4 Times to Intervene if Your Tenants are Fighting

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

Furious manager man and employeesIn a perfect world, all of your tenants would live harmoniously, without fighting or calling you with a constant barrage of complaints. In the real world, though, not every set of tenants you put in place will automatically get along with one another. How you react to complaints, what actions if any you take and how you cope with tenant squabbles can have a big impact on your stress levels and the time you spend managing (or micro-managing) your rental properties.

Your tenants have a right to enjoy the property they are using, and a responsibility not to interfere with others. A lot of tenant complaints tend to fall into subjective areas, making it difficult for you to know when to intercede. While owners of multi-family units will encounter this type of issue more frequently, it is something every landlord should learn how to deal with. How can you tell what issues you should worry about, and which ones don’t matter? There are only a few instances where you should intervene, and in many cases, intervention involves contacting the police.

How and When to Intervene in Tenant Disputes

Are strong or conflicting personalities involved? If your tenants simply don’t like one another, the best course for you as a landlord is to simply stay out of it. If you are receiving constant complaints that aren’t of a criminal or dangerous nature, your best course is to stay uninvolved. You’ll cut your stress levels considerably if you don’t try to parent your tenants, and if you deflect them in a firm but nice way the behavior should taper off. While it can be difficult to stay out of a dispute, simple squabbling and minor, subjective complaints don’t require your attention; your tenants are adults and need to behave responsibly.

What are the tenants complaining about? If your upstairs tenant is complaining about your downstairs tenant and noise levels, are they having a real problem or simply having trouble adjusting to apartment or condo living? Some people don’t realize that noise carries in a multi-family dwelling and there may not be anything that you can do to fix the problem. Noise is subjective, and unless the tenant making the complaint can provide a third party with a reason to intervene there is not much you can do. If noise levels are truly reaching the “disturbing the peace” levels, the local police are better equipped to deal with the problem than you are.

Is there a danger to your tenants? If one tenant is breaking the law or breaking the lease, you can intervene by either calling the authorities or contacting the problem tenant. Reports of fire hazards, firearms or dangerous dogs should be taken seriously and reported to the proper authorities to protect your tenants and yourself. You may be held liable for injuries that occur on your property if you do not take action when you are informed of a danger to one or more tenants.

If you have no choice: If you seem to have one true problem tenant that is disrupting everyone’s right to enjoy the property, you may have no choice but to begin eviction proceedings. Most states allow you to give a three day quit or cure notice to a problem tenant; this legal notice advises them that they must correct the troublesome behavior or be evicted. Check both your lease and your state laws before taking this step, and save this for the most extreme cases. True criminal acts should be reported to the authorities, but the actual eviction process will need to be initiated by you as the landlord.

Proper screening of tenants and a good lease will help you prevent most tenant relationship problems. Once a problem arises, the way you address it will largely depend on the type and severity of the complaint and what if any legal obligation you have to your tenants and property.


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At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally.  Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Today’s Renter

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

ae1f2e_764068900619a9e572e12e29e04571feMillions of dollars are spent each year studying the housing market. Buried in the tomes of research, are clues about resident “wish lists” and expectations. If you didn’t get a chance to attend the 2014 Multifamily Executive Conference, here are a few things you might not know about today’s renter.

#1 Long-term renters

Young adults are eager to own their own home someday, many don’t expect it to be a possibility until they hit their late thirties or early forties. More than 50% of respondents surveyed see themselves as homeowners in the future, but Millennials are most interested in homeownership. Only 28% of Gen-Xers, compared to 61% of Millennials, see themselves as homeowners five years from now.

#2 Renters by choice

Interestingly, although Millennials see themselves as homeowners in the future, they also are the group most likely to be a “renter by choice.”

#3 Upgrading or staying put

Properties with the following characteristics and amenities are more likely to get a second look from residents looking to upgrade:

  1. Designated sections for families with children and adults only apartments.
  2. Mixed-use properties with a mini-grocery or coffee shop on the property.
  3. A well-equipped fitness area and/or access to walking/jogging/hiking trails.
  4. More privacy, i.e. exceptional soundproofing
  5. Extra parking

#4 Expanded parking options

Speaking of parking, only 5% for apartment residents don’t own or have access to at least one private automobile.

#5 Pets or no pets

More than two-thirds of more than 27,000 renters surveyed don’t own a pet; there is even a segment of renters that prefer a no-pets-allowed community.

#6 Home office or commute time

A tiny fraction (4%) of renters work primarily from home; the average commute time for residents that work in an office is less than a half hour – 23.81 minutes.

#7 Storage space

More than a quarter of older residents need and expect extra storage space, but survey results indicate that more than 80% of renters don’t rent extra storage.

#8 Going green

Some surveys suggest prospective residents are willing to pay more to live in an apartment with “green features.” The J Turner Research report titled Resident Lifestyle Preferences: An Insight prepared in partnership with Multifamily Executive reveals that renters are willing to pay more if it improves or enhances daily life – but not necessarily just because the property is considered eco-friendly.

The report reveals:

  1. Although low-flow toilets made the list of eco-friendly fixtures residents look for, some respondents said they are counter-productive because you end up flushing more times to get the job done.
  2. Almost 20% of respondents expect to buy an electric car in the future – installing charging stations now could be an investment in the future.
  3. Walkability scores and energy efficient appliances ranked high on the list of “must-haves,” scoring 8.10 and 8.33 respectively on a scale of 1-10 – with ten being the best possible score.

#9 Staying fit and healthy

Residents are looking for more than just a work-out room with a treadmill and a bench. To capture the attention of residents who want access to health and fitness amenities, properties will need to offer a full-gym, private or group classes, a pool and walking/running paths. Twenty-four hour access is essential, too.

#10 Socializing

On a scale of 1-10, a community’s “quietness” scored very high – 8.73. Residents prefer peace and quiet; however, they want options to entertain, cook out and socialize occasionally. There was no single social marker that resonated with a plurality. While some residents want a huge kitchen with all the bells and whistles, 34% of apartment residents said they never entertain.

The survey results reveal subtle differences and similarities across diverse cohorts. One thing is certain, property managers will need to stay engaged in order to attract prospects and keep them renewing the lease.


appfolio Appfolio | Company Website | LinkedIn Connect |
AppFolio, Inc. develops Property Management Software that helps businesses improve their workflow so they save time and make more money. Appfolio submits articles & blogs including topics of Resident Retention, Improved Owner Communication, Time Management, and more.

 

5 Things to Check Before your Return a Security Deposit

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

dreamstime_xl_13460221The last box has been packed, the moving truck has pulled away and your now former tenant is on his way to his new home, so you are ready to return his security deposit, right? Not so fast – some damage can’t be spotted during a simple walkthrough, and may end up costing you money down when you get your home ready for new residents. Some wear and tear is normal, but here are some of the things you should check before returning the deposit.

Hidden Signs of Damage to a Rental Unit

Vermin: Mice, bugs and even rats won’t be visible during a 5 minute walkthrough, but their droppings and signs may be. Learn what to look for, including mouse and rat droppings and where you’re likely to see it. Since you have some time before you are required to return the deposit, wait a few days to see if there are any droppings or bugs before refunding. Setting a trap or two may also let you know if your tenant has left any unwanted guests behind.

Hidden damage: Open every cabinet door and closet and make sure any build in features are still intact .A tenant that has broken the main shelf in a coat closet may have simply inserted the supports back into the wall; the first time you try to use the shelf it will come crashing down. Check for cabinets and drawers that no longer close properly, damage to build in features and shelves and other problems that may not be immediately apparent. While renters of either gender can over stack shelves, male tenants can damage cabinets and doors by opening and closing with too much force, so make sure everything closes correctly before refunding a full deposit.

Look underfoot: Some rug and floor damage is immediately apparent, but move any throw rugs or area rugs to make sure the floor or carpeting underneath is intact. Find out about any carpet or floor damage now, while you still have the ability to charge your former tenant for repairs.

Normal wear and tear is expected, but damage that destroys the carpeting needs to be noted and charged to the former tenant. Typical carpet damage includes cigarette or other burns, pet stains (even if no odors are present), food or paint stains that can’t be removed by cleaning and other permanent damage. If you see visible carpet damage, look underneath and make sure the subfloor hasn’t been damaged as well; water and urine can both soak into the floor and cause structural damage that may look minor on the surface.

Odors: Air cleaning products or room fragrances may mask pet or smoke odors; wait a few days for any fragrance to dissipate, and then take a good sniff. If you spell cat dander, urine or feces or cigarette smoke after a few days, you’ll likely need to have the unit professionally cleaned. This damage can be deducted from your tenant’s security deposit, but only if you wait until any fragrances designed to mask unpleasant odors have dissipated.

Missing items: If you haven’t been inside your unit in a year, you may not realize that some items have gone missing. Review an inventory or video walkthrough of the unit before you evaluate it for the security deposit return. Blinds and fine draperies go missing most often, but make sure the appliances are still intact, and that they are the appliances the unit was outfitted with. In some cases, tenants have moved with high quality laundry or kitchen appliances and left inferior items in the original place. Make sure that your original appliances are intact and still work before returning a deposit.

Depending on where you live, you have anywhere from 2 weeks to 30 days to return the deposit; review your state laws and follow them. Don’t feel rushed, even if your tenant is anxious about getting a refund. Some signs of damage won’t be readily apparent or show up until a few days have passed. If you neglect to do a thorough check of your home before offering a refund you could make an expensive mistake.


logo_aaoa American Apartment Owners Association | Company Website |

At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

How Apartment Owners and Rental Managers get Increased Accountability from Pet Owners

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

pets-in-apartments-on-northern-beachesIf there is seasonal pressure on rental agents to get units rented, it is often tempting to compromise on things like dog fee waivers, which is a guaranteed invitation for later problems. Landlords and apartment managers must always keep in mind, there’s a long-range goal, of protecting the property from expensive damages. Waiving a portion of a lease or rental agreement may entice a potential renter to sign, but the clauses of rental agreements are present to protect the Landlord.

There’s one exception to the “no pets” policy rules, which also requires a pet fee waiver in “pet-friendly” rental properties, these are service animals. Local, city and county laws fall under codes and ordinances that apply to rentals in each state. Local ordinances cover topics like:

  • civil rights
  • rent control
  • building and construction standards
  • public health and safety
  • parking
  • discrimination

Sub-headings can directly link to specifics included in a rental agreement or lease. For example, under the heading of Civil Rights, laws address the Fair Housing Act, as it applies to service animals and their owners with disabilities.

Even in multifamily housing and rental properties with “no-pet” policies, the Fair Housing Act allows for service animals to live with disabled persons, under the Civil Rights Act Amendments since 1989.

Essentially, service animals are considered a healthcare option, and it is the law that Landlords allow these animals to live with their owners in any apartment if they meet three standards:

  1. The person must have some kind of disability.
  2. Service animals must serve a function beneficially related to that person’s disability, such as companionship for depression.
  3. Requests for the service animal’s accommodation must be considered reasonable to a civil court.

Refusal to permit the exception to the “no pets” policy, or not waiving the pet security fee charges, may constitute a discriminatory practice against the disabled rental applicant. In most cases a rental agent is not allowed to consider tenant screening for a disability or even asking what type of disability, for consideration of their application. Service animals are not considered to be pets. Only in the case of a rental property where specific accommodations are provided for disabled people, are rental managers or Landlords allowed to ask questions specifically about disabilities.

Outside of this provision, in terms of typical pets such as dogs, cats, birds or reptiles, etc., landlord forms are allowed to have questions about animal training, behaviors like barking, biting and property destruction. Typically, an applicants’ responses will be very positive and assuring, so it is critical that the apartment association, and Landlord, have already included the appropriate language and fees into the rental agreement and/or lease.

Pets fees are lump sum or monthly charges, and cover replacement of carpeting, wall moldings and wood doors, or floors that can be clawed, scratched and damaged. It is strongly recommended that pet fees are high enough to concern pet owners to watch their pet’s behaviors, to qualify for a reimbursement. If apartment management imposes non-refundable pet fees, a resident is likely to be more lax about controlling their pet’s behaviors, as they feel they have already paid for any damage that may occur.

Under the section about pet owner liability in the rental agreement, include a clause allowing rental agents to inspect the property on a regular basis. It has often happened that when cat owners, for example, vacate a property, and even after carpets and flooring are removed and replaced, the odor of cat urine is still present in the rental. The fore-knowledge that the residence will be checked for this sort of damage prepares pet owners to keep a close eye on what their animals do.

There is a reliable deterrent for keeping renters discouraged from sneaking a pet into their “no pet” policy rental unit, or trying to avoid established fees for keeping a pet. Include a clause in the lease or rental agreement that states that a charge of $250.00 per pet, per month, will be backdated upon discovery of an undocumented pet in a rental unit. Savvy managers are alerted by constant loud music and pet videos when residents are not home.

– See more at: http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/latest-news/apartment-owners-rental-managers-get-increased-accountability-pet-owners/#sthash.1PzK7Qmd.dpu


logo_aaoa American Apartment Owners Association | Company Website |

At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

You Can’t Buy Experience, The Value of Long Term Teams

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

experiencePossibly the most valuable asset in property management is experience.

Properties with tenured, long time staffs benefit from:

  • development of annual systems.
  • they have noticed, realized and anticipate occupancy trends.
  • they create and build relationships with residents, which improves resident communication, rent collection and resident retention.
  • Preventive maintenance is incorporated into the monthly schedule without fail.

A staff with experience is an unspoken endorsement for a future resident. “I like working here, you’ll like living here.” This information should be included in the introduction of team members to new residents.

These individuals, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen and even twenty bring immeasurable experience, wisdom and common sense to the workplace with them every day.

Internally, we acknowledge:

Rebecca has developed a fantastic system for this process. The organization would be lost without her.

A question develops regarding a capital improvement or a unique repair, ask Bob, he’ll know the answer, find it for you or point you in the right direction.

A new initiative to roll out, Abby will be the team leader for that. She’s overseen all of our transitions.

That property has been stuck in an occupancy rut for a couple of weeks, have Carl take a look at the operations, he’ll be able to identify what’s missing.

Management teams are surrounded by this wealth of experience. It’s often a questioon asked by potential employees during an interview, “How long have you worked here?” Looking for a vote of confidence that the interviewer is happy and satisfied with their employer.

The total impact of this experience is sometimes overlooked. Team members are recognized on their anniversary dates. Buat the long term employees add value every day.

Consider an advertisement for a property

32 years of property management experience makes the difference at Happy Acres Apartments.

Listed below are team members names with years of experience:
Pam 12 Years
Billy 8 Years
Beth 7 Years
Kim 5 Years
A Total Of 32 Years Experience!

Recognition of this commitment and loyalty to an organizatin has huge value to the individuals that are recognized as well as prospective residents.

It will provide additional information for residents who are recommending the property to friends and family. Reinforcing and supporting a residents postive opinion of the property. Its creating a brand awareness in the community. Its a tremendous marketing tool, while acknowledging the team members that contribute to making the operations at a property successful.


Lori_Hammond Lori Hammond | Company Website | LinkedIn Connect |

Lori has 30+ years’ experience in the Property Management Industry, working with both market rate and affordable housing. Lori has been privileged to work with some tremendous industry leaders during employment tenures with Oxford Management, NHP Management, AIMCO, Alliance Residential, Boston Capital, The Sterling Group, P.K. Housing and currently Management Resources Development.

 

What are the Benefits of Managing a Property Yourself?

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

slide-2Some property owners decide to hire a management company to handle their residence rental, which can provide several benefits, but may wonder if the outcome is worth the cost.

Most property management companies charge between 5 to 10 percent of the rental fee.

To avoid paying the fee, a property owner can handle the same services and improve the return on investment.

Marketing

You can use advertising locally and online to find an appropriate tenant. Placing a “For Rent” sign outside of the property that includes basic details may be effective. An ad in a local weekly publication or flyers distributed in the area can also generate interest. Placing an ad on Craigslist or another online website or publication may also be a good option. Finding a responsible tenant can be one of the most key steps in making your rental experience profitable.

Screening a tenant

Screening a potential tenant to your comfort level may involve a credit or background check, and a tenant application. When meeting the prospective renter in person, engage in a discussion with them to establish rapport and use your best judgment with the following goals in mind that can increase your return on investment give you fewer headaches:

  • The property will be well-kept and therefore require fewer repairs and maintenance.
  • Rent will be received on time.
  • The lease could extend beyond the first year.

Legal issues

Taking a class that reviews real estate and rental property legal issues will help you avoid complications, such as observing discrimination laws during tenant application and screening, drafting a secure lease agreement and minimizing risk in the property and on its grounds.

Timely maintenance and repairs

Handling repair and maintenance requests quickly can maintain a positive owner-tenant relationship and can prevent smaller repairs from growing and becoming costly expenses. You may need to find a maintenance and repair and HVAC company to retain for standard and emergency repairs. Read about preventive maintenance requirements

Local Service

It can be an advantage to being in the local area of the property as the owner to respond to any issues that develop, or to hire someone to handle any problems as necessary.

Renting property involves many nuances that may not always be clear to someone untrained in the field, but a property owner can learn the steps to manage the rental process independently. A rental management company charges 5 to 10 percent of the monthly rental fee, which can be costly.

Attending classes, asking questions, reading article online and networking with other property owners can give a property owner the tools to manage in lieu of hiring a professional.

Areas to gain expertise in include marketing, rental applicant screening, property management legal issues, routine maintenance and repair and emergency issues as they come up.

It is important to develop experience and skills in key areas to ensure that you are mitigating risk, maximizing profit and feel assured that your property is in the best possible hands, your own.

– See more at: http://www.american-apartment-owners-association.org/property-management/latest-news/benefits-managing-property/#sthash.befphWaD.dpuf

logo_aaoa American Apartment Owners Association | Company Website |

At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

8 Ways to Predict a Property Boom

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

property-boom-positive-real-estateIf you are interested in making money in real estate, you need foresight, tenacity, analytical thinking and great negotiating skills. By combining those qualities you can also predict which property markets are about to boom. To help you find those boom markets, here are the leading 8 indicators you should be paying attention to.

1. Demographics are Shifting

If an area experiences a sudden shift in demographics, it can trigger a quick growth in property prices. One demographic you are looking for is young employed people (20-45 years of age). These are people who are in the middle of their working years and have the financial capacity to buy a property.

Another demographic shift can involve retirees entering the area. If it is a particularly nice place to retire, large numbers of baby boomers might seek to buy property there in the coming decades. Looking for a sudden growth in population, which is always a positive sign.

2. There is Growing Demand for Property

You can look at metrics like the “average days for a sale” to determine how strong demand is for property within a market. If newly listed properties sell within 14 days on average, demand is already very high. Some websites offer this type of data for free.

3. Lack of Available Rentals

One of the earliest signs of an underlying demand for property is a lack of available rentals. It indicates there is a potential housing shortage driven by people moving into the area. Many of these people may be looking to buy a property in the next few years.

4. Houses are Currently Affordable

Look at various measures of affordability to determine if a property boom is about to start. The house price to median income ratio is one useful affordability indicator. Can people living in the area afford to buy houses that are 25% more expensive in a year’s time? You will need to gather some data showing the wages growth and changing demographics to determine how long a boom can be sustained.

5. New Infrastructure is Planned

If a new piece of infrastructure is planned, property prices will usually go up around it. Some pieces of valuable infrastructure include: a train line, a major highway, port facilities, a new college, bus transit lanes and bridges. You can contact government officials to discover where new infrastructure projects are going to be developed.

You could also look for areas that have just started offering tax increment financing (TIF). TIF is government financing made available for redevelopment and infrastructure projects in specific communities.

6. Industry is Moving in

When a large company has decided to set up shop in a new area, demand for housing will increase. Follow the news to see where large companies are establishing new operations and headquarters. Quickly adding a few thousand permanent residents to a town’s population can increase property prices very quickly.

7. Debt is Cheap and Easy to Obtain

When the interest rate is low and mortgages are easy to obtain, property booms are more likely to occur. If banks are not being stringent with their lending requirements that means many more potential buyers can get into the market.

8. Do Economic Indicators and Government Policy Support a Property Boom

The general condition of the economy at federal, state and municipal level also come into play. Some of the data to look at includes:

. Local, state and federal tax laws that affect property investment

. The local and state wide unemployment rate

. Loan delinquencies in the area (this helps ascertain the number of potential buyers)

. Available incentives for investors and home buyers

. The cost of building homes versus established homes

. The amount of local housing stock about to enter the market.

In conjunction with other statistical data, these figures can help predict upcoming boom areas. By understanding the various forms of economic and statistical data available to you, predicting a property boom becomes easy. Once you can determine which towns and cities are entering a boom, get in quick and secure your capital gains.


logo_aaoa American Apartment Owners Association | Company Website |

At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

Renters and Your Home Owners Association

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

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If you own a home, condo or townhouse in a planned community and are subject to the rules of a Home Owner’s Association (HOA), there are some additional things to consider before you rent your home. In addition to finding a clean, reliable and trustworthy tenant, you’ll need to adhere to your community’s rules and covenants — and have a plan in place if your renter won’t comply. From rules about trash pickup and overnight parking to pet covenants and lawn upkeep directives, a Home Owners Association can be a headache for the average homeowner. Throw a tenant into the mix and things can go from bad to worse in a hurry.

Renters and your HOA: Before you Rent

The best time to think about how you will handle conflicts between your tenants and your HOA is before you actually agree to rent out your home. Pay extra attention to the tenant screening process, and make sure your lease covers everything you need it to. Depending on your particular HOA, you’ll need to consider the following:

Some HOAs require tenant approval: If the tenant you are considering has less than perfect credit or other issues, you may have a problem, even if you’ve decided to proceed. Some HOAs require a tenant screening meeting, or at least approval of your application and lease. Renting your property prior to approval could result in a legal mess and some hefty fines, so make sure you follow all property association rules.

Add rules and consequences into the lease: As you create your lease, make sure your prospective tenant understands the HOA rules and agrees to follow them. The Home Owner’s Association can’t take action against your tenant, but they can fine you if your renter misbehaves. Including a clause in the lease that specifies that your tenant will be responsible for fees charged because of their lack of adherence to rules may protect you from financial harm.

Understand the rules yourself: Make sure you know exactly what your tenant will need to do, and review your covenants before you rent your property out. If you’ve always parked your car in the garage, never had a pet and always used a professional lawn service, you may not even be aware of your HOAs rules and penalties that cover these areas. Avoid nasty surprises by understanding what rules your tenant needs to follow and relaying these to your renter in writing.

Renters and your HOA: When Problems Arise

Unfortunately, you are responsible for what happens on your property, whether you are the one breaking the rules or not. When a tenant refuses to adhere to a rule, then you’ll be the one cited by the HOA. In most cases, the only action a HOA will take directly against a tenant is if a crime has been committed or if a vehicle has been illegally parked. everything else will be your responsibility.

Once a tenant/HOA issue occurs, re-check your lease to see what remedies are available to you, and try to reach an agreement to modify the behavior. Since HOA rules are complex but legally binding, you may need to consult an attorney to determine what you can do about your tenant for the duration of the lease.

The Bottom Line:

Since good property maintenance and adherence to the rules is essential in a HOA managed property, a good lease that covers all circumstances is an absolute must. While it is possible to have a great rental experience when you own a HOA managed home, tread carefully and make sure you are fully protected even if your tenants refuse to comply.


logo_aaoa American Apartment Owners Association | Company Website |

At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!

Technology: Benefits and Challenges for Property Management Companies

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

Property InvestmentOver the past few years, mobile technology has grown by leaps and bounds. Property managers who recognize the benefits of leveraging technological advancements are managing their businesses more effectively and streamlining operations. Multi-Housing News recently reported that technology makes life more efficient and less costly for everyone – tenants, managers, property owners.

While properties embrace smartphone apps to maintain their swimming pools better, schedule maintenance requests and stay in touch with owners, Multi-Housing News (MHN) reminds rental industry executives that technology must continue to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of tenants.

Appfolio Property Management Software with technology that supports on-the-go lease applications is recognized by MHN as one of the leaders in rental management technology. However, as exceptional as AppFolio products are (according to MHN), implementing the technology properly is the only way that users can gain optimum benefit.

Introducing new Technology

Some research suggests that many property management enterprises fail to properly, or sufficiently, introduce new technology to their staff. Whether you are adding new software, new systems, upgrading current technologies or switching vendors, developing a training program that reduces disruptions is critical to successfully bringing new technology online.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Some employees may resist change. Others may question why you need new technology. As MHN points out, technology is constantly evolving. Failing to update software and hardware to accommodate mobile users is the equivalent of saying your property management team isn’t interested in staying ahead of the competition.

Those teams that are able to quickly acquire and exploit new technology will gain a competitive advantage in the rental market.

Why Mobile Service Matters

Prospective tenants already do their banking, rent a car for the weekend, apply for new jobs and communicate with family and business associates with their mobile devices. The more mobile activities a company offers, the more likely consumers are to engage. For property managers, this means having a tenant portal isn’t enough – the portal must be compatible with multiple mobile operating systems and devices.

The best-of-the-best offers tenants:

Mobile Technology is Shaping Business

A few years ago, business owners were weighing whether cloud technology was secure enough for financial transactions. Today, the cloud routinely supports financial, medical, educational, and research-based transactions.

Technology has a life cycle. First there is a testing period, then an introduction to early adopters, next the new technology moves into the mainstream. About the same time that the majority of consumers and decision-makers accept a new product or service, the next round of emerging technology comes on the scene.

Multiple technologies may emerge simultaneously as solutions to the same “problem” or void. Mobile technology is currently shaping the business landscape.

How to Get the Most from Emerging Technology

Savvy property managers know that today’s success depends on technology. Buying the best technology available won’t increase revenue or streamline operations if new products never make it out of the box or employees don’t know how to use it to its greatest potential. Before your maintenance team can deploy mobile inspection technology, you’ll want to take steps to help them succeed.

To overcome tech challenges and get the most from emerging technology, develop a technology tool kit that includes introducing all employees to new technology, a comprehensive training program and access to ongoing support that includes advanced training and professional development.


appfolio Appfolio | Company Website | LinkedIn Connect |

AppFolio, Inc. develops Property Management Software that helps businesses improve their workflow so they save time and make more money. Appfolio submits articles & blogs including topics of Resident Retention, Improved Owner Communication, Time Management, and more.

5 Tips for Screening Tenants the Right Way

Written by Apartment Management Magazine on . Posted in Blog

dreamstime_xs_15427616Screening tenants is one of the most important parts of the job. Get good tenants, and you’ll have a lot fewer problems. Get bad ones… Well, you know the rest of that story. Rather than cross your fingers and hope, screen tenants carefully so you can avoid as many problems as possible. These 5 tips will get you started.

Screening Tenants is an Important Part of Renting Your Unit

1. When screening tenants don’t skimp on the rental application. You want an app that goes beyond the basics, and that asks for plenty of information. Some applicants will feel that it’s too intrusive, but remember that you’re the one in control of the rental. If a potential tenant is concerned about handing over credit and banking details, an employer’s name, or similar information, it could be because he or she has something to hide. People with good credit, solid employment, and money in the bank generally won’t object to you verifying those things.

2. Be sure you comply with the Fair Housing Act (FHA). That means you can’t discriminate based on characteristics like religion or race. There’s a code of ethics that the FHA has created for landlords, as well. By following it with every tenant, every time, you’ll be protecting yourself from discrimination lawsuits. Sure, a tenant could still sue – but it doesn’t mean they would have a legitimate case or win a judgment against you. Protecting yourself from legal problems is important.

3. Background and credit checks are essential. When your potential tenant fills out the application, make sure you see some ID to back up name, address, and similar information. Then, use the info the applicant has provided to check up on him or her by running a tenant screening report. It may feel time-consuming and intrusive, but it’s well worth the effort. You don’t want to rent to someone who has lied about past employment, credit history, or living arrangements. If they lie about that on the application, they will lie to you about why the rent is late or how the damage occurred.

4. Meet potential tenants face-to-face. With a busy world and the internet, a lot of rental deals are all done without the landlord ever meeting the tenant in person. That can be convenient at the time, but it’s also a recipe for risk. By meeting potential tenants in person, you can put a name with a face and learn a little bit about their personality, as well. How they are dressed, if they are clean, and how they speak and carry themselves can give you insight into what kind of tenants they will actually be. Trust your gut. It can give you a lot of information from that handshake and conversation.

5. Make sure you’re upfront with potential tenants. Just like you don’t want your applicant to lie to you, you shouldn’t lie to him or her, either. In some cases, lying or even omitting information can set you up for legal trouble. For example, be sure you explain the process of renting from you, and put it in writing if possible. Let the tenant know what you’re going to do with the information they provide (check their credit, call their references, etc.). If a tenant says “no” to you checking credit, you can’t legally do it. Of course, you probably won’t rent to them at that point, either, but you don’t want to risk legal problems by doing something an applicant didn’t agree to with his or her information.

By following these screening tenant tips and being an involved landlord, the opportunity to find good tenants is much higher. Nothing is guaranteed, but the goal is to reduce your risk of getting a bad tenant as much as possible.


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At the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), our mission is to serve the interests of landlords, real estate brokers, property managers, real estate owners and apartment building owners nationally. Visit www.AAOA.com for more information about membership details!