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Category: Property Management

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The Top 5 Work From Home Amenities For Residents

A majority of businesses and organizations give their employees the option to work from home. Now many people can work from anywhere, so as their property manager, it’s in your best interest to accommodate their needs. Remote work is here to stay, so not making the necessary changes or adjustments might cause you to lose residents, both existing and potential. By reading this post, you’ll be able to reevaluate your property and ask yourself, “Does my rental property need an upgrade? 

The top five work from home amenities are:

1. High-speed internet

Fast and reliable in-unit Wi-Fi is essential for every resident! The work-from-home trend thrives because of advanced technology. In order to support advanced technology, you need to provide high-speed internet. Additionally, placing routers in common areas will make your property more attractive to renters who work from home. It’s worth the investment, because various studies show that residents are willing to pay a high price for high-speed internet access. 

2. Reliable cell phone reception

Reliable cell reception is critical for those residents who work at home. Unreliable cell service is a major distraction to remote workers who are focused on being productive during business hours. Consider investing in a cell phone signal booster to strengthen existing network signals like 4G, LTE, and even 5G! 

3. Community work area 

Remote workers enjoy working from home, but sometimes they’d rather work outside of their home office. Do you have an empty or unused space in your building that you can transform into a trendy co-working space? Consider it, because designing this space and giving it a fun name will make it the perfect amenity for your residents who work remotely! 

4. Reservable private conference rooms for video calling

Go above and beyond with your work from home amenities by turning a small room into a reservable conference room! Most remote workers spend their day in remote meetings, so why not cater to them? When constructing this room, keep in mind that the walls should be a single solid color and have additional lights for the best lighting! 

5. Sound reduction

It’s difficult for at-home workers to stay focused when there’s a lot of noise in the background. In a meeting or presentation, the noise can distract your residents from their work. Make it a plan to build noise-canceling features into the walls and floors. This will itself be a noisy project, so try to complete it outside of normal office hours. 

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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The Best Way to Protect Your Property with Garage Security Systems

You want your residents and their assets to be protected, right?  Are you, as a property manager, taking steps to provide that protection in your garage areas? If not, don’t fret! Read this post to educate yourself on the basics of garage security systems and learn why your rental property needs one. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have plenty of information to get you started! 

What is a garage security system? 

A garage security system is a solution that controls access to your property’s parking garage. One of the many benefits of such a system is that it prevents unauthorized people from getting access into the building through the garage. Additionally, your residents, visitors, and more will have a safe space to park their vehicles! Lastly, installing video surveillance cameras throughout the garage will allow you or your staff to review footage from previous incidents and take action! 

Why do I need it? 

Well…do you want your building to be at risk for bad reviews due to residents’ vehicles frequently being damaged or broken into? No. So clearly, it’s necessary to avoid car-related theft on your property! Garage security will give your residents reassurance that their vehicle is protected, enhancing the resident experience and ensuring that those leases will definitely be renewed! 

How much is it? 

The price of a garage security system can range from $200 to $2000, but it will most likely depend on the dimensions of the system you choose. Do you already have a garage gate or door? Is it automatic? If your answer is no, then you should totally invest in an automatic gate or door, but be sure it’s compatible with the garage security system you choose! 

Four types of garage access control systems

After reviewing your garage security needs, now you can decide the type of garage access control system to install. 

Most common types of garage security systems:

  1. Garage door openers
  2. Key card systems
  3. Vehicle tag recognition systems
  4. Smartphone-based garage security systems

How do garage security systems work?

No garage security system is the same, but the feature they all have in common is requiring drivers to verify their identity to enter. When the system verifies their identity, the garage gate or door will open. See how easy it is? 

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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The Best Way to Handle Noise Complaints at Your Multifamily Property

Noise complaints are common property manager issues that you probably have to deal with sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to handle. Excessive commotion and noise within your building can be very disruptive to your residents, who have the right to live in peace and quiet at reasonable times. Additionally, if your lease agreement contains a clause regarding noise, then it could be a breach of contract. Whether you’re a property manager dealing with this currently or you just want to be prepared for the future, follow these guidelines we’ve laid out for you below! 

Determining whether the complaint is valid

The first step when receiving a noise complaint from a resident is to decide whether it is valid and reasonable.  Sometimes there’s confusion about what’s a normal sound level and what’s too much. Let’s say one of your residents is blasting music at midnight during the work week.  That would be considered excessive noise. However, if a resident is complaining about hearing footsteps from their neighbors above, that’s unreasonable.  As their property manager, you can still provide a solution by laying down a carpet or putting pads on the bottoms of loud chairs. 

Responding to a Noise Complaint

When you receive a noise complaint, you have to respond quickly. This will help prevent your residents from overreacting. Go through their options regarding the noise complaint with them and stay in touch until the issue is resolved. Sometimes situations escalate, so if law enforcement gets involved, make sure to follow up with your resident to ensure the issue was handled appropriately. 

Valid Noise Complaint

If you decide the complaint is reasonably valid, then you need to immediately address it by reaching out to the resident directly or the neighbor causing the noise. We suggest sending an email or calling the noisy neighbor to discuss the situation and complaints. However, if the noise violations continue, an eviction might be necessary. It doesn’t always have to come to that, but if a few chats about being noisy don’t resolve things, it might be time to remind them of the potential consequences.

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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The Top 4 Pet Amenities for Dog-Friendly Apartments

Being a pet owner is a huge responsibility, and living in an apartment building can make things more difficult. Usually, dog owners look for amenities that will accommodate them and their pup. This guide will walk you through the top pet amenities for dog-friendly apartments. Let’s get started! 

The top four amenities for dogs in apartment buildings are:

1. Dog parks

Dogs need to go outside multiple times every day for exercise and to use the bathroom, so a very common issue for dog owners living in apartments is a lack of outdoor space. We recommend utilizing some of your property’s outdoor space to build a dog park. In case you didn’t know, you too can benefit from building a dog park as a property manager. You’ll completely get rid of any worries or concerns about the landscape of your property getting ruined. Also, giving dogs a place to play outside will decrease the chance of inside play and reduce the risk of damage to the inside of your property. 

2. Dog-friendly amenity spaces

Dog owners love to bring their dog anywhere and everywhere. Even though the little pup doesn’t belong at the gym, there are other amenity spaces where you can create a dog-friendly environment. Imagine how thrilled your residents would be if they could  bring their dog to the BBQ or patio on beautiful sunny days! 

Think about making these amenity spaces dog-friendly:

  • Rooftop patios
  • BBQ and grill courtyards
  • Event spaces
  • Business centers
  • Resident lounges

Don’t forget to display signs around the property that clearly indicate which spaces are dog-friendly and which aren’t.  

3. Apartment dog wash

Have you ever thought about adding a dog wash station, or even a pet spa, to your property? Maybe a dog wash station with a pet spa in it? Either way, this would be an amazing investment for you, because residents are willing to spend more for convenience nowadays.  You’ll also save your property from going through damages and repairs in the future (FYI: pet hair can clog the drain, especially if it’s thick). But most importantly, your residents will thank you for having a place to bathe their pets — and so will the floors of your lobby! 

4. Pet concierge services

A new and trending amenity for dog-friendly apartments is a pet concierge service. A pet concierge can give residents a list of pet-service providers like dog walkers, sitters, and even vets so they can easily schedule services or appointments while saving money. Now that’s an enhanced living experience!

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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Whose Job Is It? Providing A/C for Renters at Multifamily Properties

Air conditioning is often a point of contention between renters and property managers, and with the hottest months of the year nearly here, we’re heading into prime time for A/C-related disagreements to arise.  So what rights and responsibilities do renters have when it comes to air conditioning?  Do property managers have responsibilities here?  Here’s our quick guide to how to handle the air conditioning issue.

Are you required to provide air conditioning to renters?

The short answer is: maybe!  It depends on where the property is.  In general, air conditioning is not on any list of things that property managers are legally required to provide, and is not considered a necessary condition for habitability.  However, some states do have laws specifically requiring the provision of functioning air conditioning to renters, and some residents may have medical conditions that entitle them to a working air conditioning unit even if you don’t need to have one for other residents.  Check the laws in your states to determine for sure whether you need to provide A/C.

Consider mentioning air conditioning in the lease.

If you’re not legally required to provide working air conditioning, you may want to consider specifying the exact situation and your policies in the lease.  (This is a good idea for any topic that may result in a disagreement between you or your company and residents.)  Think about laying out clearly whether air conditioning is provided and what will happen if it breaks.  That way, everything’s clear up front and there’s less room for disagreement if things stop working.

Document everything.

As with any dispute or potential dispute between you and a resident, you’ll want to have documentation so that you have clear evidence and can protect yourself in the event of legal action.  Keep records of all communications between you or your staff and residents on air-conditioning issues and document all steps you take to repair broken equipment.

The good news is, keeping good records is easier than ever thanks to modern property management software that organizes everything digitally, and keeps track of all communication between you, your team, and your residents.

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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Carpet vs. Vinyl: Which is Better for a Multifamily Property?

What’s on your floors? No, not the unfolded laundry or the pile of recycling you haven’t taken out. Do you have carpet or vinyl?  And which is better?  The answer isn’t as easy as you might think, even as carpet has seemed to decline in popularity.  Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and either one may be better for you and your properties than the other.  If you’re installing or replacing flooring, it’s up to you to decide which way to go — and we’re here to help you do it!  Check out our list of factors to consider when making your decision.

Durability

This is one area where vinyl generally has a big advantage.  Vinyl flooring usually has at least a couple of layers to it, and the top layer will be sturdy and specifically designed to hold up well over time.  That means that it will hold up much better to wear and tear than carpet, which will wear out much more quickly and visibly.

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is actually related quite closely to durability. After all, if it’s harder to clean something, it makes sense that you’ll need to replace it sooner. 

Again, vinyl flooring has the edge over carpet here.  Dirt and dust are easily cleaned from both, but spills are much easier to deal with on vinyl, making stains much less likely.  Further, if spills aren’t cleaned properly from carpet, moisture can actually soak through the carpet, allowing mold growth underneath.  News flash: that’s bad!  New carpet tile technology aims to alleviate this by making individual sections of carpet easily removable and re-installable, but vinyl still has an advantage when it comes to cleanliness.

Cost

The cost of vinyl flooring tends to be more variable than carpet, with high-end vinyl costing more than high-end carpet but inexpensive vinyl costing less than inexpensive carpet.  You’ll probably want to stick to better options if you want to really experience the advantages that a particular type of flooring offers, though, so carpet is generally going to be more cost-effective in most cases.  The difference won’t necessarily be huge, but it is likely going to be enough to be worth taking into account.

Comfort

Comfort is always subjective, so there probably won’t be one solution that everyone finds more comfortable.  With that being said, you’ll probably find that most people will say that carpet is more comfortable.  Why?  Well, simply because it’s soft, whereas vinyl flooring is harder and colder.  Many people will choose to use rugs over vinyl floors, which can help, but vinyl flooring on its own won’t usually be the most comfortable for most people (aside from your furry friends, at least).

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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Property Management Certifications that Give You an Edge & Why You Need Them

Do you have a property management certification?  If not, you may want to consider it. Certifications can go a long way in showing people that you have the proper training and education to be a responsible property manager. Interested in learning more about property management certifications? Check out our quick guide below for more info!

Who certifies property managers?

There are a number of prominent organizations around the industry that offer property management certifications.  Some of the largest and best known are the National Apartment Association (NAA), the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). There are many more, but those three are usually considered to be among the most important, and their certifications are widely respected.  If you’re interested in certifications beyond what’s mentioned in this guide, those organizations are a great place to start looking.

Besides the actual certifications, being a member of one of these organizations at all will lend you and your company an air of credibility.  You’ll also have access to the wealth of resources and opportunities that such groups are able to offer their members.  Consequently, joining one of the organizations listed above is likely well worth it for most property managers.

Are certifications absolutely necessary?

Not exactly — no certifications offered by the organizations listed above are legally required, so it’s technically possible to get by without any.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea.  Being certified can be a huge boost to your credibility and earning potential, so it’s much better to have them.

Also, while it’s not the same type of certification, most states require you to have either a real estate broker’s license or property manager’s license to be able to handle rent.  With a license like that likely being required anyway, going on to attain and maintain additional certification makes even more sense.

So what certifications are the best?

There are many good ones, but we’ll highlight two here.  One of the biggest is Certified Property Manager (CPM), which is offered by IREM and is often considered the industry’s very best.  To qualify, you’ll need to manage properties for at least three years, take several required courses, and pass two exams.

Another to consider is Residential Management Professional (RMP), offered by NARPM.  It’s another good one because it’s recognized nearly as widely as CPM and has similar requirements.  It’s also a great option because it’s the first step toward achieving NARPM’s Master Property Manager certification, one of the most prestigious in the field.

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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4 Trends in Property Management to Prepare You for the Green Resident Wave

Environmental concerns are growing in importance for many renters, especially younger ones.  That means that the way your properties impact the environment is going to be a bigger and bigger factor in determining whether you’re able to attract residents going forward.  So what do you need to know to make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come?  Check out our guide to environment-related trends in property management below!

Electric vehicles

According to Forbes, 23% of Americans would consider buying a fully electric vehicle (EV) in the future, and 27% would consider buying a hybrid vehicle (and, while traditional hybrid vehicles don’t need to be plugged in, a growing number of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, do).  The number of people interested in electric vehicles is far higher than the number who own them right now, which means that the number of EVs in use will only continue to grow.  By providing EV charging stations, you’ll open yourself to that growing market.

Smart thermostats

Smart thermostats are another piece of environmentally friendly technology that’s growing in popularity.  These devices are able to heat and cool a unit more efficiently, getting the same results while using less energy.  That makes them better for green residents and better for you, since you’ll be using less energy — and less money — regulating the temperature of any spaces where you’re responsible for energy costs, like common areas or vacant units.

Recycling requirements

Some cities and states are starting to implement or consider implementing recycling requirements for multifamily properties.  Even if such requirements haven’t come to your area yet, they may in the future.  For that reason, it’s a good idea to act now to make sure recycling is as easy as possible for your residents.  That way, you’ll stay ahead of the curve in terms of legal requirements, and you’ll make your property a great place for environmentally conscious renters.

Financial benefits

Besides the increasing demand from potential residents, environmental impact is starting to become important to investors and lenders as well.  Green properties are higher in value than equivalent properties that don’t meet modern environmental standards, and some lenders even offer better pricing on loans for property development projects with green building certifications.  Getting one or more of those certifications can give you and your properties a major leg up as this trend continues to develop.

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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The Top 4 Ways to Prepare for the Summer Leasing Season

Summer is almost here, and that means hot weather, fun times, and…leasing?  It may not be the first thing that comes to mind for most people, but summer is the heart of leasing season.  According to U.S. News & World Report, most renters who move in any given year do so between the months of May and September.  So what are you, as a property manager, doing to prepare?  Here are four of the best things you can do to make sure you’re ready for this summer’s leasing season:

Finish large projects before leasing season starts

You won’t want to have any major work on your property continuing into peak leasing times — everything should be completed by the time the most potential residents come to see the property.  All landscaping and work on common areas should be finished so your property looks its best, and any units you’ve been renovating should be ready to be rented again.

Review your lease terms

You’ll likely be signing a lot of leases soon, so it might be worth taking some time to look over what you have and make sure it’s still working for you.  If there’s anything in there that you wish you could change, now is the perfect chance.  Make sure your leases are written to be fair while still protecting yourself and your company — you’ll probably be glad you did.

Make a good impression online

More and more renters are looking for apartments and researching management companies online, and what they find can be a huge factor in determining where to live.  You can use this to your advantage — respond thoughtfully and professionally to online reviews and comments on social media, and show people that you’re responsive to any questions or concerns they might have.  Doing so will help you build a positive reputation, which can only help in the eyes of potential residents.

Streamline the leasing process

With peak leasing times right around the corner, it’s imperative you have a seamless process of reviewing applicants, creating and signing leases, and converting approved applicants to residents. Digital leasing is the most efficient way to manage an increase in new renters and renewals, so be sure to implement it before the season overwhelms you!

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!

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The 5 Most Common Roofing Problems to Prepare for in the Spring

Spring is the perfect time to take stock of the roofing situation at your properties.  You’re out of the depths of winter and ready to do more of the outdoor work that roofing often requires.  When you’re looking at your roof, though, what exactly should you be looking for?  Here are a few of the most common types of roofing problems to be on the lookout for this spring and summer.

Freezing damage

We may be past the time when freezing usually occurs for this year, but damage caused by ice is a problem that can stick with you year-round if it’s not corrected.  When snow accumulates on your roof, it eventually melts when the weather turns warmer.  Depending on conditions, this can cause standing water to collect.  That standing water can eventually get underneath the top layer of the roof and cause damage.  If the weather cools off and that water freezes again, it will expand, allowing more water in when the thaw comes and exacerbating the issue.  Assess your roof carefully for any signs of damage caused by freezing this past winter.

Shrinkage

It’s possible for materials used in constructing a roof to shrink over time.  If that happens to you, it can cause real problems; depending on what parts shrink and how much, sections may start to pull apart or crack.  As with freezing damage, a careful inspection should help you catch any shrinkage-related issues so you can work on getting them corrected.

Poor repairs

Any time repairs are performed there’s a chance, however small, that they might not have been done correctly.  This can turn into a real issue, because you think that the problems are resolved, when they might actually be just as bad or even worse.  Try to be careful about who you work with when it comes to roofing repairs, and if you’re not fully confident, inspect their work fully after they say that repairs are completed.

Poor ventilation

Properly-ventilated roofs will generally have vents at or near the highest part of the roof (to allow warmer air to leave) and the lowest part of the roof (to allow cooler air in).  Roofs that don’t have vents placed in this manner can hinder circulation and trap hot, moist air at the top of your building.  Over time, that can damage your roof and allow good conditions for mold to grow.  Make sure that roofing at your properties is well-ventilated to prevent this.

Tree damage

This includes both the obvious (falling limbs that can quickly cause major damage) and the not-so-obvious (tree branches, even small ones, that come in contact with the roof can erode it over time, resulting in damage in the long term).  Don’t take any chances when it comes to trees — if one poses any potential danger to your roof, it’s often best to remove it, and plant another tree somewhere else to offset it.

No matter your business goals, ManageGo has your back. To discover just how our software solutions can benefit you and your unique property management needs, request a demo today. Or, connect directly with one of our experts and get started on your journey to better property management. 

Want even more? Get your fix and follow our socials for all the latest property management tips, tricks, & trends!