Not to buy a Christmas present for one tenant?

[Landlordfornow]

NC for this.
I’ve been a landlord for years, and don’t generally buy Christmas gifts for tenants.
I have a shared flat with mostly long standing tenants, which had some problems with neighbours last year and a lot of inconvenience.
It was beyond my control, except for forcing their LA landlord to act, and I made various payments to mitigate issues.
One tenant left just after and was replaced.
As a gesture for their patience and cooperation I bought each of them ( including the new one, as it didn’t seem fair to exclude him) a Christmas hamper.
The ‘old’ tenants were all very appreciative. The new one said nothing.
As we approach Christmas this year I would like to buy them something as most were so touched before.
The ‘new’ tenant has not been great, nearly always behind on his rent, not cleaning up after himself, etc, but he’s ok.
He didn’t acknowledge my gift last year, and I’m really not so insecure that I need thanks, but I don’t want to give a gift to someone who either doesn’t appreciate it, or worse still thinks it’s inappropriate.
I don’t live nearby so need to deliver all gifts at one time and leave in a shared area.
Would IBU to just buy for the older tenants?
I think the alternative is to buy for none of them.

Why should the others miss out?
I see your point entirely, but I'd be the bigger person & leave something for the other.
Or, as you mentioned that last year was exceptional, nothing at all for any of them.

I don’t think you should leave one person out if they will know that you have done so.

I wouldn’t leave one person out.

I'd just give it to the ones who appreciated it last year.

Buy presents for who you like. They arent your relatives or staff so I dont think you should feel obliged

So they could potentially all see that each other has a gift from you in the common hallway? Do you know if they all get on and talk to each other?

Could you wrap all gifts in the same sized gift box, but give the old tenants XYZ better gift, and the new one a box of biscuits, chocolate orange or a lesser value gift? 🤔

Exactly this! You never know what else is happening in someone’s life and something like this could be really upsetting for them.

Just buy one bigger hamper for them all to share.

Yes they could all see the gifts as the alternative would be to put in their individual rooms, and I don’t enter them.
The tenants aren’t friends but do chat in passing, so might realise if one was given something different.

Don't give gifts to tenants. Keep the relationship purely professional.

Give or don't, but don't be petty about it

A bottle of prosecco in a gift bag is a nice gesture. Do you really want to alienate a tenant for the sake of £8 ?!

I agree with this. It was a nice gesture last year (and I assume they understood it was you saying thanks for their patience). But I think it's slightly awkward and it makes for an unprofessional relationship.

(I was a tenant for years and years, and I can't imagine not being a bit embarrassed to get anything from my landlord. I'm afraid I'd have a sinking feeling that it'd mean the end of a nice distant professional relationship, and into one of those really tricky 'oh but we expected you to be understanding because we're so nice' kinds of situations. Not saying you would do this, but as the tenant, that'd be my worry.)

^^This!

What are your views on Christmas cards to tenants?

I think that's ok if you really want to do it? I mean, my hairdresser gives all her clients Christmas cards; I'd see it as a bit like that. I still wouldn't bother as a landlord, or particularly appreciate it as a tenant, though.

This is really helpful. Thank you.
It did cross my mind that the newer tenant might have felt awkward or been offended.
I have no ulterior motive, but I can now see it more from the tenant’s perspective.
I think on balance it’s best to not to do it.

I'd misunderstood and didn't realise they ALL live within the same flat. For some reason, I thought they all rented their own flat within the same block.

On reflection, I do tend to agree that last year an anomaly and an annual gift isn't needed. The line can become blurred and should be kept professional- give to none this year.

I’d never buy a second gift for someone who didn’t say thank you for the first one! Such bad manners.