Questions a Tenant Could Ask a Property Management Company
Dustin Edwards • March 29, 2021
Be Prepared to Answer these Questions and More as a Landlord
Even in a tight rental market where there can be many qualified tenants for a single property we encourage tenants to ask the questions that will help them to find the best possible property and the best property management company
that will work with them over their tenure as a tenant. As you look for properties in Long Beach and nearby cities consider asking these questions of the property management company to help you find the best fit.
If I lose my key what happens? I.e. Are there costs? And what is the turn-around time to get into my place when I’m locked out?
One of the most common tenant calls
we receive as a property management company is the call that one of our tenants is locked out. Getting locked out has likely happened to all of us at one point in time and the reality is that each property management company can handle the scenario differently. Even if you think this is unlikely to occur it is important you ask. For example consider the following:
- Some keys for condos are “do not duplicate” and can be very expensive
- If a key is lost the lock (vs. locked inside by accident) the home may have to be re-keyed by a locksmith and new keys made
Understanding the costs, prior to signing a lease, for a lost key are essential to having a great working relationship with your property management company.
How old are the appliances?
One of the attractions of the new developments throughout Long Beach is the aspect that everything is new! From new flooring to new appliances because that means you as the renter are unlikely to deal with any hassle related to an appliance not working.
Of course when it comes to renting a single family home in Long Beach you are unlikely to find “brand new” but you are likely to find a great quiet neighborhood which means you might want to inquire about something as common as the appliances. Taking the time to ask the property management company about the age of the appliances can give you an understanding if you might have to deal with any potential hassles. Even knowing the cost isn’t your responsibility, you don’t want to be inconvenienced by the need to repair a refrigerator, dishwasher or oven. If the property management company isn’t sure, consider asking how many service calls they have handled for the appliances for the last tenant as those should all be on record.
How much has the rent increased over the last few years?
Now past performance is certainly not an indication of future gains; however, as a tenant you can certainly ask to see if the property management company will share with you the rental increases. They could give you an average increase for that area instead of being specific to the property and that could work fine as well.
In times of challenge, whether that be financial turmoil or pandemic related scenarios it is common for rents to remain the same; however, in stable economic conditions rents traditionally rise. One reason we suggest you ask about rental increases is to have an understanding for planning your budget. For example if one year your rental amount doesn’t change that is great news; however, even if it rises at an inflationary rate (i.e %1.6-3%) that could mean $84/mo on a $2,800/mo rent at 3% which is something to plan for when you are evaluating rental properties.
Understanding, from the property management company’s perspective how they have raised rent, communicated that raise, etc. can help you to have a better understanding of if you want to rent a property that is managed by them.
As a property management company we field all of these questions, and many more, from potential candidates. When you want to find out how we could alleviate stress, answer tenant questions, and still help you to get top dollar for your Long Beach we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 to hear how we can help. If you want to have a quick check to see how much your property could fetch in rent we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis where we perform a comprehensive comparison to share your rental stacks up to the competition.
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Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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