satisfaction. Interestingly, tenants care more about how a maintenance issue is handled than what the issue is.
Here’s how Spokane property managers can improve maintenance response:
Offer multiple request channels – Phone, text, and online portals make it easy for tenants to reach out.
Acknowledge requests promptly – Even a simple message like “We received your request and will follow up by [date]” makes a huge difference.
Provide next steps and timelines – Letting tenants know what’s going to happen next reduces anxiety and builds trust.
Eliminating silence and ambiguity in the maintenance process turns frustration into loyalty.
3. Enhance Amenities & Day-to-Day Convenience
While features like pools and parks are great when available, the real win is improving the everyday experience of living at your property.
Consider the tenant's perspective:
How easy is it to pay rent or deposits?
Can they renew leases or sign documents online?
Do they have the option to meet in person if needed?
Offering flexibility—both digital and face-to-face—eliminates stress and accommodates different preferences. At Cobalt, we make it easy to handle all routine tasks, whether a tenant prefers a handshake or a smartphone tap.
Final Thoughts
Tenant satisfaction isn’t just about having a nice property it’s about removing barriers, being responsive, and staying human. With 47% of renters ready to renew, Spokane property managers have a golden opportunity to build lasting tenant relationships.
At Cobalt Property Management, we’re committed to keeping those relationships strong from move-in to move-out and every touchpoint in between. If you’re a Spokane landlord looking to improve tenant retention, let’s talk.
