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Category: Property Management

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The Top 4 Common Resident Complaints (& How to Handle Them)

Resident complaints are an unfortunate fact of life in the property management industry.  It’s impossible for everything to go perfectly all the time, and when something goes wrong, residents are sure to have an issue.  Still, there are steps you can take to minimize the number of complaints you encounter.  Here are a few of the most common resident complaints — and how you can avoid them:

Property condition

It’s inevitable that property conditions deteriorate over time, and that can lead to major problems in units you manage.  Whether caused by normal wear and tear or by something the resident did — problems with floors, walls, windows, and doors can arise, and those issues can be urgent, depending on the exact nature of the problem and weather conditions.  Make sure to stay diligent about conducting regular inspections and preventive maintenance to catch these issues before they become a major problem. Preventive maintenance can be a daunting task — but we’ve got you! Check out our list of tasks you need to perform every year to keep your property in tip-top shape.

Pests

The presence of pests on the property is bad news for both residents and the property manager.  Again, inspections and preventive maintenance can help prevent pest problems from arising or catch the issue early before it gets out of hand.  If pests do become a major issue, make sure that your communication with residents is good and that the problem is handled quickly and efficiently.

Broken or malfunctioning appliances

If you provide appliances for your residents, it’s also your responsibility to make sure that they remain in good working condition.  That means getting the issue fixed if an appliance breaks down.  Communication is key here — make sure your residents know that you’re on top of the issue, and let them know clearly when you expect the issue to be resolved.

Parking disputes

Not all properties offer parking, but for any that do, it can be a source of trouble.  Residents may have disputes with one another when one resident parks in another’s space, when visitors park in places where they aren’t supposed to or stay longer that they’re supposed to, or when people park in places that aren’t designated parking spots at all.  Make sure to do your part by stating all parking rules clearly and firmly and fairly enforcing the rules whenever a dispute arises.

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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How to Set Rental Application Fees as a Property Manager Easily

If you manage rental properties, you’re almost certainly familiar with application fees already.  Still, it’s important to talk about them, since they’re an important part of the application process and, consequently, of your business.  Here are a few tips to help you make sure you’re getting the most out of your rental application fees.

Make sure to specify that application fees are non-refundable

You don’t want there to be any confusion regarding refunds for application fees.  Make sure any applicants understand how the fee works and that they won’t be getting the money back.  That way, you’ll hold onto the funds and avoid creating potential trouble for yourself down the road.

Consider the role credit and background checks play in your screening process

If you use a third-party service to conduct credit or background checks on your applicants, they’ll probably charge you a fee for their services.  Make sure to take that into account when deciding how you should set your fees.  Do you want to include that charge in your application fee?  Do you want to charge applicants the screening fee separately?  Do you want to cover this fee yourself?  Keep these questions in mind and set your fees appropriately.

But why mess around with a third-party service when ManageGo rental management users get it for free? That’s right! To help streamline your application processes, we’ve partnered with Weimark to run these background checks for you, on us.

Know who you want to charge application fees to

Not everyone charges application fees to every applicant.  Some property managers do collect a fee with every application, but others only charge their top candidate.  Some say that the best practice is to charge an application fee to only those you plan to seriously consider approving.  No matter your choice, make sure to stick to it as you receive applications.

Know your local laws about application fees

Some cities and states set a maximum on the amount that can be charged in application and screening fees.  It’s your responsibility to know whether there’s a limit in effect in your area, to know what that limit is, and to not exceed it.  You can check with authorities in your jurisdiction on this if you’re unsure.

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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5 Things to Remember About Getting a Property Management License

Do you have a property management license?  In some areas, a valid license is required to perform work related to property management, including leasing.  If you’re interested in obtaining yours, here are five things you might want to know about property management licensing.

It can be a huge boost to your career or business.

Depending on where you operate, there may be very little you can do in the property management field.  Getting your license will open a lot of doors in the industry for you, allowing you to advance in your career or, if you’re operating your own business, expand your company’s operations and possibilities.

You’re probably not exempt from licensing requirements.

For some people, it’s natural to ask whether they really need to get a license.  The answer is: probably.  Who’s required to get a license and for what activities varies by jurisdiction, so definitely feel free to check with local authorities or licensing boards, but know that there’s probably not a loophole you’ll be able to use to avoid the requirements.

You should check what’s required to get a license.

The steps you’ll need to complete to get your property management license are different in different places.  Typically, you’ll need to complete an educational course or courses, pass an exam, apply, and pay a licensing fee, but there may be other steps or requirements in some places.  You can check with authorities in your state for more information on licensing requirements.

You’ll need to maintain the license once you get it.

Your license will surely expire at some point, and you’ll need to renew it when it does.  Most areas have requirements you’ll need to meet to get your license renewed — things like proof of continuing education in the field.  Make sure you’re staying on top of the work necessary to maintain your license, and don’t leave it all until the last minute.

You should always be familiar with local real estate laws.

As a licensed professional, it will be your responsibility to understand laws and regulations applicable to your field.  Breaking the law could have serious consequences, including license suspension or revocation and even criminal penalties.  Stay on the right side of the law by always understanding your legal obligations and responsibilities.

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 Unexpected Things You Need to Keep in Your Property Management Office

What’s in your property management office?  What kinds of supplies do you have?  What kind of supplies should property managers have on hand?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, as always, we’re here to help!  Here are a few supplies that could benefit a wide range of property management companies.

Postal supplies

While ManageGo always encourages you to make as much of your property management process as digital as possible, you may find yourself with plenty of things to mail, especially if you haven’t fully transitioned to online systems yet.  Be prepared for those situations by keeping plenty of postal supplies — things like envelopes, return address labels, and stamps — on hand at all times.

Pet waste bags

We know that pet owners should always supply bags and clean up after their pets themselves.  Still, mistakes happen, and it’s possible to run out of bags or forget to bring them out along on a walk.  If you supply bags in a place that’s convenient for residents, you’ll make it that much more likely that everything gets cleaned up properly.

Adequate signage

Signs are a huge part of how a business communicates, so they’re something every property manager should consider carefully.  Make sure you have signs in place anywhere you might want to let any of your residents know about anything they should or shouldn’t do.  This is especially important if your property has on-site parking — you’ll need things like stop signs to manage the flow of traffic and no parking signs to let people know where they can’t park.  Examine the parking lots and roadways around your property to make sure you have all the signage you need.

Balloons!

OK, this one’s a bit silly, but property managers can make very good use of balloons.  They add color and a sense of fun to any celebration or event where people come to have a good time.  If you’ve never tried having balloons at an event like this, give it a chance — you might be surprised at what they can add to an atmosphere. For ideas on unique events to hold at your multifamily property, check out this list!

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 Introduce Yourself to New Residents

So you’ve just purchased a new property — way to go!  Whether it’s your first property or your fifty-first, it’s always a big deal.  But now what?  If the property already has residents living in it when you purchase it, a good next step is to introduce yourself to them, and a letter is an easy way to do that.  Here are a few points you might want to cover in an introductory letter to your new residents.

Introduce yourself!

This is the primary purpose of the letter, after all.  Give the residents your name, tell them a little about yourself, and let them know you’re excited to get to know them.  This is a perfect way to break the ice, set the tone, and build the foundation for a positive relationship with your residents.

Provide contact information

Some of your residents might have questions or concerns that they want to reach out to you about.  You’ll want to provide them a way to do that.  Providing your preferred contact information will give them a channel of communication with you and might prevent them from looking for ways to contact you that you’d rather they not use or know about. If you’re looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of your communication, consider offering your residents a portal to interact with you and your property, in one easy-to-use place.

Make sure they know how to submit maintenance requests

If you’ll be handling maintenance requests in a different way than the previous property managers, you’ll want to be sure to let your residents know about it.  That way, they’ll know exactly what to do when a maintenance situation arises, which might save them a lot of anxiety down the road.  Whether there’s a phone number they should call, an address they should email, or an online ticketing system they should use, make sure all your residents know about it.

Let them know about any planned or proposed changes to their lease

It’s illegal to unilaterally decide to make changes to the terms of an existing lease — you’d need to wait until the lease expires if you’re set on changes.  However, it is OK to propose changes, and make them if the residents agree.  If that’s something you’re interested in, it might be a good idea to broach the subject.  Additionally, if a lease is going to be ending soon and you plan on making major changes or not letting current residents renew, you should let them know sooner rather than later so they’re ready for what’s coming.

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 Easiest Way to Collect Rent Without Worries of Late Payments

Every property manager wants to make sure that all of their residents are able to make their payments  — after all, that’s how they make their money!  Online payments are easiest for you, but not for all of your residents.  Some people simply aren’t comfortable with technology and won’t want to pay online.  So what can you do?  Here are 3 great potential payment methods that don’t require any computer use by your residents.

1. Paper checks by mail

Checks may have experienced a major decline in use, but they’re still the preferred rent payment method for many residents.  To some people, it’s the simplest, most straightforward mode of payment.

One potential problem with checks is handling them on your end as a property manager.  It can be a real pain having to manage, keep track of, and deposit checks yourself.  That’s why ManageGo offers to do the work for you with our Lockbox service.  Let your residents send checks to us, and we’ll automatically upload the checks to our online platform and deposit the funds to your account electronically!

2.  In-person collection

In-person rent collection can definitely offer some benefits.  It’s a sure way to remind anyone who forgot to make their monthly payment, and when you collect a check or money order in person, you won’t need to worry about when or if it will be delivered by mail.

If you do perform any rent collection in person, know that you shouldn’t accept cash payments.  It’s impossible to document them properly, and that can lead to trouble if there’s a dispute about a payment.  If you have any residents who do prefer to pay in cash, ManageGo’s MoneyGram payment option is a great alternative.  Your residents will get to pay cash, and you’ll get full documentation and the convenience of easy electronic deposits.

3. Paper checks in a dropbox

Another option is to provide a dropbox where your residents can drop off a check each month.  This can be a convenient option because it combines some of the best aspects of checks by mail and in-person collection: a secure dropbox offers security and immediacy, like in-person collection, while also cutting out the need to visit every unit to collect payments, like checks by mail.  Keep in mind, though, that with this method, you’ll still need to handle checks yourself, which, again, can be a lot of work.

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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Buying a Property With Existing Residents? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re buying a rental property that’s not brand new, the odds are good that there are already residents living at the property.  So where does that leave you?

You should know that you’re not the only one with questions about this — but we’re here to help!  Here’s the ManageGo guide to buying a property with existing residents.

Can I change the terms of the lease?

Unfortunately, generally speaking, you’re not able to change the terms of an existing lease when you buy a property.  The lease is an agreement tied to the property, not to its owner.  Because of that, the terms of the lease are still in effect even if the property is sold, so you’re not able to raise the rent, change the terms of the lease, or force residents to leave before the lease expires.

It’s worth noting that it’s OK to propose lease changes to residents with an existing lease or to try to renegotiate, but be aware that the residents are under no obligation to actually agree to any of your terms, and you won’t be able to make changes unilaterally.

What if there’s an existing month-to-month lease?

In a case with an existing month to month lease, you have much more flexibility.  The lease, in a sense, expires each month, so you’re able to change the terms of a lease at the end of a month.  If you do, note that you’re subject to the same rules that would govern any other lease renewal.  This means that you’ll need to provide proper notice of changed terms to the residents, and you should meet with your residents to discuss any points that might require particular attention. To ease this burden, consider simplifying the renewal process with property management software to make both you and your residents lives just a little bit easier.

Are there any other potential problems with inheriting existing residents?

Unfortunately, there are.  One of the biggest potential issues is that, while the residents will become your residents when you buy the property, it’s the old owner who managed the screening process, and they may not be as thorough as you.  You could be left with some bad residents in a situation that you have little control over.

Also, even if the residents are good, they may not like that the building has been sold.  That may make them less receptive to changes you propose or differences in your management style.

Are there any upsides to buying a property with existing residents?

Yes!  When you buy a property with existing residents, you’ll start receiving monthly payments right from the start, without needing to find residents to fill the units.  It can be hugely beneficial to have an incoming cash flow right away with no downtime.

Additionally, if any of the residents have been there a long time, they’re more likely to continue renewing their lease, limiting the chances that you’ll face a move-out or vacancy in the near future.

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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How Often Should You Conduct Property Inspections? Plus What to Look For

Property inspections aren’t very convenient for anyone — property managers or residents.  Despite that, they’re very necessary, and you’ll need to conduct them.  Problems can arise even when you have great residents, and if you’re not conducting regular inspections, you could miss them until it’s too late.  With that in mind, here’s our quick guide to some of the most commonly asked questions about property inspections.

Why do I need to conduct property inspections?

As we mentioned, property conditions deteriorate and damage occurs to all properties, even if it’s not the resident’s fault.  It’s vital that you’re aware of such problems as soon as possible — problems can easily get much bigger if they’re not identified and corrected quickly.  Regular property inspections allow you a chance to see trouble early on and prevent it from becoming a bigger issue.

Also, while property inspections may not be fun for residents, they’re beneficial as well.  Residents certainly don’t want a small problem to turn into a big one that makes living in the unit difficult or impossible, and they don’t want any surprise charges when it’s time to move out.  Inspections help prevent those situations from arising for your residents.

How often should I inspect my properties?

Unfortunately, there’s not necessarily one easy answer to this question; it depends on your properties and your residents.  What we can definitely tell you is that annual inspections probably aren’t enough, and you should look to conduct inspections more frequently than that.  Some property managers conduct them semi-annually; others opt for quarterly inspections.  What’s most important is adopting a schedule that works for you, your properties, and your residents, and sticking to it.

Is it possible to inspect my properties too frequently?

Yes, definitely!  Your residents have the right to what’s called quiet enjoyment of their homes, and your inspections can’t be so frequent that they interfere with that right.  If your inspections are deemed to be excessive, your residents may have the right to deny you entry — even if you own the property.  This will also be the case if you don’t give proper notice of your intention to conduct an inspection.  What constitutes proper notice can vary by jurisdiction, so make sure you’re familiar with your local laws on this topic.

What kind of things should I look for during a property inspection?

You should check for things like leaks and water damage, window seal condition, appliance condition, and evidence of bugs or other pests.  While you’re there, you can also take a look around and get a general feeling for the overall cleanliness and condition of the property.  Additionally, it’s the perfect time to do things like change furnace filters and test the smoke detectors.  All of these things are key aspects of preventive care that will help you, your properties, and your residents in the long run.

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 Associations to Join for Better Property Management

Membership in a property management association is the best way to make sure you have access to continuing education resources, industry news sources, and professional networking opportunities year-round.  If you’re not a member of any associations yet, here are a few that we recommend you take a look at.

National Apartment Association

The National Apartment Association is “committed to providing benefits and services that help you grow your business and increase your bottom line,” and they have a number of special resources for Independent Rental Owners (IROs) — anyone actively involved in both the ownership and the management of rental properties.

One especially noteworthy thing about the NAA is that you may actually be a member and not even know it.  Many local apartment associations are NAA affiliates, so their members are automatically eligible for full NAA member benefits.  If you’re a member of a local association, definitely check with the NAA to see if you qualify!

International Council of Shopping Centers

There are plenty of associations that are particularly suited for commercial property managers.  One of those is the International Council of Shopping Centers.  ICSC “promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies.”  They work to form connections, influence public policy, develop marketing, and much more, so membership is a great way for commercial property managers to get involved and make a difference.

National Affordable Housing Management Association

Anyone who manages properties or units in the affordable housing sector should take a look at the National Affordable Housing Management Association.  Their members gain access to benefits like the opportunity to build relationships with other members and with key government agencies, accreditation, continuing education resources, news publications, and more.  The NAHMA is organized into 20 regional chapters; contact yours to learn more about the potential benefits of joining.

Institute of Real Estate Management

The Institute of Real Estate Management describes itself as “an international institute with the learning, certifications, and networking that property managers need to take on real estate management’s most dynamic challenges.”  Membership is included with enrollment in any of IREM’s certification programs, meaning that signing up to learn more and grow your business through accreditation will grant you access to networking possibilities, leadership opportunities, and special members-only savings.  That makes IREM a great deal for anyone interested in growing in any area of the property management industry.

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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Wear and Tear or Real Damage? How to Hold Residents Accountable

Wear and tear is a phrase you’ve probably heard before.  But what does it mean in the context of property management, and why is it important to know about?  Take a look at this handy guide to learn more!

What is property wear and tear?

People use the phrase wear and tear to describe expected deterioration in the condition of the property due to normal use.  For an individual unit, that might mean things like fading colors or finishings, worn door hinges, or loose or dirty tile grout.  These are things that would always occur no matter who lived there or how well they cared for the apartment.

How is wear and tear different from property damage?

In contrast to wear and tear, which is expected to happen in the apartment no matter what, property damage that shouldn’t be expected to occur through simple normal use.  Relatively common examples of property damage in a unit are things like broken windows, missing or severely bent bathroom fixtures, or burned or badly stained carpet or floors.

Why is the distinction between wear and tear and property damage important?

The main reason to have a good understanding of the difference is related to financial responsibility.  Wear and tear isn’t the resident’s fault — it’s nobody’s fault, really — so it’s not reasonable to ask them to bear financial responsibility for it.  In the case of property damage caused by a resident’s abuse or neglect, however, a property manager or landlord has the right to hold the resident financially responsible and collect repair or replacement costs from them by fines or deductions from the resident’s security deposit.

How can I make sure my residents understand their responsibilities?

A walk-through inspection is the simplest way to make sure your and your residents are on the same page about what’s wear and tear, what’s property damage, what’s been caused by the resident, and what hasn’t.  Walk through the unit with the resident at move-in and again at move-out and discuss the condition of the unit in detail.  Use the move-in walkthrough to make sure everyone agrees on the state of the unit before the resident has lived there, and use the move-out walkthrough to make sure everyone sees eye-to-eye regarding any decline in the unit’s condition and who will be financially responsible for repairs.  By doing this, you and your residents can both be clear about your thinking and avoid later confusion and disputes.

Simplify the move-in and move-out processes by utilizing inspection checklists. Lucky for ManageGo users, we’ve already got these for you, so nothing goes unnoticed!

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!