Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are creating a new challenge for property owners. Earlier this year, the number of ESAs surged across the United States.  While support animals can be a true benefit to those with mental disorders "giving companionship, stability, and structure to those who need it most," this concept is being abused by many who use this term loosely to keep their pets close. 

As a property manager, ESAs can be a gray area and a difficult new landscape to navigate. This article discusses what to pay attention to so you don't get into hot water with a tenant.

You'll learn:

• How Service Animals are defined by the ADA
• How the Fair Housing Act comes into play
• What a legitimate Emotional Support Letter looks like
• How to  identify a scammed certificate

Not all property management companies are created equal, and there are a lot of companies to choose from. How do you know which one is the right fit? Each boasts different strengths and skill sets, but there are a few key considerations when selecting a partner to manage your investment.  As a local company, we prioritize our relationship with owners, tenants, and the community to  consistently be both professional and personal, while securing peace of mind for all parties.

A recent article describes three key qualities to look for in a property management company that we are proud to align with:

Transparency
Without trust, the business relationship just won't work. "It's [...] important to ask to speak with current and former clients to get a better understanding of the transparency of the organization."  Take the time to get to know your property manager in person before taking the leap.

Maintenance Capabilities
Maintenance can be one of the biggest expense that a property owner will encounter -  "it's also the biggest potential pitfall if mismanaged." Finding a property manager with a solid understanding of the construction industry and and one who can support general maintenance needs in short order can save time and money. 

Limited Scope 
Be weary of side businesses.  When looking for a good fit, find a property manager who is all in. "Real estate agents, brokers, and even contractors will often attempt to add a property management practice to their core business model.  [...] If  If a company is not exclusively focused on managing rental property, then they likely will not be the best option for you to hire."

For access to the full article, click here. 
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It's 2019! The good news?  Technology has allowed us to improve efficiencies, making the consumer experience much easier for many industries. The bad news? The rental industry is still catching up.  For renters, frustrations like waiting on hold to hear back from an owner, waiting in the office to meet with a property manager, mailing paperwork, and dropping off checks at various locations should be a thing of the past.  Owners experience similar struggles with an outdated system such as manual processes for background checks, paper leases, and depositing checks.

Whether you're an owner looking to provide a seamless experience for your renters, or a renter hoping to step into the future of the rental industry, be on the look out for these three key components that will make your experience more efficient:

1. Self-service online leasing
   
2. Resident and owner online portal
3. Online monthly rent payment platforms
   

There are a variety of web-based platforms that can be used. To learn more, click here.

Perhaps one of the most important things that property management companies do is manage the tenant acquisition and selection process.  Each company has their own vetting process, and while no screening process is fool-proof, the time you take up front is well worth the effort to avoid a poor tenant selection.  If you use a property manager, we've got you covered.  If not, take a look through this article for some great tips on how to:

• Abide by Fair Housing laws
• Choose a tenant with good credit
  
• Perform a criminal background check
  
• Select an applicant with clean rental history
  
• Trust your instincts
  

Tenant screening and acquisition is no time to gamble.  Though the process may seem meticulous, it will have been time well spent for both you and your tenant.

You're away from your rental for the weekend and get a call from your downstairs neighbor, "there is water coming from our ceiling and dripping into our living room. I think we can hear water running in your apartment." 

Life happens - it's that simple. As a renter, what are you responsible for? What is your owner responsible for? What would renters insurance cover if you were found to be the reason for damage to another renter's space? What would be excluded?  Renters need to be savvy in today's market. This article describes all you need to know (and what you're too embarrassed to ask) about renters insurance. 

More questions? Give us a call. We help renters navigate all sorts of renter challenges and let you know where you may be exposed to risk you aren't aware of.