Keeping good tenants is a challenge even in the best of times. With COVID-19, political unrest, and the economic uncertainty we’ve seen in 2020, holding on to every responsible tenant that pays their rent on time is more important than ever. But beyond offering renewal incentives and ensuring your staff is friendly, what can you do? Taking care of the property and your tenants are key things you can do to increase tenant retention rates. Window film is an easy, affordable solution that can help you take care of both by:
- improving tenant comfort,
- helping tenants save on utility bills,
- optimizing safety and security,
- and updating the look of tenant living spaces.
4 Ways Window Film Can Help to Increase Tenant Retention Rates
Here are more details on window film benefits and how window film can help to improve tenant retention rates:
1 – Improving Tenant Comfort
Apartment and commercial buildings often have a lot of windows. When windows don’t work efficiently, apartments and offices can be prone to hot spots and cold spots due to air leaking through the glass. It can also be hard for tenants to regulate the indoor temperature to a comfortable level without constantly adjusting their thermostats. Window film is made of multiple layers of micro-thin vinyl that insulates windows to optimize window performance. When treated with window film, single-pane windows perform much like double-pane windows. Furthermore, double-pane windows treated with insulating film perform similarly to like triple-pane.
Sun control window film also blocks out a major percentage of the sun’s infrared rays that typically generate indoor heat. The film’s reflection of solar heat in the summer keeps buildings cooler and tenants more comfortable. In the winter, the film reflects indoor heat and helps hold heated air inside. Because it also blocks a significant portion of the sun’s UV rays, window film also reduces the fading of interior furnishings caused by sunlight. It can even minimize harmful sun exposure to occupants’ skin.
2 – Helping Tenants Save on Utility Bills
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as much as 35% of energy lost in buildings goes out through windows. That’s about one-third of the indoor air that has been heated and cooled. This is a tremendous waste and leads to higher energy costs. Window film is an affordable option that can make windows more energy-efficient and lead to immediate energy savings. Your tenants will certainly appreciate lower utility bills, or if utilities are included in their rent, it can help keep rental costs in check and save you money. According to the DOE, the typical building owner will save about $1-2 per square foot of film installed or $19 kWh per square foot of glass.
3 – Optimizing Safety & Security
When window film is professionally installed, a powerful adhesive is used to create a strong bond with window glass. This fortifies and strengthens the glass so that it’s much harder to break than plain glass. This added strength deters burglary and vandalism for criminals looking for easy targets. It can deflect hard objects like rocks and bottles, making it harder for intruders to get in. If an intruder is persistent and eventually penetrates the window, the glass fragments will still be held together by the film, so it’s still harder for them to gain entry. Because the film holds glass intact, it also protects your building and occupants from shattering glass from severe storms, earthquakes, and explosions.
4 – Updating the Look of Tenant Living Spaces
Decorative window film can improve the look of your rental properties from both the inside and outside. It’s also great for updating glass surfaces like cabinet doors and conference room walls. This not only helps to increase tenant retention rates but may also attract new tenants. Decorative window film is easily customizable too. It comes in numerous styles, colors, textures, and patterns. For example, it can mimic the high-end look of textured or etched glass at a fraction of the cost. For apartments or office spaces with lots of windows, window film can also enhance privacy. 3M Night Vision Window Film, for instance, lets tenants see outside through windows at night but reduces visibility for outsiders to see in.
Tap into the many benefits of 3M Window Film to enhance your rental spaces, incentivizing tenants to renew their leases. Whether you want to improve tenant comfort, boost energy efficiency, enhance security, or update worn surfaces, 3M offers a solution to meet your property management needs.
Want a Window Film Estimate?
General Solar Company remains one of the most highly regarded window film companies in the Washington DC area since 1969. In that time, we have built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service. We serve clients in Washington DC, Montgomery County, Rockville and Bethesda, Maryland, and surrounding areas. To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, give us a call today at 301-231-9500 or contact us using this form.