RentCafe is a powerful property management tool that streamlines the rental process for both property managers and residents. However, convincing residents to adopt and consistently use RentCafe can be challenging, especially for Affordable and Senior residents as they may not have the technological knowledge or equipment to access RentCafe without support. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to encourage residents to use RentCafe, ensuring a smoother, more efficient property management experience.

1. Educate and Inform Residents

The first step in promoting RentCafe is to educate residents about what RentCafe is and what it can do.  Create informative materials that highlight key features and advantages, such as:

  • Convenience: Online rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease renewals make it easier to track documentation and ensure documents don’t get lost.
  • Accessibility: Mobile app allows access anywhere which makes it easier for residents who are unable to get to the rental office. 
  • Transparency: Easy access to lease agreements, payment history, and community updates allows tenants to access the information they need when they need it. 

Distribute these materials through various channels, including emails, newsletters, and community bulletin boards. Hold informational sessions or webinars to walk residents through the platform’s features and answer any questions they may have.

2. Leverage the new Rewards Program

Yardi is launching a Rewards program for tenants that will give them points for paying rent and other expenses like electricity and internet.  Those points can be used for travel, gift cards, merchandise and more. The waitlist is now open to RentCafe users, and is promising to be a great way to incentivize even non tech-savvy tenants to sign up. 

3. Make Registration and Onboarding Accessible

Although most people use smartphones and are technologically savvy, there are still people who lack technological literacy, and require some extra support to use RentCafe. For those residents, it is vital to simplify the onboarding process. 

Steps you can take to ensure the registration and onboarding process for RentCafe is as simple and straightforward as possible include:

  • Providing step-by-step guides and one-on-one support to help residents get started
  • Organizing resident onboarding events, like ice cream socials or lunch & learn sessions 
  • Providing tablets or Chromebooks in the building office for residents to access RentCafe
  • Providing a kiosk in the lobby that residents can use to access RentCafe

4. Leverage Technology and Support

Make sure that your property management team is well-versed in RentCafe and can offer tech support to residents. Designate a RentCafe ambassador who can assist residents with navigating the platform. Regularly update your property management team on new features in RentCafe so they can effectively support residents.  

5. Promote the Benefits of Online Payments

One of the major benefits of RentCafe is the ability to make online payments. Highlight the convenience, security, and reliability of this feature. Emphasize how online payments can help residents avoid late fees, save time, and keep a record of their transactions. To encourage usage, consider offering a small discount for residents who set up automatic payments through RentCafe.

6. Create a Sense of Community

Use RentCafe’s communication tools to build a sense of community among residents. Share community news, upcoming events, and important updates through RentCafe. Encourage residents to participate in discussions or provide feedback through the platform. When residents see RentCafe as a hub for community engagement, they are more likely to use it regularly.

7. Gather and Act on Feedback

Regularly solicit feedback from residents about their experience with RentCafe. Conduct surveys or hold feedback sessions to identify any pain points or suggestions for improvement. Act on this feedback to make improvements to how RentCafe is used within your community. Showing residents that their input is valued can increase their commitment  to using the platform.

8. Highlight Success Stories

Share success stories and positive experiences from residents who use RentCafe. This could be through testimonials, case studies, or spotlights in community newsletters. Hearing about the positive impact RentCafe has had on their neighbors can motivate other residents to give it a try.

9. Regularly Update and Communicate

Keep residents informed about new features or updates to RentCafe. Regular communication ensures that residents are aware of the latest improvements and how they can benefit from them. Use multiple channels such as emails, in-app notifications, and social media to keep residents engaged and informed.

10. Provide Continuous Training and Support

Offer ongoing training and support to ensure residents are comfortable using RentCafe. This can include periodic workshops, Q&A sessions, and updated training materials. Providing continuous support helps residents feel confident in using the platform.

Conclusion

Getting residents to use RentCafe can be a challenge, but with this strategic approach, you should be able to successfully onboard most if not all residents into RentCafe. When implementing RentCafe, there likely will be some investment required to onboard residents. If you need help developing resources and marketing materials to onboard residents, please reach out.