Ah, residents. The deepest love/hate relationship most of us will ever feel working in student housing. It feels at certain points we would do pretty much anything to have as many of them as we possibly can, and at others we would do anything to have them leave. This relationship is truly the definition of “can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

However, have you ever stopped and taken a moment to consider WHO these people really are? While we can’t always understand the depths of our tenants, I think we can all agree that they come in many forms. Personally, I find it important to acknowledge these differences, and for our entertainment, to further discuss the specific categories our beloved friends fall into. Therefor, I present to you: The 6 Different Types Of Residents.

The Involved Resident

You have a resident event? How about an open house? Need feedback during quarterly inspections? What about an eye-witness for a hit and run out in your parking lot? This Involved Resident is going to BE THERE FOR IT ALL.

CONS: They want the renewal rates for the year 3000. They respond to every email your office sends, just so they make sure you are aware that they are aware. Using “thorough” as an adjective just doesn’t do this person justice. They might as well be an honorary employee of Preiss Company, or the owner of the property.

PROS: They are in the know of just about everything you could possibly imagine. They’ll be calling your office asking for updates on things you didn’t even know were broken, which you are SO thankful for. Someone else filed a noise complaint? I bet they heard the noise from two floors down AND know exactly which room it came from. They are the eyes and ears of the property, and they can make your job much easier!

The Low Key Resident

If I were to have a favorite, it would ABSOLUTELY be the Low Key Resident.

CONS: NONE. Well…on second thought, it might be nice to see their lovely faces around at your events. But, you’d rather have quiet then too much noise, am I right?

PROS: They move in, and you see their face maybe ONE time during the year, and then you forget they exist until they come to turn their keys in. You’ll look at their move out packet and think to yourself Who is this? Did they live here? What? Oh THAT person? Got it. They never complain, but they also never have anything to add, either. They just pay their rent and exist and live happily ever after. And honestly, I am not sure it gets much better than that on our side.

The Picky Resident

They want it this way…no just kidding, they want it that way. Or do they want it another way? It’s never-ending with the Picky Resident. You have got to get it all right for these guys!

CONS: “Can you replace the lightbulbs in my apartment? They emit a ‘bright white’, not a ‘warm light’ like advertised.” “Uhhhh there a speck of dirt on the floor. Did you even CLEAN this apartment before I moved in?” “Oh gosh I saw A BUG OUTSIDE. Can you guys please get pest control to spray the building???” Just a few of the many requests you will receive from the Picky Resident. Their standards are to the “not 10 foot like advertised” ceiling.

PROS: On the plus side, when they leave a 5-star review or even mutter the golden words “no I don’t need anything else” after the 5th time you follow up, you get the MOST satisfaction you can possibly receive. They will really make you work for your approval, but at the end of the day, that’s what we are here for, right? They will tell you how it is which will help you make your property the best it can be!

The Inattentive Resident

These are the residents who you could have SWORN you talked to on the phone about your property’s noise ordinances…but they recall otherwise.

CONS: Remember when you announced that residents could pick up their parking passes at the beginning of the year so they wouldn’t get towed? Or when you sent that property-wide email about the pool being closed? Welp, the Inattentive Resident doesn’t. You could send emails, leave voicemails, physically enter their apartments and tell them in person, and they still would claim ignorance. The best part? They love to question your efforts! Funny how that works.

PROS: You have to be extra on top of property-wide reminders. These residents help you focus on the details and stay in line. You are a better employee because of it! When your residents are in the loop, you have a happy community. We should thank these folks.

The Unpleasant Resident

I am sure we have all been in a situation where a resident has just straight up hurt our feelings. Just ripped your heart out and threw it on the floor with four words or less. This would be the Unpleasant Resident.

CONS: They will really have you questioning your own sanity. Whether they are just blunt or they know they are being rude, these guys will have you and your teammates anxious at the sheer thought of them. Just make sure not to mistakenly tow their friend’s car or fine them for having trash in the hall. So very much regret.

PROS: They definitely add the “spice” into running an apartment community, and will certainly keep you on your toes. If you befriend them, they can be a SERIOUS ally to you in the face of other tough residents. They might be strong-headed, but if you can get them on your side, they can be the greatest asset of all time.

The Sweet Resident

There are so many elements to this type of resident. It’s my pleasure to discuss!

CONS: This time, literally none. Next!

PROS: SO many different things can make a Sweet Resident: their dog might be the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, their mom might always call you “darlin’” on the phone, or even they might just be plain thoughtful of you and your team. They even handle tough situations with grace. Whatever it is, you can’t get enough of them. Every time they pop up on caller ID, or show up in the office, it is ALWAYS your pleasure (and theirs) to assist. We just need more people like this in the world!

To sum it up, I think we can all agree that each and every resident we have brings an ingredient to the table when it comes to creating our communities. No matter who they are, we couldn’t be here without them! Even if it means we have to adjust the way we operate, we wouldn’t have it any other way!