How Often Should a Landlord Make Repairs?

How Often Should a Landlord Make Repairs? A major advantage of renting a property is that you don’t have to worry about making and paying for repairs that arise from daily wear and tear. While not every component of your rental home will be replaced during your stay, you can expect your landlord to make basic repairs regularly. Here, we share the common repairs that landlords may make to a rental property, and how often they are expected to complete them.  Carpets Some carpets are made from higher quality materials, and therefore, have a longer expected lifetime than others. Because of the variability in the type of carpet installed in your rental home, how often it will be replaced will also vary. According to Diana Valin, owner, and broker of The Rental Xperts, “rental grade” carpet will typically have a life expectancy of five years. However, top-grade carpets with lifetime warranties against wear and tear may only need to be replaced upon significant damage. If damage to the carpet like a large stain or hole occurs before the recommended replacement period is up, landlords should replace the carpet before the next tenant moves in. In pet-friendly rentals, landlords may be less strict on the replacement rule when it comes to stains; however, carpets should always be cleaned and sanitized before the next tenant. Paint Typically, a property receives a fresh coat of paint in preparation for a new tenant to move in. Paint will cover those nicks, scrapes, and scratches that come with moving in and out of the home, and provides a clean start for the new renters. If a property has fewer move-ins and move-outs, as a general rule the walls should be repainted every three years. Quality paint jobs from professionals may last longer, but tenants expect that small touch-ups will be made throughout their stay. In addition, if a landlord wants tenants to renew their lease, offering a free paint job may be useful as one of the incentives. Extermination No tenant wants to live with unwanted guests, especially creepy crawly creatures and pests. To keep tenants happy and healthy, landlords should conduct routine pest prevention services. In many cases, communities will have contracts with pest control companies to conduct extermination services weekly or monthly. However, some situations will require more specialized extermination services, and quickly. Landlords should be prepared to call pest control technicians at any moment to spare their tenants from unexpected infestations. Leaks Leaks that are ignored have the potential to wreak havoc on any home. Any plumbing problem should be addressed quickly to avoid large-scale damage. The exact time frame for a leak repair varies on the type of leak, however, most repairs should be fixed within one-to-two days. More significant leaks and plumbing problems will require an outside contractor, meaning the repair will take longer to complete (and will cost more). Repair Requests Not all repairs are equal in size and intensity, so the time landlords should fill a repair request can differ. However, it is important to remember the laws that surround maintenance and repairs for rental properties. In the state of South Carolina, when tenants submit a written repair request, landlords will have fourteen days to start the requested repair and finish it in a reasonable period. However, if a landlord wants to stay in good standing with their tenant, he/she should work to restore the property within one-to-two days. In the event of an emergency, like a burst pipe, landlords are expected to act immediately. When a property is vacant, the landlord is also expected to continue regular maintenance to ensure habitable conditions; routine inspections are important in determining maintenance and repair responsibilities as they arise. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

When Can You Evict Your Own Roommate?

When Can You Evict Your Own Roommate? Sometimes rent costs too much for one person, and other times you don’t want to live on your own quite yet. No matter the reason for choosing to live with a roommate, sometimes they become too hard to handle. So what do you do when your roommate won’t pay his/her fair share for the month, or simply makes your living environment unbearable? Can you kick them out – or will you have to leave it to the landlord? Here are some instances where you may be able to evict a poor roommate. When They’re Not Paying Rent Evicting a roommate who does not pay rent is clear-cut if the terms are correctly spelled out in the lease. However, eviction becomes more difficult if the lease does not break down the rent payment among the tenants, leaving both to be jointly responsible. If you pay your half, but your roommate does not, you may both get evicted since the full payment was not made. To prevent this issue from occurring, legal experts recommend asking the landlord to give separate leases to each tenant so each person is responsible for their own determined amount. If your roommate does not pay according to their lease, you will likely be able to negotiate with the landlord regarding their eviction. When They’re On the Lease Taking care of a roommate eviction is easy if they are partaking in illegal behavior, such as drugs, violence, or threats. In these instances, you can file a police report and restraining order, which results in removing them from the lease. However, if your roommate is simply annoying, it is much more difficult to evict them. Keep note of complaints and potential lease violations and bring them to the landlord’s attention. While you likely can’t kick someone out for not doing their dishes, you may be able to evict someone if their significant other or family member is practically living at the unit rent-free. When They’re On the Sublease If you are the primary leaseholder and want to accept someone as a roommate, it is a good idea to ask if you can draft the sublease with the landlord. By doing this, you can establish the parameters you want, including a security deposit, whether pets are allowed, how many guests allowed and for how long, what alterations they can make, fees for late payments, and utility fees. You should also make sure you can terminate the sublease and evict your roommate by taking the same steps your landlord would during the eviction process. Once the sublease has been drafted, have a lawyer look over it and get it notarized. When They’re Not On a Lease Trying to evict a roommate that is not on a lease may be the most difficult situation of the three, since you cannot simply kick them out and change the locks. Anyone who moves into an apartment acquires homestead rights, meaning if your roommate goes to the police, they can help him/her regain access to their living quarters. Instead, you will need to enlist the help of the landlord to conduct an eviction, since you don’t have the rights of a property owner to evict tenants. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

Preventing Holiday Mishaps to Your Home

Preventing Holiday Mishaps to Your Home Stuff happens to your home, especially during the holiday season when temperatures drop, packages are delivered, and decorations are hung with glee. While all the festivities of the holiday season are enjoyable, the potential hazards that come with them are not. According to a survey conducted by SimpliSafe, fires, frozen pipes, and porch pirates (package thieves) are among the most dreaded holiday mishaps. Despite these concerns, only 35% of American adults are worried about one of these incidents happening to their home, resulting in a large amount of vulnerable homes. Here are some easy tips to prepare for the holidays to prevent these mishaps, allowing you to focus on what really matters this holiday season. Fire Hazards Old appliances, unattended stoves, and holiday decorations are all common sources of fires during the holidays. In fact, more than 70% of the Simplisafe survey respondents said they have set off a smoke alarm while cooking a holiday meal! It is important to never leave gas or electric stoves unattended while cooking meals and to always keep an eye on food in the oven. If you decide to deep-fry a turkey or ham for your holiday meal, it is critical to make sure it is properly thawed. If meat is not thawed before being placed into a deep fryer it can explode and cause oil burn injuries and an oil fire. In addition to cooking, holiday lights, candles, wreaths and tinsel should all be placed around the house in caution. It is recommended to keep all decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources, and all electric decorations should be unplugged at night. Another crucial element is to make sure your Christmas tree is watered everyday. Be sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition as well. Frozen Pipes Drops in the temperature can cause serious pipe damage, which can result in a burst or leak. While older homes are more at risk for frozen pipes, you should keep an eye on indoor pipes in cold garages, attics, and basements. To prepare for potential mishaps, experts recommend installing a temperature sensor to monitor for low temperatures and a water sensor to immediately identify leaks. Though temperatures may not quite reach low enough to freeze pipes along the Grand Strand, it is better to be safe than sorry this holiday season. Porch Pirates Between Thanksgiving and New Years, the USPS estimates it delivers more than 13.2 billion packages! More packages means more opportunities for porch pirates to strike, especially with an increase in online shopping. According to the Simplisafe survey, almost half of respondents said they have had a package stolen from their front porch or home. To prevent package thieves from ruining your holiday spirit, experts recommend installing a doorbell camera to monitor your front porch. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on packaging delivery updates, and plan to be home when large, expensive items will be delivered. If you can’t be home to watch for deliveries, have packages delivered to a trusted friend or neighbor’s house, or schedule an in-person pickup at the store. These practices will help prevent porch pirates, but in the event that your packages do get stolen, you can submit a stolen package claim with companies like Amazon and FedEx. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

Your Guide to Renters Insurance

Your Guide to Renters Insurance Homeowners insurance is required by mortgage companies and allows homeowners to have protection over their property and belongings in the event the home becomes damaged. But what about people who rent a property? Shouldn’t they have protection for their belongings and protection against liability for property damage? That is where renters insurance comes into play. What is Renters Insurance? Renters insurance covers the loss of personal property and protects the renter from liability claims in the event of a damage-inducing event to the home. This also includes injuries that occur in the rental that are not caused by the home’s structure (injuries that are caused by structural concerns are the landlord’s responsibility). Obtaining renters insurance is the smartest decision you will ever make as a renter, especially because it is the least expensive and easiest type of insurance to get. What Does Renters Insurance Cover? There are three essential areas that renters insurance covers: personal possessions, liability, and additional living expenses. Personal possessions coverage is for your owned contents of the rental. These belongings are protected from named perils, which typically include fire, theft, vandalism, plumbing and electrical malfunctions, and weather-related damage (not including flood and earthquake damage). The standard HO-4 policy for renters covers personal property losses due to hail, explosions, riots, and damage caused by aircraft, vehicles, and vandalism. Liability coverage protects renters in the event they get sued for injury and damages incurred at the home by other people. This covers court judgments and legal expenses up to a certain amount, which is typically between $100,000-300,000; any coverage over the determined amount requires an umbrella policy. Additional living expenses coverage will provide renters with money for temporary housing due to inhabitable living caused by one of the named perils. This coverage will pay hotel bills, restaurant meals, temporary rentals, and any other costs incurred while the property is being repaired. How Do I Get Renters Insurance? When applying for renters insurance, renters should take pictures of everything they own and write down serial numbers that will help verify the insurance claim. Renters should also enter these items into a spreadsheet with the actual or estimated value of each item, which will help in better proving the value of their possessions. This is also important to prevent renters from underestimating personal goods, which in turn, prevents them from under-insuring themselves. After renters have determined how much insurance they will need, they must then choose an insurance company. Gather opinions on local companies from friends, family members, and neighbors and compare rates. Once the renter has chosen a company, they should then start the application process. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, renters insurance will cost an average of about $15 per month; however, these rates vary based on the state, company, and amount of insurance purchased. Once the new policy has arrived in the mail, renters should read it to confirm their coverage and understand what is and is not included in the policy. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

How to Decorate Your Rental Without Damaging It

Is Renting Right for You? Adding decorations to your rental is a great way to make it feel like home. However, you must be careful about the extent of your home decorating, since some items can leave damage. If you want to add some style and still get that security deposit back, consider using the following to add personality to your home. Houseplants Indoor plants can not only brighten up a room but also provide extra crisp oxygen and boost your health and well-being. Introducing plants to your rental home adds natural colors and texture, and can easily be moved around for a change of scenery. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can still partake in this decor trend by using fake plants. Real or artificial plants can be incorporated into corners of the home that need sprucing up, or on end tables and counters for a pop of color. Rugs If you find the flooring in your rental to be less than optimal, try incorporating a tasteful rug as a statement piece. Find a carpet that fits your personality by considering a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Don’t forget to measure your space and use these measurements to find a rug that fits just right. A common mistake in buying rugs is buying rugs that are too small; if you are between sizes, opt for the larger one to fill the area. Light Fixtures If your rental home does not have a favorable lighting situation, adding stylish lamps can bring light and personality. Whether you are looking for a floor lamp or one to place on your bedside table, choose one that acts as a feature piece of a room. Whatever style you choose, be sure to use LED bulbs, which are more sustainable and last longer. Multipurpose Furniture Having furniture that can be used in multiple different scenarios is a great way to save money and space when decorating. For example, use an ottoman that doubles as blanket storage, or a compact desk that folds out into a table for dining. Storage Choosing stylish storage options allows you to organize your home and make it look great too! Woven baskets are a simple way to add color and texture to your home while serving as a storehouse for blankets, pillows, magazines, and more. Artwork Hanging up personal photos, artwork, and wall decor can dramatically change the environment and make your rental home feel like your own. To display these items without holes in the wall, you can use damage-free picture hanging strips, like Command hooks. Be sure to read the maximum weight that each strip can hold to prevent more oversized items from falling. Outdoor Spaces You can make the most of your outdoor spaces by adding decorating elements like rugs, small pieces of furniture, and plants. Rugs can make the area feel cozy, while seating will allow you to relax by yourself or entertain guests. Adding a small planter box filled with flowers, or some potted plants can turn your front or back porch into a mini-oasis. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible. Houseplants

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back Are you about to make your move into a new rental, and are worried about getting your security deposit back? Here are 9 tips to help get the full deposit back quickly. Review Your Lease Before moving out, it is important to first read your lease again. The lease will describe when and how to notify your landlord that you are leaving, and will provide you with information about the requirements for getting your security deposit back, and how long the landlord has to return it. Document Damage When you first move into your new place, you should take photos to document any pre existing damage and send them to your landlord at the beginning of your rental home. This includes holes or marks in the wall, and general wear and tear in the home. By providing proof of damages that occurred before you, you are more likely to receive the full deposit at the end of your rental term. Give Proper Notice The general expectation for proper notice of leaving a rental is 30 days, though this length can vary by state. Refer to your lease’s terms and conditions to ensure you follow proper lease termination protocol. Giving your landlord proper notice in advance can increase your likelihood of receiving the full deposit back. Conduct a Walk-through Before leaving the rental, ask the landlord to complete a walk-through of the property with you. When doing this, the landlord can point out what needs to be repaired and cleaned before moving out. Knowing the landlord’s expectations upfront allows you to focus on changing what matters to get that deposit, instead of spending time and effort on areas of the rental that will be overlooked. Repair Damage Once you have completed the walkthrough with your landlord, use this information to fix any damage that occurred to your home during the rental term. In some cases, you will be able to complete this on your own, such as patching small holes and repainting. In other cases, you will need to consult the help of a professional, such as a plumber to fix the sink or an electrician to replace a lighting fixture. Clean Thoroughly In addition to making repairs, you should also clean the rental as thoroughly as possible. This involves scrubbing the floors, wiping down the inside and outside of appliances, cleaning countertops, and disinfecting toilets. The more clean the home is, the more likely you will receive the deposit back in full. Do Your Own Inspection After repairs are made and cleaning is complete, conduct one last walkthrough with the landlord to ensure that every area of the home is up to standard. Make sure to receive their feedback and make any changes accordingly. Return the Keys After you have moved out, return the rental keys to the landlord. Be sure to consult the lease, or contact the landlord for information on whether to return them by mail or in person. Additionally, if you lent out or lost any spare keys, notify the landlord as soon as possible so they can quickly replace the locks. Contact Your Landlord Upon moving out, contact your landlord to request the security deposit back and give them your new address for mailing. Typically, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit, but this length of time can vary depending on the lease. If your landlord responds that they will be taking part or all of the deposit to pay for damages, ask them for an itemized list of the deductions and damages. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

10 Things You Should Do When Renting a Property

10 Things You Should Do When Renting a Property 1. Research the neighborhood Before making a firm decision on a property, be sure to research the neighborhood it is located in and the surrounding area. While renting may be temporary, you certainly do not want to spend six months to a year of your life in a less-than-desirable part of town. It is first important to look into crime rates to gain an understanding of safety. Also consider the proximity to necessary amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and dental offices. Take your interests into consideration as well, and check out the local retail stores, entertainment, restaurants, nature trails, and gyms. 2. Read the lease terms Read the property lease thoroughly before signing to ensure you understand all the rules and regulations listed in the contract. It may also be helpful to have a real estate expert or attorney to make sure it is fair and to explain any concepts you may not understand. Rules to look out for include pet policies, maintenance expectations, form and time of payment, and how to break the lease before the expiration. 3. Inspect the property If you are required to put down a security deposit, you will want to document the property’s current condition before you settle in. Take photos to submit to the landlord, and ask for a move-in checklist that specifies the features the landlord will examine before you enter and after you leave. This can protect you from having to pay for damage that was caused by previous tenants. 4. Get renter’s insurance Anything can happen upon moving in, no matter how prepared you are; natural disasters, fires, and break-ins occur too often to not be protected. Invest in renters insurance upon moving in to protect your belongings in case of water/fire damage and theft.  5. Set up automatic payments If your landlord accepts online bank transfers for payments, set up automatic payments so you don’t have to worry about missing a month. This will allow you to think about one less thing during the month, and maintain a good relationship with your landlord by being timely. 6. Keep up with maintenance Don’t wait til the last minute to submit a maintenance request! Notify your landlord immediately when something breaks or shows signs of damage. Depending on the cause of the damage, the landlord may cover the cost of repairs (daily wear and tear, for example, is typically covered). If you do not receive a timely response and the repair needs taken care of right away (like a leak), have a repairman take a look, and tell your landlord afterward. 7. Do a deep clean Cleaning your new rental thoroughly is important for a fresh and clean start, especially since you don’t know how well the previous tenants cleaned. Before unpacking and settling in, clean up the dust and dirt, then get rid of germs and bacteria by sanitizing or disinfecting. 8. Learn about customization rules Before you start painting walls and hanging pictures, talk to your landlord about the customization rules of the property. Any desired change in the look of the property should always be discussed with a landlord ahead of time. It is also helpful to review the lease for restrictions in order to get your full security deposit back. 9. Talk to the landlord Strive to form a solid, respectful relationship with your landlord that encourages communication. By being open and honest about issues with the property in civil conduct, the landlord is more likely to work with you. Maintaining this relationship may also prove helpful in the long run if you would like the lease to be renewed. 10. Request your security deposit Once your stay has come to an end, don’t forget to request your security deposit back. You may be able to speed up the process by asking the landlord for a walk-through of the property to assess any damage together. If there is damage, you may be able to negotiate how much of the deposit should be used for repairs and how much should be returned. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

What’s the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting?

What’s the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting? Get Rid of Those Germs While the change in colder weather feels delightful, it also brings a season of sickness. Knowing how to properly get rid of germs is crucial to keeping your family and friends safe. In this blog, we learn the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting and how to create a routine that reduces the spread of sickness-inducing bacteria. Cleaning Cleaning focuses on the appearance of the home and often involves organizing, decluttering, and wiping down surfaces so they appear neat and shiny. All-purpose cleaners and soap and warm water can be used to remove surface stains, smudges, fingerprints, dust, and debris from surfaces. Examples of cleaning include dusting baseboards and wiping down countertops. While cleaning products can remove some germs, the main goal of cleaning is to improve the overall look, feel, and smell of the home. It is great for making your home look tidy and removing dirt and grime buildup; however, cleaning does not rid the area of bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once you have done the initial cleaning, you will want to move on to sanitizing and disinfecting areas of the home that receive daily wear and tear. Sanitizing Cleaning is mostly about the appearance of the home, but sanitizing removes most of the bacteria that can cause health concerns. Sanitizing is important to minimize the spread of illnesses, especially on surfaces that have frequent contact with food. Sanitizers contain pathogens that prevent cross-contamination by reducing germs and fungi. For a solution to be considered a sanitizer, it must have a formula with 60% to 95% alcohol concentration. Some items and surfaces can be sanitized using liquids that are above 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Dishwashers, washing machines, and steam cleaners are all tools that sanitize items, fabrics, and surfaces. Disinfecting One step further than sanitizing is disinfecting, which kills bacteria and viruses. A high-quality disinfectant spray should remove 100% of the microscopic organisms on hard surfaces, which kills and prevents the spread of illnesses. Disinfecting solutions need to remain in contact with the surface for the recommended time on the manufacturer’s label to be most effective, which may take up to ten minutes. Because disinfectants are stronger than other cleaning and sanitizing products, safety precautions should be taken when using them. It is important to never mix disinfectants with other cleaners and to label all solution containers. Also be sure to store disinfectants out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling these harsh chemicals. Make a Routine Now that you know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, let’s learn how to properly create a routine to keep your home sparkling and healthy. There are many areas of the home that are touched daily and should be regularly cleaned to reduce germs and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Surfaces like tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, computers, phones, and toilets are the most common places for germs to inhabit. First clean these areas using an all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and debris buildup, which can cause sanitizers and disinfectants to be less effective. Then, decide whether a sanitizer or disinfectant is most appropriate for the surface. For daily cleaning and surfaces like dishes, couches, and floors, use a sanitizer. For deep cleaning, or when ridding a home of sickness, use disinfectants on countertops, toilets, doorknobs, and cell phones. Always remember to check manufacturer labels to ensure you clean your home effectively and safely. Contact Us We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible.

What Does Rent Ready Mean?

What Does Rent Ready Mean? Preparing a property to rent involves a very intentional process that ensures that you are able to secure the very best tenants possible. Every tenant is a contract relationship, but it’s more. It is potentially a long standing economic and social association that meets both parties needed purposes. For the landlord, a longer tenancy that is happy in their residence means lower turnover and costly refresh expenses. For the tenant, a longer residency means comfort, connection to the community and a sense of belonging. In both cases, it all begins from the way the home is prepared to welcome a qualified prospective tenant. Security Always rekey a home after a tenant vacates the property. This avoids some unfortunate unexpected or unintentional consequence from occurring. As the landlord, you don’t know who the former tenant gave a spare key to. Can you imagine the possibility of an innocent home invasion occurrence when a person unexpectant surprise visitor walks into what they thought was their friends former bedroom only to find an unknown new resident, shock or worse! The response could be deadly!! Safety Everything must function as it was originally designed to work. Safety is critical for tenant safety. The last thing you ever want to hear is that something failed because it was not fixed or repaired properly and a tenant or their child was seriously injured. There is no room for excuses when life safety or functional adequacy is concerned. You must fix, remove or replace any item that does not meet optimal working standards when you lease a home. Cleanliness This point is critical to securing your best tenant prospect because the quality of a properties cleanliness at the initial viewing is directly proportional to the quality of tenant the property will attract. Clean people will not want to live in anything less than clean. Conversely, a tenant who does not need a clean property will not maintain a clean rental lifestyle either. A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING is essential to ensure the home is adequately cleaned to establish a standard you expect in return. 100% Rent Ready No showing should occur until all punch items are completed. Unmet expectations over an item that will be resolved soon is not a good precedent to manage after the tenant moves into the property. Your best efforts may not meet their unmet expectations to resolve their perception of what was promised or delivered. Avoid this critical relationship BOMB. If your not 100% ready, don’t allow a prospect to tour the property. Avoid this hazard completely! We hope these points help you understand that being extremely intentional is the best way to manage your investment and your future tenant relationship. At Real Living Home Realty Group, this is the process we follow to make sure all of our clients whether landlord or tenant, receive the best care. Quality matters and our customer service approval demonstrates that we deliver quality service, so everyone involved enjoys life a little more under our care. CONTACT US We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible. Leave us a message Jen Assip Property Manager Have any questions? Call us: 843-232-0000

Minimize Turnovers with Effective Lease Renewals

Minimize Turnovers with Effective Lease Renewals Property management is largely about reducing needless expenses and serving the tenant in such a way that they love the home they lease.  This comfort zone experience takes time and is largely a function of the tenant feeling that they receive good value for the rent they pay every month.  Our goal as property managers is to deliver a home to the resident in optimal living condition and then maintain the property at that standard throughout their initial lease and beyond. Expense It’s important to remember that turnover is your biggest expense – If you have a good tenant, you should do everything in your power to keep them. In an example of a 30-year tenant, contrasted with that of a pattern of leasing to new tenants every two years, you’re looking at 15 turnovers!  That translates into over a year of vacancy and lease income.  Turnovers create more remodel repair and refresh costs. The longer you can keep a good tenant, the better it is for your bottom line. Treating Tenants One key guideline is to always treat your tenants well. Don’t be difficult to work with and then expect your tenant to want to resign at the expiry of their lease. Be prompt with their maintenance requests throughout the duration of their lease so that when it comes time to renew, the tenant will WANT to stay with you.  Wants and needs are not always something a landlord wants to deal with because it means spending money and taking you time to deal with the request.  Maintaining an objective attitude and fairly evaluating all requests is often hard, but necessary to maintain a great landlord-tenant relationship. Real Living Home Realty Group really takes pride in our ability to evaluate tenant needs and requests to make sure the tenant and the landlord are treated fairly.  Balance, fairness and good will go a long way in establishing trust and a safe comfort zone all long term tenant’s desire.  If we can help you find the sweet spot so you enjoy long term tenants, give us a call so we can help you keep turn over low. CONTACT US We would love to hear from you! So let’s set up a meeting today. Please fill out the form and you will receive an email from us. If you do not get the email in the next 5 minutes, check your spam/junk folder. We will make sure that someone gets in touch with you as soon as possible. Leave us a message Jen Assip Property Manager Have any questions? Call us: 843-232-0000