How resident satisfaction at Boathouse fuels high lease renewals
The key to resident satisfaction lies in a seamless move-in experience, a factor that has a powerful impact on lease renewals. Bill Brantley, the Assistant Property Manager at Boathouse in Portland, Oregon, understands that a positive move-in is more than handing over the keys—it sets the tone for the entire resident journey.
For Boathouse, an Avenue5 Residential community, the goal is clear: make residents feel at home from day one. This philosophy has helped the community maintain strong renewal rates. Bill believes that a well-managed move-in process builds the foundation for a positive long-term relationship between management and residents. “People’s homes are a huge part of their lives, and anything we can do to help them find a place they love in a community they love is a win,” he notes. His attention to resident needs underscores Avenue5’s commitment to service excellence, especially in a competitive housing market. KingsleySurveys conducted in 2023, show 83% of renters said that the onsite staff and management team heavily influence future leasing decisions.
Move-ins that drive renewals
The move-in process doesn’t affect first impressions—it can make or break the likelihood of a lease renewal. According to Bill, residents who have had a smooth move-in experience are more likely to sign a renewal lease. He highlights that initial hiccups can have long-term negative effects and has personally witnessed how an unorganized move-in can directly impact long term relationships with residents. This sentiment is backed by industry data showing that 79% of residents satisfied at move-in are likely to stay satisfied through renewal.
While Boathouse offers stunning views and an enviable location, the team knows that the resident experience must extend beyond aesthetics. Avenue5 ensures that properties like Boathouse create a frictionless move-in experience through technology, personal touches, and proactive communication. “It’s about going the extra mile,” Bill says, noting how he often anticipates resident arrivals and ensures that every detail is perfect before the first box is moved. This approach fosters trust and creates a positive atmosphere from the start, making residents more likely to stay.
Enhancing efficiency with proptech
Avenue5 leverages technology to simplify the process, using tools like Updater Pro | Onboarding to handle move-ins with ease. “Updater saves us from having to baby residents through each step. They have everything they need in a checklist, and it’s simple for us to track,” Bill explains. This time-saving technology gives staff more bandwidth to focus on resident events, upkeep, and follow-ups, enhancing overall community engagement.
The team is also empowered by the clear, actionable insights that Updater provides. With a centralized system to manage all move-in documentation and utility setup, the staff can keep everything on track, minimizing errors and streamlining onboarding for new residents. “It relieves a lot of stress from us,” he adds, emphasizing how critical efficiency is for a smaller community like Boathouse.
The bottom line: resident satisfaction equals renewals
The combination of attentive service, proactive communication, and cutting-edge technology makes a noticeable difference in resident satisfaction, directly impacting lease renewals. Boathouse, like many Avenue5 communities, understands that the first 30 days are crucial in ensuring that residents feel valued and comfortable. “If they are happy, then yes, of course they’ll stay,” Bill confirms.
By embedding technology into the core of the move-in process and maintaining a human touch, Avenue5 demonstrates a clear understanding of what residents want: a smooth, supportive move-in experience that makes them feel right at home. This strategy doesn’t just create happy residents—it drives renewal rates and strengthens the community’s long-term success.
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