property management
December 29, 2017

Summer Care Tips for your Residents

We are reaching the peak of Summer and with this season comes all of the activities associated with it. Swimming, tanning, barbequing, and heat stroke are all of what can accompany this time of year. The last one, however, is what I want to focus on today. Often time’s people don’t want to stop and think about properly taking care of themselves, but what threats can this pose to their health and by proxy – your liability for caring for residents on your property?

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December 29, 2017

Resident Incentives Part 2: The Move Out

I remember the first apartment I moved into-
it was a nice community that was well kept and gated for added security. The managers in the office were very friendly; the community allowed for our dog; we had to argue with the company about having over $500 removed from the deposit due to repainting the entire unit because of a black scuff on one wall of a bedroom. Unfortunately, that last portion was also the only goodbye memory I have from that community and also something that gets shared with anyone I talk to about an apartment to rent. While not all residents will have the perfect send off, there are still small gestures you can make that will leave a positive lasting impression.

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December 29, 2017

Give Your New Resident Incentives While Moving

It seems like everywhere I look I see advice on how to get residents into your property and how to keep them there. What I don’t see is articles about how to make an impact on your resident right after they sign the lease. The period after they sign the lease and begin moving in is one of the most difficult times. They have to go through the headache of moving, transferring all accounts, informing people of their new address, and then they still have to adjust to a new home. Adding value to their life during this period may make more of an impact than any other time. Here are some great ways to improve their transition:

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multifamily legislation
December 29, 2017

Fair Housing and Rental Policy Conflicts

I recently came across the topic of a questionable Fair Housing violation regarding a rental that already had a tenant. The issue arose from the present tenant marrying an individual who has been recently released from incarceration due to a felony charge. While congratulations to the newlyweds is certainly in order, this does raise some concerns for a property that has a policy established as to what is required on a background check to approve the application. Here’s what you need to know about Fair Housing compliance in delicate situations:

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property management
December 29, 2017

3 Great Ways to Improve Your Occupancy

As the renting population continues to increase, so does the competition between properties looking to attract new tenants. While there are still tenants just looking for a place to live, there is also a demographic searching for the best property that will satisfy all of their needs. Here are some tips on how to broaden your properties appeal to a larger group of apartment seekers:

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property management
December 29, 2017

3 ways to improve your application process

I have been in a discussion during the past week about how to choose a company to provide tenant screening. I was conversing with several industry professionals on the matter and while we didn’t always see eye to eye, there were absolutely some common beliefs and great recommendations on what to look for. Here are some of the hot topics we focused on for making certain you find the best option as well as reasoning for being so cautious.

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December 29, 2017

Creating an Objective Rental Policy

Let’s be honest, whether it is an interview for a job or meeting with an applicant for a rental it’s easier to work with someone you like than someone you don’t. In a seat of power where you are the decision maker it becomes important to outline what you are looking for so that you remain protected from showing any type of discrimination that can be used against you. In the rental process this is especially important because making decisions based on subjective information can open the door to all sorts of fair housing violations. Follow these 5 tips on creating an objective rental process and you will greatly improve the protection of you and your owner’s best interests.

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December 29, 2017

New Findings that Affect Consumer Credit Scores

Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account numbers and credit scores – these are just a few of the ways we are identified before anyone even knows our names!
The first three have been around for a long time and we are all aware of their importance, but what about credit scores? What are they, and what do they tell about us?

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