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The legal requirements for worker's compensation insurance can be confusing. Most businesses must take out these policies by law whenever they hire someone but there are differences between states, sectors, and companies. 

This post looks at state-specific requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and when you don’t need a policy. Here’s what you need to know: 

State-specific requirements 

States requiring coverage for all employees include California, New Jersey, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and New York. These don’t consider the number of employees you have, so insurance applies immediately. 

Other states require businesses to carry worker’s compensation insurance when they reach an employee threshold number. For example, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and South Carolina demand that employers get worker’s comp when they hire four or more employees. For Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia, it’s three or more, and for North Carolina and Wisconsin, it’s two or more. 

Some states have industry-specific requirements for worker’s compensation insurance that depend on the sector in which you operate. For instance, Michigan and Tennessee require construction worker’s compensation insurance regardless of the number of employees. 

Penalties for non-compliance

The penalties for non-compliance with worker’s compensation insurance regulations also vary considerably by state. Most have fines in place, and some threaten jail time. 

For instance, in California, it is a criminal offense to fail to provide worker’s compensation insurance. The state punishes people with up to a year in jail and fines between $10,000 and $100,000. 

New York also takes a tough stance. The state considers breaking the rules a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the violation. Fines go from $1,000 to $50,000 plus an additional $2,000 for each day without coverage. 

Pennsylvania has some of the strictest rules in the union and considers non-compliance with worker’s comp to be a felony of the third degree. The state imposes fines of up to $15,000 and up to seven years in jail. 

Florida takes a slightly different tack. It institutes a Stop-Work Order on companies found to be non-compliant and requires businesses to cease operations until they pay a fine and put proper insurance in place. Fines are usually twice the amount the employer would have spent on premiums over the preceding two years.

Lastly, in Illinois, employers who willfully fail to provide worker’s compensation insurance according to the rules face fines of $500 daily for non-compliance, with minimum penalties of $10,000. Furthermore, officers at companies failing to arrange insurance for their employees can be held personally liable. 

Exemptions

Despite the tough penalties for worker’s comp non-compliance, many states have exceptions. These include: 

• Sole proprietors and partners who don’t hire anyone and who aren’t official employees of the firm
• Workers who do not meet the definitional requirements of “employees” in some states
• Domestic workers and housekeepers without contracts or working undefined hours
• Independent contractors who aren’t employees (in some states)
• Businesses with less than the minimum employee threshold (as discussed)

Contact us For the Best Pricing on Worker's Compensation Insurance!

If you want guidance on the legal requirements for worker’s compensation insurance, contact our team. As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best deal on quality insurance!

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Choosing the right trucking insurance policy isn’t always straightforward. But this guide is here to help. We provide some tips on choosing the right coverage for your business. 

Assess your coverage needs

The first step is to assess your coverage requirements – the policy considerations you need to protect against the losses you face. 

First, think about the number of trucks you want to insure. Some insurers are better for fleet insurance than others. 

Next, consider the cargo you want to transport (another element insurance policies will sometimes cover). Most policies protect you against standard losses, but you may need to pay more to transport extremely valuable or sensitive items. 

The routes taken and the distances you travel also play a role. The more miles covered on challenging, accident-prone roads, the higher your premiums will be. 

Lastly, consider the size of your business. Sometimes you can get discounts by arranging multiple policies with a single carrier. These reduce overall costs significantly while providing additional coverage. 

Compare insurers

Once you know your requirements, the next step is to compare insurers. This helps ensure any carrier you choose is a reasonable match for your business. 

Start by looking for evidence of financial stability. You want an insurer who can pay you, even if your business experiences heavy losses. Moody’s and Standard & Poor provide ratings information to gauge the health of carriers you might consider. 

Also, check if the insurer offers the coverage options you want. You need a carrier able to protect your firm against the losses it is most likely to experience. Common coverage includes: 

• Bodily injury or damages you cause to others
• Protection of cargo against damage and theft
• Coverage for using trucks out-of-hours (non-trucking cover)
• Physical and collision damage to vehicles you own
• Cover for hauling third-party trailers

Finally, check if the insurer offers reasonable customer service. Call them to see if they answer quickly and deal with you politely. 

If you aren’t sure about a specific insurer, check online reviews to see what other trucking companies say about them. The more positive appraisals you can find, the better the service is likely to be. Most reputable firms have Google and Trustpilot reviews you can explore. 

When comparing insurance, don’t just look at the premiums. Also, consider the factors discussed above. For instance, does the carrier offer enough insurance for your needs? And do they charge large deductibles that might be hard for your brand to afford? 

If there are policy limits, question them. Ask whether the risk of exceeding them is acceptable. 

Reviewing policy terms regularly

Lastly, be sure to review policy terms regularly. Trucking companies sometimes get burned because they believe they have suitable cover when they don’t. 

When you take out an insurance policy, the carrier will provide documents explaining what your policy covers and how to make a claim. Check the small print carefully with each new policy document you receive to ensure coverage remains sufficient. 

Contact us to Start Saving on Truck Insurance!

If you want to get the best truck insurance policy possible, contact our team. As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best deal on quality insurance!

So call us today at  (610) 775-3848 or contact us online to start saving. 

Landlord insurance is essential for anyone who rents out property. 

But how much does it cost? That’s the big question. 

Fortunately, this article provides answers. We explore how insurers calculate premiums and the factors that influence how much you will ultimately pay. By the end, you should understand what you can afford. 

Premium calculation

Premium calculations begin with a thorough property assessment. Insurers inspect structures to determine how much rebuilding will cost in case of serious damage or a fire. 

Next, they ask you the amount of coverage you need. Some landlords require more than others, so it is always a personal decision. If you go to an insurance broker, they will give you quotes from assorted carriers. You can use these to determine insurers offering the best risk-reward. 

During this process, insurance companies calculate the effect of deductibles (discussed below). Usually, you have a choice of how much you want to contribute to the cost of repairs (should they become necessary). 

The last step is to review the policy terms and decide if you are happy with them. If you are, sign on the dotted line. 

The average cost is around $1,895 annually. However, you may pay more, depending on your circumstances.

Influencing factors

Numerous behind-the-scenes actors determine the cost of landlord insurance (similar to other insurance policies), including: 

• Property Location

Property location is one aspect that can affect insurance costs substantially. Areas prone to natural diseases (like flooding or wildfires) usually command a higher premium than those in safer regions. Other factors, like crime, can also play a role. 

• Property Value

The value of the property can also affect the cost of landlord insurance. The costlier it is, the higher the premiums (similar to car insurance). 

Multi-family homes and larger developments are at risk of higher costs because of the valuation effect. However, insurers sometimes charge more for older properties if they believe they have a higher risk of damage or liability. 

• Deductible

You can occasionally lower your monthly insurance premiums by raising your deductible. The more you are willing to contribute, the lower the perceived risk by the insurer. However, if you make a claim, you have to pay more. And that can increase overall costs. 

• Coverage Amount

Coverage amount also affects landlord insurance premiums. The more protection you want, the higher the premium. 

For example, expect to pay extra for things like loss of rental income or liability coverage. 

• Tenant Type 

Lastly, insurance premiums can sometimes vary by tenant type. Insurers often view renting to students and short-term renters as risky because they have reduced incentives to avoid property damage. 

By contrast, long-term renters (with professional qualifications) often have lower risk profiles. These individuals are less likely to cause damage, keeping costs down. 

Once insurers have these details, they can enter them into the actuarial tables and calculate the risk you pose. Then, they can use this information to calculate a suitable premium. 

Contact us to Save on Landlord Insurance

If you are looking for a great price on landlord insurance, contact our team today! As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best deal on quality insurance!

So call American Insuring Group today at  (610) 775-3848 or contact us online to start saving.

Builder’s risk cover is a type of contractor insurance that applies during construction. It’s essential for builders wanting to avoid on-site losses. 

However, it can be confusing. Therefore, this post explores what builder’s risk insurance covers, how lenders package it, and the exclusions/limitations you can expect when taking out a policy. 

What it covers

Builder’s risk insurance covers various losses and damages that can occur on construction sites during projects. However, policies can vary significantly. Some are comprehensive (meaning they cover nearly all losses), while others are more specific. 

Items builder’s risk insurance can cover include: 

• Theft
• Property damage
• Arson
• Damage to materials in transit to the building site
• Removal of debris
• Backed-up sewers and drainage systems
• Damage by hail or wind
• Collapse risk

However, don’t take this list as gospel. Always check the policy wording to see if the insurer includes all the coverage you want. Sometimes, you can ask them for additional coverage in exchange for higher premiums. 

Project-specific coverage

Some builder’s risk insurance policies provide blanket protection throughout the year. These are helpful for contractors involved in numerous residential and commercial projects (i.e. 25 or more annually), reducing paperwork and streamlining applications. 

However, you can get a “single policy” for new construction and remodeling projects. These are helpful when you want builder’s risk insurance as a one-off and only want to cover a single site. 

Builder’s risk insurers will cover several project types, depending on your requirements. However, you must provide them with this information upfront.

Most contractors opt for builder’s risk insurance to cover new constructions. These can include home and apartment developments, condo buildings, and duplexes. It is also available on commercial projects. 

Another type, remodeling builder’s risk insurance, applies when changing a building’s function or structure. For example, you could get insurance if you add a mezzanine level to a living area or extend a building. 

Lastly, you can sometimes get installation-related builder’s risk insurance. Unlike a complete remodel, this covers single fixtures and fittings, like cabinets or awnings. 

Exclusions and limitations

Unfortunately, builder’s risk insurance won’t protect you against everything. As such, you may need to add other insurance products to your stack. 

Like most insurance offerings, builder’s risk insurance doesn’t protect against force majeure. It won’t pay out for acts of war, terrorism, or other government actions (like property confiscation). 

It also doesn’t cover contractor or employee injuries – one of the most common building site claims. For this, you will need workers' compensation and public liability insurance. 

Other exclusions can include: 

• Extreme geological events, like earthquakes
• Intentional acts of destruction
• Damage due to preventable design flaws or plans
• Vehicle damage 
• Depreciation

Contact Us Today to Save on Builder's Risk Insurance!

Still confused? Contact American Insuring Group for the best rates on builder’s risk insurance. As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best deal on quality insurance! So call us today at (610) 775-3848 or click here to start saving. 

Every year, 34% of all deaths on construction sites are attributable to falls, more than any other category. And whenever this happens, it is a tragedy for everyone involved, from owners to families of the deceased. However, construction insurance can protect against liability claims. Coverage compensates victims (if injured) or their next of kin if they die, letting you keep more money in your pocket.  

Of course, as a company manager or business owner, your goal is to reduce slips, trips and falls on your construction site as much as possible. You want to keep it safe for everyone. 

But how can you do that effectively? Let’s find out. 

Ensure Workers Wear Full Body Harnesses While Working Above Six Feet

The first (and most obvious) safety precaution is to get workers to wear full-body harnesses when working over six feet (as recommended by the OHSA). Reins should connect to an anchor point using tough nylon cords and feature deceleration devices that break falls if workers plummet to the ground. 

Guard Or Cover Holes, Opening, And Skylights

You also want to take precautions around any building features workers could fall through, such as holes, openings, and skylights as a construction site manager. Covering them with safe equipment is the best option and eliminates the possibility of tumbles. 

If you can’t do that, use guardrail systems to protect trips. Even if workers slip, they can grab onto bars instead of falling into a gap. 

Mark Hazardous Areas

At the same time, mark hazardous areas to make them more conspicuous for workers. Bright paint, warning signs, stickers, or additional lighting can help reduce risk. Site managers should communicate these known hazards to workers and explain their danger. Staff should understand the reasons for the safety precautions. 

Develop A Training Plan

You should also develop a training plan alongside any physical measures you implement to improve safety. Teaching employees about the risks they face helps them understand how to conduct themselves on-site safely. 

Training plans should include: 

• Talking about how the job will be done
• How to use safety equipment
• The essential safety equipment for specific types of works
• Mitigation strategies (such as covering skylights and leading edges)
• The value of fall prevention or mitigation systems

Keep Sites Clean And Organized

Finally, construction managers can reduce the risk of falls on construction sites by keeping them clean and clutter-free. Removing debris from walkways and clearing up spills promptly can protect workers and stop them from slipping or tripping over things. 

Be particularly mindful of power cords for machine tools. These are a significant hazard because workers can’t always correct themselves when they feel like they are about to fall. 

Once you start implementing these methods, you’ll notice the culture of your staff changes. Focusing on safety reduces risk-taking and subsequent claims against you while improving worker well-being. 

The Best Rates on Contractor Insurance

Contact American Insuring Group for the best rates on contractor and workers’ compensation insurance. As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best rates on quality insurance for contractors, construction companies, and builders. Contact us online or call (610) 775-3848 today!

Renters cause massive damage to properties with millions of units affected every year. However, you can protect yourself with landlord insurance, a comprehensive cover product that shields you against most losses. Monthly premiums reduce your liability while providing funds (in some cases) to return properties to their previous specs after vandalism by tenants or fire. 

This post explains why you need landlord insurance and what makes it essential. Here’s everything you need to know: 

Your Homeowners’ Insurance Doesn’t Cover You

Unfortunately, conventional homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover rental properties (because of the increased risk of damage). Therefore, you won’t get any protection if you only use your existing policy. 

By contrast, bespoke landlord insurance will cover you as it is specifically designed to cater to tenants. If you try to claim on your conventional homeowners’ insurance, you likely won’t get any money. 

You Can Get Cover For Loss Of Rent

Another reason to choose landlord insurance is the rent loss coverage available on some policies. Here, insurers pay you if tenants decide (for whatever reason) not to pay you in a particular month. Your income remains consistent, even if the people renting from you refuse to cough up cash. 

These arrangements are helpful because they enable you to continue paying the mortgage (if you have one), keeping your credit score solid. Furthermore, they take the risk out of being a landlord. Property income becomes more like a fixed-income investment than a volatile one when you include landlord insurance. 

You Can Cover Property Damage

Landlord insurance also helps you cover property damage that costs owners billions of dollars annually. Insurers pay out for numerous claims. including: 

• Fire
• Flooding
• Vandalism
• Breakdown or damage to specific household features

Check your insurance covers all these categories. Some insurers will limit the scope of payments or include some items in “force majeure” or “acts of God” that shouldn’t be there. 

Also, check it covers deliberate damage by tenants. Disgruntled occupants sometimes rip out (or steal) kitchens and bathrooms, flood properties, or cover carpets in paint. 

You Can Protect Yourself Against Liability

Perhaps the biggest reason for choosing landlord insurance, however, is the protection it offers against liability claims (which can sometimes range into the millions of dollars). Insurers will often protect you against being sued by tenants or visitors who injure themselves while on your property. 

Check the range of situations covered. You want coverage for when occupants: 

• Trip over loose carpet
• Burn themselves on hot appliances
• Slip on the bathroom floor
• Trip over the threshold by the front door
• Electrocute themselves on damaged appliances

If someone makes a claim against you and wins, the insurer will pay the compensation and legal fees. You won’t be out of pocket. 

So there you have it: compelling reasons why you need landlord insurance.

Contact us for the best rates on landlord insurance!

As independent brokers, we shop the market to find you the best rates on quality landlord insurance designed to meet your needs! So call us today at  (610) 775-3848 or contact us online to start saving. 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the U.S. and aims to reduce the number of people killed on the roads every year. The event is valuable for the population as a whole but even more critical for truck drivers because of the sheer responsibility of driving 18-wheelers and the cost of truck insurance. 

About Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving affects countless people across the country and kills approximately 3,300 annually (as of the latest count). The related month-long event runs from April 4-8 and encourages drivers of all stripes (including those driving commercial vehicles) to behave more responsibly and ethically to reduce the risk of death and serious injury. 

Put the Phone Away or Pay is a flagship campaign and part of the effort. It reminds drivers how dangerous it is to use the phone behind the wheel and the legal consequences of being caught doing so. 

It also calls on drivers to remind their friends and family to drive safely when they are in the driver’s seat. Relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances should encourage and promote a safe approach to the road. 

How To Avoid Becoming A Distracted Truck Driver

So, what can you do to avoid becoming distracted as a truck driver to minimize collision risk? 

Silence Your Phone And Keep It Out Of Sight

The first (and most practical step) is to keep your phone silent and out of sight. Tuck it away in the back or put it on the glove box to remove the temptation of using it. 

According to NHTSA data, cell phone calling and texting were a factor in 12% of distracted driving incidents that resulted in deaths and 8% of total distracted driving incidents. Consequently, cell phone usage is responsible for more than 1.6 million incidents annually, which is why Distracted Driving Awareness Month focuses on it so much. 

Be careful of using hands-free systems. While they might be legal, they are not risk-free because they can be distracting. 

If you have to send messages, either pull over to the side of the road or get a colleague to send them for you. Don’t try to do it while driving. 

Stay Alert

At the same time, it is essential to stay alert. Make sure that you: 

• Get enough sleep before driving – tiredness can make you drowsy and cause you to fall asleep at the wheel
• Avoid in-cab distractions – Use voice activation to control things like the radio or GPS to reduce the risk of taking your eyes off the road further. 
• Don’t preoccupy your mind with negative thoughts – Excessive rumination can take your mind off the road

Plan Your Trip In Advance

Finally, plan your route in advance and locate rest points along the way. Ensure you set the GPS and climate before setting off. 

Contact us for the Best Commercial Vehicle Insurance Prices!

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The average cost of workers' compensation claims in the U.S. is a staggering $0.46 per employee per hour worked. Businesses are paying out billions of dollars every year to cover legal costs. However, workers’ compensation insurance can be affordable if companies take the right approach to forklift safety. Improving standards in warehouses, yards, and other building areas can reduce the risk of injury and keep premiums low. 

Here’s how you can improve forklift safety and reduce the risk of employees making claims: 

Ensure Employees Remain Two Meters (Or More) From Forklifts In Operation

One method is to ensure employees remain two meters or more from forklifts in operation. This practice in warehouses and yards reduces the risk of crush injuries where drivers reverse into people they can’t see behind them. It may make things less efficient in some warehouses. but it can be managed. Forklift drivers can alternate their activities with pickers to optimize their movements. 

Wear Hi-Vis Clothing

Forklift operators should also dress in appropriate workwear to protect themselves and be more conspicuous to other site users. High-visibility jackets, luminous hard hats, and safety shoes are a must. 

No Loading While Moving

Avoiding loading while moving is another essential. Forklift drivers should avoid any actions that might cause the vehicle to topple over (which can happen during loaded directional changes). If forklift drivers take risks at your business, institute training and a disciplinary policy. Drivers who break the rules should face consequences. 

No Rides

Forklift truck drivers should also avoid giving rides to other people in the workplace. While it might be convenient or fun for staff, it is also dangerous. If you notice employees taking rides on forklifts, initiate disciplinary action. Ensure you send a message to your team that this sort of behavior is prohibited. 

Maintain 360-Degree Visibility

Another way to reduce worker’s comp claims is to ensure forklift drivers are maintaining 360-degree visibility of their vehicles. Staff should have a view of the rack and loading position. The OHSA also recommends: 

• Looking in the direction of travel
• Making use of mirrors
• Using lights if working outdoors or at night
• Warning approaching staff and making eye contact with them

Implement Floor Markings

It can also help to implement floor markings to reduce risks further. These boundaries show where it is safe for pedestrians to wal(610) 775-3848k (similar to sidewalks on the public highway). Zones keep drivers and staff separate and prevent new hires from straying into dangerous areas. 

Observe Equipment Capacity

Lastly, companies can reduce the risk of costly payouts by observing equipment capacity and avoiding overloading. Forklifts can only carry so much until they topple over. When they do, the risk of serious crush injury and death is high. 

Start Saving on Workers Compensation Insurance

Stop spending a fortune on your WC insurance premiums. Our independent agents specialize in comparing rates from competing carriers to find you the best price on quality insurance protection. Call (610) 775-3848 or  Contact us online today for the best rates on worker's compensation insurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a severe uptick in the number of employees working remotely. While working from home offers many benefits to both employee and employer, it also introduces many safety challenges that can affect Workers' Compensation Insurance.

According to U.S.A. Today, approximately 22 million U.S. employees work from home all the time. That is roughly 14% of the adult workforce, and experts predict that by 2025, more than one in five Americans will work remotely.

Safety Challenges When Employees Work Remotely

"A fast-emerging concern is the long-term health and safety of people working at home," one expert states. "The slips, falls, and other accidents associated with in-person workplace injuries have migrated to home. Safeguards normally found in the workplace may be missing at home. Few home working spaces can replicate the environments of well-planned business spaces. Not all workers have access to a dedicated home office space, good chairs and desks, ergonomic monitors and keyboard placements, specialized lighting, [and] other office basics that help reduce accidents." In fact, household injuries have risen from a rate of 14.3% in 2017 to 28% in 2020. Most of these injuries are due to falls (32%) or cuts (11%).

People working from home also tend to work longer hours with fewer breaks, causing physical fatigue and injuries like carpal tunnel. Challenges in balancing work and home, in-home distractions, and the loss of collaboration with colleagues can increase stress and anxiety.

And finally, people working remotely have become the primary target for cyberattacks, which has risen 238% in volume since the beginning of the pandemic. Statistics show that 30% of remote workers don't get regular training from their employers, 44% engage in cybersecurity training once per year or less, and 75% pay for their home office-related costs.

6 Safety Tips for Remote Employees:

1. Regularly Communicate With Remote Workers
   Good communication lets your employees know what is happening, what is expected of them, what cyber threats to be aware of, and how to protect themselves when working remotely.
   
   
2. Provide Appropriate Training
   Appropriate training will be unique to each situation, but some examples may include home safety training, cyber-security training, and proper ergonomic training.
   
   
3. Encourage Regular Breaks
   When working remotely, it's more tempting to work through breaks and lunches than when working onsite. However, according to Michigan State University, "Skipping breaks can lead to faster burnout and higher stress levels. Employees stepping away from work for a few minutes increases their productivity, job satisfaction, mental health and well-being, and are overall more engaged in their work."
   
   
4. Consider Offering Stipends to Employees
   As mentioned above, 75% of remote employees pay for their home office-related costs. Providing a stipend to employees for things like ergonomic chairs, surge protectors, fire extinguishers, etc., can help minimize safety risks.
   
   
5. Address Workplace Ergonomics
   Typical workplace ergonomic issues include monitors that are too low, improperly used armrests, using phones without a headset, and more. Addressing these issues with training or stipends can help reduce many musculoskeletal disorders, such as tendonitis, tension neck syndrome, and carpal tunnel.
   
   
6. Create a Telecommuting Policy

   A telecommuting policy should outline the hours an employee will be working, list employer-owned equipment the employee can use outside the workplace, describe how employees should store and dispose of sensitive information, details about how work-related injury investigations will occur, etc.

Quality Worker's Compensation Insurance

At American Insuring Group, Ltd., we offer cost-effective worker's compensation insurance from many competing insurance companies. We work hard to get you the best price on quality insurance to protect your business and your employees, whether they work remotely or onsite.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.

Landlord Insurance is crucial when protecting your investment; however, effective landlord-tenant communication – which doesn’t cost a dime / just a little time and effort—is just as important. We understand that, as a landlord, you have a lot on your plate, from screening applicants to maintaining your property; however, taking the time to communicate with your tenants could save even more time and effort down the road.

Communication is crucial from the time a potential tenant fills out the application to when they move out. It can help avoid misunderstandings, prevent conflicts, lower tenant turnover, and protect your property, saving time and headaches. Good communication between you and your tenant(s) can also save you money, resulting in higher profits.  

The Cost of Tenant Turnover

Tenant turnover is a costly part of property rentals that landlords and property managers can’t ignore. Tenant turnover creates vacancies, eats up more of your time, and lowers your profit. According to Apartments.com, the average turnover cost ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

This cost can come from the following and more:

• Cleaning the unit
• Getting rid of anything left behind
• Changing locks
• Possibly re-painting
• Repairing any damage
• Advertising
• The lost income from a vacant unit
• Screening applicants
• Higher insurance costs if it remains vacant

“Reducing turnover isn’t just about preparing a vacant unit for a new tenant; it’s also about retaining good tenants. Landlords can save time, money, and effort by implementing tenant retention strategies. This includes responsive maintenance, periodic property inspections, and creating a positive living environment that encourages tenants to renew their leases,” Swiftland states. “By focusing on tenant satisfaction and fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships, landlords can significantly decrease the turnover rate, ensuring a more stable and profitable rental property.”

A vital component of “fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships” is effective communication.

Tips for Effective Landlord/Tenant Communication

1. Properly Screen Tenants
   Good communication should begin before you allow a tenant to move into your property by adequately screening them: run credit, background, and employment checks and conduct an in-person interview.
   
   
2. Set Clear Expectations
   Begin setting clear expectations during your first contact with them. Before they sign the rental agreement, verbally go over key points, such as rent payments, policies or rules, and maintenance responsibilities. It also doesn’t hurt to remind them of policies occasionally.
   
   
3. Be Responsive
   Address maintenance issues as quickly as possible. If a tenant contacts you with a question you can’t answer immediately, let them know that you understand their question and that you are working on getting the answer.
   
   
4. Foster Trust
   Trust is earned, and you can earn your tenants’ trust by responding quickly, keeping them updated and in the loop, and always being honest with them.
   
   
5. Provide Multiple Communication Channel Options
   Just like your friends and family, you will discover that everyone has different communication channels they prefer – text, email, voicemail, etc. You can ask them what their preferred channel is when they first move in. In addition, certain communications should be delivered through certain channels. For example, longer messages can be sent by email, quick communication can be made through text, and important communication is usually best done through a phone call or letter.
   
   
6. Use Written Communication
   Having written documentation, such as an email or text, can help both parties understand what is being said and provide evidence if a dispute occurs.
   
   
7. Be Friendly and Professional
   You want to act like an efficient waitperson or sales clerk and find the perfect balance between being professional (responding to their needs, getting back to them promptly, etc.) and friendly (asking them how they are, talking about the weather, smiling, etc.).
   
   
8. Keep Messages Simple
   If you’re sending an email or text or leaving a voicemail, you may be tempted to give every detail, but short and simple is usually the most effective way to communicate. Let them know what the issue is or what is going on without giving details that aren’t relevant. Don’t use big words.
   
   
9. Solicit Feedback
   Retailers understand the value of feedback. Landlords can use the same tactic by sending out short surveys, conducting quick interviews, or simply asking for verbal feedback.
   
   
10. Conduct Exit Interviews
    Conduct an exit interview when tenants leave and ask why they are moving out. The answer may be something you can’t control, such as they’re moving into a bigger place, buying a home, etc., or it could be something you can control with future tenants, such as maintenance issues, lack of communication, etc. 

Protect Your Investment With the Right Landlord Insurance

At American Insuring Group, we offer comprehensive landlord insurance policies that cover a range of risks, from property damage to liability claims. Our affordable policies protect your investment and give you peace of mind.

Call us today at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848, or connect with us online.