Property Management Blog
How to Prepare Your Rental Property for Winter
Key Takeaways: Winterizing Your Rental Property Protects Its Value and Ensures Tenant Comfort Proper winterization helps reduce energy costs, prevents property damage (such as frozen pipes or leaks), and keeps tenants safe and satisfied, ultimately increasing the property’s value and tenant retention. Essential Winterization Steps to Prevent Costly Repairs Key tasks include checking the heating […]
Key Takeaways:
Winterizing Your Rental Property Protects Its Value and Ensures Tenant Comfort
Proper winterization helps reduce energy costs, prevents property damage (such as frozen pipes or leaks), and keeps tenants safe and satisfied, ultimately increasing the property’s value and tenant retention.Essential Winterization Steps to Prevent Costly Repairs
Key tasks include checking the heating system, sealing windows and doors, insulating pipes, cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, and preparing for snow removal. Informing tenants about winter maintenance responsibilities and having an emergency plan in place are also crucial for a smooth winter season.
As the winter months approach, it’s essential to prepare your rental property for the colder weather. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to make sure the property is in good condition to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for your tenants. Also, winterizing your rental property can help retain its value and prevent costly damages.
What Are the Benefits of Winterizing Your Rental Property?
Landlords should winterize their rental properties for several reasons, including the following:
Energy efficiency: Winterization helps reduce energy bills by preventing heat loss from the property, making sure the heating system works efficiently and reducing the need for repairs.
Tenant satisfaction: Proper winterization means that your tenants are comfortable, warm, and safe during the cold winter months. This provides a better renting experience for tenants and helps you retain your renters for the long term.
Increased property value: A rental property that is properly winterized is more valuable and many renters would be more than willing to pay extra to stay somewhere safe and warm.
Preventing property damage: Winterizing prevents damage to the property, such as frozen pipes or leaks, which can be costly to repair.
Compliance with local regulations: Some local regulations require rental properties to be properly winterized to prevent hazards and ensure safety for tenants. Also, proper winterization can help safeguard your property against damages.
How to Winterize Your Rental Property
Winterizing rental properties is a responsible and necessary step for the safety and comfort of tenants, as well as for protecting your investment asset.
Here are some tips to help you prepare your rental property for winter.
Check the Heating System
The heating system is crucial for keeping the rental property warm and comfortable during the winter. Check that the heating system is working correctly before the cold weather sets in.
It’s recommended to hire a professional heating contractor to inspect and service the heating system. Replace the filters when necessary so that the heating system operates efficiently. In Alberta, the heating system must be able to keep every habitable room at 22°C; our guide to Alberta heat and utility rules for Grande Prairie rentals explains what owners must provide and how to split utility costs in the lease.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage from ice and snow. Clean them out before the winter season for proper drainage. You may hire a professional gutter cleaner to clean out all leaves and debris, preventing the gutters from clogging during winter.
Seal the Windows and Doors
Cold drafts can seep through gaps or cracks in the windows and doors where heat can easily escape. This can make the rental property cold and uncomfortable.
Inspect the windows and doors for any gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. If the windows are old and inefficient, consider installing storm windows to keep the rental property insulated.
Install Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around doors and windows can help prevent drafts and reduce heating bills. Consider installing or replacing weatherstripping where necessary to ensure that your doors and windows are protected.
Winterize the Plumbing
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage to your rental property. To prevent this, remember to drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses, and turn off the outdoor water supply. Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as the attic, crawlspace, and garage to prevent them from freezing.
Insulate the Attic and Basement
The attic and basement are notorious for heat loss, making the rental property cold and causing the heating system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Check that the attic and basement are adequately insulated to keep the rental property warm and energy-efficient throughout the winter months.
Inspect the Roof and Chimney
Damage to the roof and chimney can lead to leaks, which can cause water damage and eventually, mold growth. Have them inspected and repaired if necessary before the winter season begins.
You can climb up into the attic and check for any signs of water stains on the wood. You may also check for cracks by looking for signs of daylight poking in. You also have the option to hire a roofing professional for a more precise checkup.
Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters can reduce the heating efficiency of the system and increase heating bills. Replace the air filters and set reminders to change them regularly. It’s best to invest in thicker filters that are made of higher-quality materials because they tend to last longer. High-quality filters also provide better protection and filtration for your HVAC system.
Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal
Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions around the rental property, so it’s necessary to have a snow removal plan in place. Consider purchasing a snow blower or arrange for a snow removal service to ensure that the walkways, driveways, and parking areas are free from snow and ice. If you are not sure whether you or your tenant has to shovel, our guide to snow removal responsibilities at a Grande Prairie rental explains the City’s 24-hour sidewalk rule and how to set it out in the lease.
Inform Tenants about Winter Maintenance
Let your tenants know about any winter maintenance and expectations, such as shovelling walkways and driveways, and keeping heat at a minimum temperature to prevent freezing pipes.
Have a Winter Emergency Plan
Prepare an emergency plan for extreme winter weather events, such as power outages or snowstorms. Share the plan with your tenants and have necessary supplies and equipment on hand and easily accessible.
Conclusion
Preparing your rental property for winter is essential for the safety and comfort of your tenants. By following these tips, you can ensure that your rental property is ready for the cold weather, and your tenants can enjoy a warm and comfortable living space throughout the winter months.
If you have any questions or need help preparing your rental property for winter, consider working with a professional property management company to guide you through this process. Contact Sutton Group today to learn more!
6 Best Ways of Retaining a Tenant
Retaining a tenant can be challenging for landlords, especially in current rental markets. Fortunately, there are several strategies landlords can use to maximize their ROI while providing tenants with a great living experience that will inspire them to renew their lease. In this article, we’ll explore the six best ways to retain a tenant, including […]
Retaining a tenant can be challenging for landlords, especially in current rental markets. Fortunately, there are several strategies landlords can use to maximize their ROI while providing tenants with a great living experience that will inspire them to renew their lease.
In this article, we’ll explore the six best ways to retain a tenant, including staying on top of maintenance, offering incentives, and being flexible with lease terms. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having reliable tenants for the long term.
Proper Tenant Screening
Thoroughly screening tenants is a great way to ensure that your property has a resident who is a perfect fit!
After a prospective tenant submits a rental application, you can conduct background checks, verify employment and income, and evaluate credit reports to determine whether a tenant will meet your needs. This will also ensure your tenant is reliable and trustworthy.
You can also contact references, such as current or former landlords, employers, and personal contacts. This allows you to get a better understanding of the tenant and determine if they are likely to take care of your property.
Offering Competitive and Flexible Lease Terms
Creating mutually beneficial and fair lease agreements is essential for successful long-term landlord-tenant relationships. Offering competitive and flexible lease terms can enable you to get the most out of the agreement.
Flexible lease terms provide tenants with the freedom to choose a lease term that works best for them. For example, many renters appreciate flexible landlords who rent to pet owners. At the same time, you’ll receive a steady income and consistent occupancy rates.
When negotiating lease options with potential tenants, consider offering month-to-month, six-month, or annual leases. This way, tenants can choose a term that best suits their needs while still having some flexibility. Additionally, being open to altering or amending existing lease agreements when necessary will improve your reputation among your tenants.
Provide Incentives
Incentivizing tenants to stay is a great way to retain long-term occupants. Offering exclusive benefits such as free parking and gym memberships will make renters more likely to lease your rental property. You can also offer discounts at local businesses to provide a tangible reward that benefits you, your tenants, and local business owners.
Flexible payment plans are a popular incentive among renters. These plans allow tenants to pay rent on the dates that suit them best. For instance, a renter may want to pay rent on a bi-weekly basis instead of a monthly one. Allowing tenants to pay rent online removes the hassle of mailing checks or coming to your office in person to pay rent.
Additionally, providing a rewards program for making payments on time could incentivize tenants to renew their leases. For example, you could offer a reward for every consecutive month of on-time payments. These rewards could be anything from a gift card to a discount on rent if the tenant has never made a late payment.
Supply Great Amenities
Creating a high-quality rental experience for tenants is easy when you provide top-tier amenities. Access to gyms and shared workspaces are particularly popular among renters. Also, tenants often look for safety features like external cameras and upgraded locks.
If you own rentals with common areas that multiple renters access, they should always be kept clean. You can offer additional services in common areas, such as laundry facilities, parking spaces or even WiFi.
Additionally, it’s crucial to record all complaints and feedback from your tenants and act promptly to resolve any issues. Creating a welcoming space for your tenants will make them want to renew their lease. You can achieve this by updating the amenities you offer to meet tenants’ needs.
Offer Prompt Maintenance Services
Property owners and landlords should have a 24-hour emergency maintenance line in place, as this will increase tenant retention. Having an easy way to contact you will allow tenants to report urgent maintenance issues.
You should also try to resolve all maintenance issues promptly. Delaying repairs can cause tenants to become frustrated and eventually move out. Additionally, ensure you have a team of experienced and reliable professionals to handle maintenance and repair requests.
Build a Trusting Relationship
Building trust with your tenants is essential to your success as a landlord. You should strive to create a relationship built on mutual respect. It’s important to be available when your tenants need you. Ensure all your contact information is included in the lease agreement.
You should transparently explain lease terms when you acquire a new tenant. This will prevent misunderstandings and ensure your renters know how much notice they’ll receive prior to property inspections.
Regularly check in with your tenants and actively listen to their concerns or needs. You can schedule a quarterly visit to ensure there are no maintenance issues and ask your tenants how you can improve their rental experience. This will help you provide better services and build a strong communicative relationship with your renters.
Summing Up
Following the above tips will make retaining tenants easier than ever! However, minimizing tenant turnover can be stressful and take up a lot of your time. Hiring a property management company can save you time and money in the long term!
Effective property managers improve tenant retention by providing top-notch rental experiences. Property managers will maintain your property, respond to maintenance requests promptly, and offer additional amenities and services. These services help foster a better landlord-tenant relationship and increase the chances of tenants staying longer.
For expert property management, contact the experts at Sutton Property Management today!
Why Pet Screening is Always a Good Idea
Recent market trends show that there has been a significant increase in tenants searching for pet-friendly rentals. Pet-friendly properties attract more renters so that you can choose from a wider pool of qualified tenants! However, pets can damage your property and cause noise complaints. You can prevent these issues by implementing a thorough pet-screening process […]
Recent market trends show that there has been a significant increase in tenants searching for pet-friendly rentals. Pet-friendly properties attract more renters so that you can choose from a wider pool of qualified tenants!
However, pets can damage your property and cause noise complaints. You can prevent these issues by implementing a thorough pet-screening process that will help you identify responsible pet owners.
Why You Should Rent to Tenants with Pets
Securing Long-Term Tenants
Renters with pets are likely to renew their leases if they’re satisfied with their experience renting from you. Moving often can be challenging for both tenants and their pets. Responsible pet owners work hard to reduce the stress their animals experience, so they usually search for rentals where they can settle down for the long term.
In addition, allowing pets into your rental can also enable you to set your rent rate slightly above the market average, thereby improving your ROI. However, it’s important not to raise the rent rates too much as this may deter renters from submitting a tenant application.
Responsible Pet Owners Make Responsible Tenants
Pet owners who are responsible when taking care of their pets are also usually reliable when it comes to property maintenance and communicating issues to landlords.
Whether they own a goldfish, a bird, a cat, or a dog, a dedicated pet owner will ensure that the space they call home is well taken care of.
What is Pet Screening
Pet screening is similar to tenant screening. In essence, pet screening is performing a background check on a prospective renter’s pet. Screening pets provides landlords with important information about the animal’s personality, behaviour, and well-being.
Meeting with the pet and their owner prior to signing a lease will also give you a sense of whether the prospective tenant is a good fit for your rental property. We also recommend having the applicant complete a questionnaire about their pet before meeting with them.
We suggest including the below questions on your pet screening questionnaire.
What kind of animal is the pet?
What is your pet’s breed (if known)?
What is the animal’s weight?
How old is your pet?
Has the pet ever hurt someone or someone else?
Is the pet house-trained?
How long have you owned your pet?
In-Person Meeting
Having an in-person meeting with a potential tenant and their pet will help ensure they filled out their questionnaire accurately. However, it’s important to remember that many pets are shy or anxious when meeting strangers for the first time.
To avoid any issues, be careful when meeting an animal for the first time and never touch a pet without their owner’s permission.
Pet Clauses
Once you decide to allow pets onto your rental property, be sure to add a pet clause to your lease agreement. We recommend including the following information in the lease’s pet clause.
Information regarding pet fees and deposits
Policies on how many pets can be kept in the unit
A detailed summary of penalties for pet-related property damage
Navigating Fees and Deposits
Many landlords require their tenants to pay pet fees or deposits. Below you can find information on the most common ways landlords protect themselves financially when renting to pet owners.
One-Time Fee
These fees are non-refundable and paid at the beginning of the lease.
Monthly Fees
Some landlords charge tenants with pets a monthly payment. Before deciding to charge a monthly fee, consider the amount your tenant will pay over the course of the lease to ensure the cost won’t discourage tenants from renting your property.
Pet Deposit
Pet deposits are collected in addition to a security deposit. Pet deposits are returned at the end of a renter’s tenancy, provided there are no pet-related property damages.
Service Animals
It’s important to remember that service animals aren’t legally considered pets. Many people with disabilities need service animals for health and safety-related reasons.
Be sure to research landlord-tenant laws in your area to ensure your pet policies don’t violate landlord-tenant laws or the federal fair housing act.
In Conclusion
Pet screening is necessary but can take up a lot of time and energy. If you want to increase your ROI while keeping your stress low, consider hiring an experienced property management company!
Industry experts will be able to screen pets effectively, create comprehensive pet policies, set pet fee rates, and handle any issues that may arise when your tenant owns a pet.
If you want to minimize pet-related risks while taking advantage of a larger pool of prospective tenants, Sutton Property Management can help! Our team of property managers will provide you with top-tier services and ensure the needs of your tenants and their pets are met!
For more information, reach out to us today!
Rental Property Marketing Mistakes
Keeping a rental property occupied with tenants is a must if you want it to continue generating income. An unoccupied rental property is more of a liability than an asset—it doesn’t generate income, but you still need to pay for the costs that come with owning it. To get your property occupied soon after the […]
Keeping a rental property occupied with tenants is a must if you want it to continue generating income. An unoccupied rental property is more of a liability than an asset—it doesn’t generate income, but you still need to pay for the costs that come with owning it. To get your property occupied soon after the previous lease term ends, you need to have an effective marketing strategy in place.
Some landlords think that all they need to do is snap a few pictures, get it listed on different rental listing platforms, and wait for prospective tenants to call. However, the truth is that marketing a rental property effectively is more complicated than that.
If you want to be a successful rental property owner, you need to ensure that your marketing strategies are in line with your target market. You also need to study and analyze the market first to ensure that you’re pricing the rental property correctly. Furthermore, you have to ensure that you stage your rental property properly in order to make it look appealing to a wide range of tenants.
A lot of rental property owners make mistakes when marketing their rental properties. Using the wrong methods can result in ineffective marketing, and you risk not getting your property the exposure that it deserves. Plus, ineffective marketing makes it more difficult to find the right tenants and get your property filled in as quickly as possible.
Here are the common mistakes you need to avoid when marketing a rental property:
1. Failing to Plan Strategically
It’s essential to strategize thoroughly to get the marketing results you want. To start, it’s important to plan how to position your rental property. Marketing is all about attracting tenants, so think of what makes your property unique and what your target tenant demographic desires. Highlight those selling points in your rental listings to make the rental more attractive to renters.
2. Targeting the Wrong Audience
Dealing with vacancies is one thing, but getting your property occupied by the wrong tenant is one key problem that you don’t want to deal with. The success of rental property marketing will greatly depend on your ability to identify the right audience and to target them specifically, using the right marketing strategies.
Knowing who your target tenant base it allows you to market on platforms they engage with most. It also helps you provide the amenities they desire, thus making your unit stand out from the competition.
3. Failing to Study and Analyze the Market
One of the most common mistakes many landlords make is their failure to study the market. You have to know what your target market needs, and what will appeal to them. Spend time doing your research to identify the right people who would be interested in your property.
What’s more, analyzing the market will help you understand your competition. Your goal here is to make sure that your property stands out among the competition to attract quality renters.
4. Using Poorly Taken Photos
Using the right pictures is vital to your success. Keep in mind that photos are the first thing that prospective tenants would look at before they decide whether or not they’re interested in the property. If you want to pique their interest, it’s crucial to use professional photos to make your rental unit look attractive and worthy of a visit.
5. Not Writing a Good Copy
Aside from the photos, your property descriptions are what interested renters would most likely look at. Using an overused copy to advertise your property will not make your rental unit stand out. When writing a copy, make sure to be creative yet accurate. Describe your property accurately, using adjectives that will entice would-be tenants.
6. Advertising to Only One Channel
If you want to increase your property’s exposure and reach a wide pool of audience, you have to use a variety of marketing channels. For instance, advertising digitally is the norm these days, so make sure to use several rental listing platforms and social media sites to advertise your vacant units.
It also won’t hurt to use other advertising methods like listing in a local newspaper and posting a “for rent” sign within the general vicinity of the rental unit.
7. Forgetting to Include a Call to Action
The goal of marketing a property is to get interested tenants to call you and inquire about the property. But no matter how attractive your property is, if you fail to include a strong call to action, you will likely not get as many calls as you’d like. It’s best to include a phone number and an email address, as some people prefer one form of communication over the other.
8. Not Familiarizing Yourself with Anti-Discrimination Laws
Anti-discrimination laws prohibit landlords and other housing providers from discriminating against individuals who belong to protected classes. Before creating your advertising material, make sure to know these laws to ensure that you don’t inadvertently commit any violations.
9. Failing to Update Your Marketing Materials
After a few weeks of listing your property, if there are no good leads, it’s a sign that you need to adjust and update your marketing materials and strategy. Failing to do so will only extend your vacancy periods.
10. Doing this on Your Own
Seasoned landlords know that getting professional help is crucial if you want quick and efficient results. That is why the best way to market a rental property is to hire the services of a professional property management company who have sufficient industry experience.
Bottom Line
By avoiding these common marketing mistakes, you can increase your chance of filling vacancies quickly and with quality tenants. If you would like help marketing and/ or managing your rental properties, consider working with the experts at Sutton Property Management.
Contact us today to learn about our services!
Risks of Having a Vacant Rental Property
After the end of a tenancy term, the property will most likely be vacant before a landlord can get it rented out to another tenant again. These vacancies are a normal occurrence during a rental property’s operation. So, as a rental property owner, it’s important to fill in your vacancies as soon as possible. As […]
After the end of a tenancy term, the property will most likely be vacant before a landlord can get it rented out to another tenant again. These vacancies are a normal occurrence during a rental property’s operation.
So, as a rental property owner, it’s important to fill in your vacancies as soon as possible. As vacancies that go for too long can be detrimental to your overall profitability.
Many rental property owners dread vacancies. After all, when a rental property gets vacant, it doesn’t generate income. But landlords still need to pay for expenses associated with owning a rental property.
This is the reason why as soon as a lease term ends, you need to start your work and market the property to get it filled right away. This can avoid a variety of problems like those detailed in this article.
Negative Cash Flow
One of the biggest risks in property management is negative cash flow. As mentioned, a vacant property does not generate income, but it still has expenses you need to pay.
If you leave your property vacant for too long, you risk getting a negative cash flow, which means that you’ll be paying for expenses using money from the profits you made during the previous tenancy term.
Or worse, you could end up using money out-of-pocket to cover the cost of owning a rental property.
Since vacancies are quite common, you should expect to be drawing cash from your previous profits. But you should ensure you don’t end up suffering from a negative cash flow. If that happens, it means your rental business is losing.
Here are a few tips to avoid negative cash flows:
Price your rental home correctly so that you can generate more income that can help you during vacancies.
Make sure to save enough from your profits for emergencies, including vacancies.
Before the lease term ends, try to retain your tenants by asking them to sign a new lease.
If your tenants choose to move out, remind them of their move-out responsibilities and ensure that they return the property to you with the same level of cleanliness during the beginning of the lease term.
Make sure to prepare your property for listing right away.
Regular inspections and routine maintenance can help you maintain the property’s condition. This way, you won’t need to perform major repairs after the tenants move out. Keep in mind that major repairs will take longer to complete, which may only lengthen your vacancies.
Theft and Vandalism
Another risk of leaving your property vacant for too long is that it becomes prone to theft and vandalism. Even if you’re confident that your property is located in a safe neighborhood, there is still a possibility that some people will loot and vandalize the premises. A long vacancy can also weaken your insurance, because many policies restrict coverage after 30 or 60 days empty. Our guide to landlord insurance in Alberta explains the vacancy clause and what to check.
In addition, your property may also be subject to vandalism. As a property owner, you wouldn’t want this to happen to your investment asset. Tips to discourage burglars and intruders:
Invest in a security system that allows you to monitor your property remotely.
Invest in a security camera and working alarm system to discourage potential intruders.
Install motion sensors and invest in smart home technology where you can control the lighting inside the property remotely to make it look like it’s occupied.
Discourage intruders by posting a sign that the property has security cameras.
Water Damage and Mold
Water damage is one of the most expensive repairs, and as much as possible, you should try to avoid this. Water damage is typically caused by leaks from broken pipes. Usually, water damage is hard to detect. It can only be discovered once a tenant moves in, which can cause a major inconvenience.
Aside from water damage, your vacant property could also suffer mold growth if left unoccupied for too long. Mold growth is caused by moisture due to rain and water leakage. The presence of mold can be a health hazard, which will make your rental property uninhabitable by law.
Here are some tips to prevent water damage and mold growth:
After the tenant moves out, ensure that your plumbing is drained.
Inspect the property from time to time while waiting for it to be rented again.
Monitor your HVAC system and ensure that they are maintained regularly to prevent mold growth.
Squatters
Leaving a property vacant for too long can attract squatters. Squatters are easily lured if your property is obviously uninhabited. Unwanted guests on your property are dangerous as they can use your appliances and furniture, including the utilities, rent-free.
You should take squatters seriously as, after a certain period, they can earn rights, making it more challenging to get rid of them. In some cases, you would need to escalate this issue legally to regain possession of your property.
How to prevent squatters inside your premises?
Make sure that your property remains locked and inaccessible.
Install a security system so you can monitor the property remotely.
Visit the property from time to time or send someone who can.
Install an alarm system that will discourage intruders and squatters from going near.
Bottom Line
Vacant rental properties are quite common in between lease terms. To avoid the above-mentioned risks, it’s best to work with professional property managers like us at Sutton Property Management. We can handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to property maintenance.
Working with a property manager can help you get your property re-rented quickly. Also, they will take care of other potential risks, such as theft, damage, intruders, and squatters while the property sits on the market.
The Benefits of Renting to Tenants with Pets
Considering the recent rise in pet ownership, deciding to accept pets on your property can significantly impact your income and expand the pool of potential tenants. Despite the widespread acceptance of pet ownership, many rental properties still forbid pets. Pet-owning tenants can bring benefits and risks to renting out your house. You need to consider […]
Considering the recent rise in pet ownership, deciding to accept pets on your property can significantly impact your income and expand the pool of potential tenants.
Despite the widespread acceptance of pet ownership, many rental properties still forbid pets. Pet-owning tenants can bring benefits and risks to renting out your house. You need to consider these and decide if having a pet-friendly rental is right for you.
If you, as a landlord, do allow renters with pets, you need to include a pet policy in your rental agreement. This blog offers points to consider when determining whether to allow tenants with pets in your rental property.
What Are the Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Apartments?
1. Pet-Friendliness Results in Higher Rent
The cost of installing the facilities required for making your apartment pet-friendly will be higher, but you can make the difference by charging a slightly higher rent.
Renters are prepared to pay the fees because they want to keep their family intact; thus, landlords can also impose non-refundable pet fees.
Landlords may request a damage deposit to guarantee that the property is protected in the event of damage. They may also demand payment for pet damages.
Before making any modifications to your rental costs, it’s crucial to confirm that you abide by all applicable local and state legislation.
2. Loyalty of Tenants
Finding a property can be difficult for tenants with pets because not all places permit animals. The likelihood that a tenant will stay longer increases when they finally find a pet-friendly rental and move in.
They’re likely to renew their agreements unless there’s a strong reason not to. Because of this, if a renter appreciates your rental property and receives fair treatment, they’ll likely remain as a tenant for a very long time.
3. Enhanced Prospect Pool
Given the prevalence of pet ownership, it becomes sensible to predict that the number of animal owners looking for pet-friendly rentals will increase. You increase your prospects if you allow pet-owning tenants to rent from you. You can select more eligible renters when you have more options.
4. Apartments That Allow Pets Are Reliable
A complete pet restriction gives the impression that the landlord doesn’t trust the tenant or thinks they’ll damage the rental.
On the other hand, permitting pets shows that you have faith in your tenants and are confident in their ability to care for their animals. Renters will undoubtedly be pleased with a landlord who supports their way of life rather than one that places restrictions on it.
5. Responsible Tenants
Adopting a pet entails additional commitments. A well-organized tenant will schedule their pets’ veterinary appointments, feeding times, and outside activities. It takes a lot of responsibility and maturity to care for a pet. A mature and responsible tenant is the best kind of tenant for you.
You may be confident that a tenant will take good care of your rental property if they’re responsible enough to care for a pet. These tenants are most likely to abide by the regulations to avoid the possibility of being evicted, because they’re aware of how challenging it can be to find a rental home that allows pets.
6. Content Tenants
Pets can reduce stress and help with a person’s emotional wellbeing. By allowing tenants to have pets, you improve their quality of life on a personal level.
Additionally, happy tenants frequently stay a long time. Therefore, fostering a happy environment for a tenant will also make you happy as a landlord!
7. Fewer Vacant Rentals
Empty rental properties are a hassle. Without a source of income to cover the bills, you’ll need to estimate and plan for monthly maintenance needs. However, the likelihood of unoccupied rental space is reduced when renting to tenants with pets.
You won’t require using marketing tactics as frequently if your rental vacancy rate is lower. Allowing tenants’ pets to reside on the rental property makes it much simpler to find new tenants once a previous tenant vacates. You end up saving more money and time as a result of this.
Risks of Having a Pet-Friendly Rental
1. Experiencing Pet Odors
Pets can leave odors behind. Other tenants can object to the smell pets leave behind if your rentals have shared areas.
2. Risk of Causing Property Damage
Animals, particularly playful puppies and kittens, are most likely to cause damage. Scratches, damaged wires, and ruined furniture or flooring are all property damages that can occur if a tenant owns a pet.
3. Possible Noise Complaints
Animals can make noise and stir up a commotion. For example, you may experience complaints from your neighbors regarding a dog’s barking. If you own a complex of apartments, a tenant who resides below a unit might complain about animals roaming freely in the unit upstairs.
When housing pets, barking, shrieking, and meowing are expected. Conflict with neighbors and other tenants may occur as a result of this. It’s advisable to conduct pet screening and confirm with a prospective tenant if the pet tends to cause a lot of noise.
Conclusion
Examining all potential outcomes is necessary to become a pet-friendly rental. While there are risks involved with renting to tenants who have pets, excluding all pet-friendly options might also cost you in terms of optimizing your income.
Even though adding pet-friendly amenities may require more expenses, it’ll be worthwhile in the long run. Most tenants favor renting where they believe their landlords respect their demands and allow them the flexibility they require.
Additionally, landlords that allow pets in their rentals are more likely to raise the rent without facing resistance from the tenants. Property owners should provide the resources for making rental units pet-friendly, given the many advantages of doing so. By doing this, you can ensure that all your rentals are occupied throughout the year.
Have more questions about the pros and cons of pet-friendly rental properties? Contact the team at Sutton Property Management! We’ll sort out all your property management needs.
End of Tenancy Cleaning
An end-of-tenancy cleaning should be performed when your renters leave the rental property. The goal is to make sure the rental unit’s condition must be left exactly as it was when the tenant moved in. At Sutton Property Management, we believe an effective end-of-tenancy clean is imperative. This is why we have put together this […]
An end-of-tenancy cleaning should be performed when your renters leave the rental property. The goal is to make sure the rental unit’s condition must be left exactly as it was when the tenant moved in.
At Sutton Property Management, we believe an effective end-of-tenancy clean is imperative. This is why we have put together this guide to assist landlords and property owners to understand their rights and obligations regarding an end-of-tenancy clean.
Why Carry Out An End-of-Tenancy Clean?
The legislation governing end-of-tenancy cleaning and inspection is something that property owners should be aware of as some provinces permit it while others forbid it. But it is crucial that the landlord makes it clear in the lease agreement and discuss with the tenants whether it is permitted in their neighborhood.
Whether cleaning or replacing stained carpets or broken home accessories like taps, they must indicate what has to be cleaned and how. Tenants risk losing a portion of their deposit if a property is not returned in the same condition as it was found.
What Does an End-Of-Tenancy Clean Consist Of?
All surfaces must be properly cleaned, especially areas at ceiling level, and remove any cobwebs. Cleaning windows, doors, and handles in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as other flat surfaces and furniture like sideboards and tables, requires dusting and polishing.
Focus is needed when cleaning and disinfecting taps and fixtures. It’s also possible that mold and built-up lime scale will also need to be removed from showers, baths, and toilets.
Keep in mind other tasks like emptying and cleaning the trash cans, and making sure the outdoor areas are swept and tidy. Then determine whether you need to hire professional cleaners to do things like clean the windows, the entire carpet, or even the oven.
Can You Charge for End of Tenancy Cleaning?
Normally, a landlord has the right to charge their former renter for any cleaning required to restore the property to its original state before the tenant moves in. But the landlord is not permitted to add extra fees or deduct money from the security deposit to cover ordinary wear and tear.
Landlords should be able to differentiate between normal wear and tear and things like stains, unnatural rips, and burns so they may remove what is fair and reasonable from the tenant’s deposit.
The same is true of malicious damage, which is any intentional harm done by unruly tenants. But depending on the state of the home and the facilities inside, property owners may charge tenants for an end-of-tenancy cleaning.
Should I Hire a Professional Cleaner?
Some leases have a provision requesting professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy. Before you begin a thorough cleaning, you should review the leasing agreement to determine what you are legally required to provide.
In some circumstances, professional cleaning of your carpets, furniture, or even curtains is required at the conclusion of your lease. In some cases, your landlord or estate agent may also require a cleaning receipt from a reputable cleaning company to confirm that your requirements are met.
Selecting a reputable cleaning service ensures a stress-free move. If the home is professionally cleaned, you’re less likely to have deposit deductions for cleaning as you’ve worked with a knowledgeable professional that should ensure the house is spotless.
Create a Checklist
To ensure they don’t forget anything, tenants should use a comprehensive end-of-tenancy cleaning checklist. To confirm that the renter has met their obligation, landlords might use this cleaning checklist while checking the property compared to their initial report.
Rooms should be thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom. In restrooms, dirt and mildew are the most obvious and least tolerable and much of the work is cleaning the kitchen. Another delicate area you should pay attention to is carpeting. Be careful to inspect all of the house’s appliances, windows, drawers, cabinets, and shelves.
Set a High Standard
The most common reason for deposit disputes between yourself and your tenants is a property’s cleanliness. But these can be easily avoided. The check-in and check-out process is crucial as it gives you a chance to clarify expectations rather than depend on a subjective idea of cleanliness.
Additionally, using check-in inventories and cleaning schedules gives tenants, landlords, and agents precise information to evaluate. All can easily see any differences in cleaning standards with the addition of images to any written remarks.
This reduces the likelihood of disagreements, keeps renters happy, makes it simple to remove funds from the deposit for cleaning if there is a valid reason, and prevents the need for third-party arbitration, saving time and money.
Bottom Line
A pre-move-out clean is necessary to get your property ready for the next set of tenants, but it’s also a chance to ensure it’s in the same condition it was when your renters moved in. If the previous tenant left furniture or boxes behind, check Alberta’s abandoned goods rules before anything goes to the dump.
Comprehensive property management services are what we strive to offer at Sutton Property Management. Our clients can relax knowing their rental property is in good hands thanks to our exceptional services and solutions.
Get in touch with us today and receive a quote for our property management services.
What Maintenance Issues Are Emergencies and What Can Wait For Regular Business Hours?
Many people believe that investing in a rental property is a great way to earn passive income – which is true. But owning a rental property can never be just a side hustle. With the many responsibilities that landlords need to take care of, sometimes, they need to spend more time managing their rental business […]
Many people believe that investing in a rental property is a great way to earn passive income – which is true. But owning a rental property can never be just a side hustle. With the many responsibilities that landlords need to take care of, sometimes, they need to spend more time managing their rental business than they do on a regular 9 to 5 job.
One of the responsibilities that keep DIY landlords busy is handling tenants’ maintenance requests. Landlords should be responsible for providing a safe and habitable place for their tenants, they are also expected to handle any repair issues that may need immediate attention.
As a matter of fact, there are times when landlords have to handle emergency repair requests even after business hours. But what instances can really be considered an emergency?
This can be a complicated question, which is why we at Sutton Group have put together this guide, so you can understand what an emergency is, and what is not.
What Can Be Considered As Emergency Maintenance Issues?
In general, any maintenance issue that could potentially cause harm, injury, or cause serious property damage is considered an emergency.
A few examples of emergency maintenance issues are the following:
Flooding
If the rental home is flooded due to heavy rains or an issue with a neighboring home, landlords should be responsible for addressing the repairs immediately. Flooding can cause damage to your tenants’ belongings, as well as damage to your property.
Broken Water Lines or Frozen Pipes
With broken water lines or frozen pipes, tenants won’t be able to access the continuous flow of water. Also, if left for too long, these pipes can burst, which can cause major structural damage to your property.
Broken Door or Lock You Cannot Secure
Broken doors or locks are a major security hazard that must be attended to as soon as possible. Your tenants will be vulnerable to potential intruders and burglars if the doors and locks are not repaired.
Gas Leak or Broken Gas Line
A broken gas line or gas leak is a fire hazard and is an emergency issue.
No Heat in Winter or No Air Conditioning During Extreme Heat
If the heater and/or air conditioner are not functioning well, it can cause major health and safety issues, especially during extreme weather conditions. Make sure to attend to this maintenance issue as soon as you receive a report from your tenant.
Other issues that may also be considered an emergency are:
Electrical Issues
Intruder Break-in
Leaking Roof
Water Emergencies
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Extended Power Outage
Sewer Back-up and Flood
Maintenance Issues That Are Not an Emergency
While emergency maintenance issues need to be addressed right away, many repair requests are not. If you are not sure how to classify an issue as emergency or non-emergency, you can ask the following questions:
Would it cause major damage to the property if left untreated for a week or two?
Is it a health and safety hazard that can adversely affect your tenants?
Do es it threaten the security of your property and its occupants?
If the answer to all these questions is no, then the issue is not an emergency, and your tenants should not be calling you after business hours to request for immediate repair. But, any maintenance issues, even if they are not considered an emergency, should be reported to you during normal business hours.
Here are a few examples of non-emergency maintenance issues:
No Hot Water
Burnt Out Lightbulbs or Fixture
Minor Cracks on the Floor
Kitchen Appliance Malfunction
Air Conditioning Malfunction (if the outside temperature is below 90 degrees)
Heat Malfunction (if the outside temperature is below 50 degrees)
Noise/Neighbor Complaints
Parking Disputes
How to Handle Emergency Maintenance for Your Rental Property
When handling emergency repair requests from your tenants, make sure to keep these tips in mind:
Write a Clear Lease Agreement
Your rental agreement should cover all the responsibilities you expect from your tenants, as well as your responsibilities as a landlord. In addition, it’s best to include all possible circumstances that you consider an emergency, so tenants will know when they are allowed to reach out to you beyond regular hours.
Document Every Maintenance Request
It’s crucial to keep a record of all requests, especially the emergency ones, to prevent any dispute later on. Keep a record of the conversations you had with your tenants, the actions that you have taken and when, the repairs made, and whatever steps you have agreed upon. Additionally, you should take note of any necessary follow-up you need to complete.
Make Yourself Accessible
We have learned that not all maintenance issues are urgent. But it’s important to make yourself easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Inform your tenants of the best ways to reach you in case they need to. Keeping your communication lines open for your tenants is a great way to build a healthy relationship with them.
Hire a Property Manager
Working with a professional property manager can help minimize, or even totally remove the stress of having to handle these maintenance issues. Property managers typically offer a 24/7 emergency hotline that tenants can contact for urgent repair requests.
In addition, reliable property management companies employ expert technicians and contractors who can handle repair requests skillfully.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have regarding when property maintenance is considered an emergency or not. But if you do have any further questions, Sutton Property Management has the answers you’re looking for!
Get in touch with us today by calling (780) 532-4900 and we will be happy to serve you.
How to Advertise Your Alberta Rental Property Successfully
Keeping your property occupied is important in becoming a successful landlord. If you want to be a successful rental property owner, you should set a budget and spend time on your marketing. After all, what is the use of having a perfect rental property if it doesn’t get as much exposure as it deserves? Proper […]
Keeping your property occupied is important in becoming a successful landlord. If you want to be a successful rental property owner, you should set a budget and spend time on your marketing.
After all, what is the use of having a perfect rental property if it doesn’t get as much exposure as it deserves?
Proper advertising is a term all landlords should be familiar with as it can attract a wider range of potential tenants. When you advertise your rental home correctly, you can target the right tenants and likely receive applications from quality residents.
With a larger pool of potential renters, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of highly qualified tenants and easily eliminate the problematic ones. This can help minimize financial losses, protect the condition of your rental unit, and avoid unnecessary tenant-related problems.
In short, landlords can get peace of mind when they hire only quality tenants. It would be easier to find those quality renters if you know how to market your property efficiently with exceptional advertising strategies among their property management services.
Here are the top advertising tips for your Alabama rental property:
Take Professional Photos
One of the most important things that you should do to help ensure that your marketing will be effective is to invest in professional photography. After all, a rental property listing with good photos typically receives 95% more views and responses than those without pictures.
When taking photos, you need to consider the following:
Staging and Preparation
Staging refers to how you will present your property in your advertising materials. Make sure that every room on the property is well-prepared and picture ready. The property should be free from any trash and debris, and the rooms should be staged beautifully to attract tenants.
Lighting
Natural lights bring the best out of every subject. If you want your rental home to look appealing, take your marketing photos during the day when there is sufficient natural light.
Angles
The best thing about hiring a professional photographer is that they know how to find the right angles depending on what you want to highlight. Of course, you want to bring attention to the best aspects of your property. You can do this more with proper lighting and taking photos at the right angles.
Write Engaging Property Descriptions
Your photos won’t be complete without interesting and engaging property descriptions. After you have taken all the photos that you need, make sure to match them with accurate and enticing descriptions to attract quality tenants.
Writing a good copy will help with searchability using well-curated SEO. This will ensure that your listings are exposed to a targeted audience. To write a good copy, you need to have two separate and engaging sections:
Headline
The headline is the first thing that a prospective renter will see when looking at a listing. It should be as engaging and interesting as possible, as the headline will usually be the deciding factor as to whether or not potential tenants will continue reading the property description.
When writing a headline for a rental property ad, the following format is typically used:
Rent Price + Number of Bedrooms + Number of Bathrooms + Property Type + Location + Selling Point
This format includes the most relevant and crucial information, giving rental property seekers a reason to continue reading the description.
For example:
$2,050 2-bedroom 1-bathroom apartment in Grande Prairie with scenic views.
By following the standard headline formula, prospective tenants will immediately know whether the rental unit is within their budget range, preferred size, and desired location.
Summary Description
After writing the headline, the next step is to compose a summary description of your property. This section is also essential as it will tell the reader more about the rental home. This will go a long way to ensuring they are happy tenants.
Make sure to highlight the available amenities and give emphasis on the unique features of your property. Also, you should describe what the neighborhood is like, including the nearby businesses that you think will be important to the tenants. You may also include a map to help the readers know where the property is located exactly.
Include important restrictions so you can naturally screen tenants according to the terms that you prefer. For instance, if you have a pet policy or restrictions on the number of residents, make sure you indicate them clearly in your advertising material.
Post Your Ad on Effective Platforms
Once your advertising material is ready, make sure to have it distributed efficiently to target your preferred audience. Nowadays, most rental property owners use a variety of online platforms to market their properties. This is the easiest way to reach a wide range of prospects without printing your ad materials.
If you prefer the traditional way of advertising, you may also distribute your marketing materials to real estate agents or have them posted in a local newspaper’s classifieds. Or you can use both digital and printed advertising strategies so you can get as much exposure for your property as possible.
Bottom Line
If you don’t want to do this on your own, you can also opt to work with a professional property management company to make this easier for you. If you need help with your property marketing in Alberta, contact Sutton Property Management at (780) 532-4900.
Not only are we experts in property marketing, but we can help screen your prospects, write a solid lease, and provide excellent maintenance services. Contact us today for more information!
Why Successful Real Estate Investors Partner with Property Management Companies
Whether you’ve been managing your property alone for some time or you’ve recently started, you’re likely faced with the choice of whether to continue alone or engage the services of a third party. Both options have benefits and drawbacks and may lead to different situations. When you’re taking on the task of a direct manager […]
Whether you’ve been managing your property alone for some time or you’ve recently started, you’re likely faced with the choice of whether to continue alone or engage the services of a third party.
Both options have benefits and drawbacks and may lead to different situations. When you’re taking on the task of a direct manager in your rental operation, you can save on the management fee but this also means exchanging your time and energy for it.
Having a property manager supporting your business may cost a fee but escaping the rigors of daily management and property maintenance tasks is also worth it.
At Sutton Group, we believe that a partnership between an investor and a property management company is highly beneficial for both. Below are some of the reasons why.
Defining Property Management
Before going into the benefits of partnering with a property management company, we need to understand what a property management company is.
When talking about rental property management, it refers to having a third party take care of a rental home and its residents. Property managers are paid by rental property owners to handle its daily operation. They’re also the people renters will approach should they have concerns and issues.
Property Management Tasks
Hiring a property manager means spending a management fee, but this could be considered an investment cost. In return, property managers. Sometimes the fee becomes negligible since your income can be optimized and steady due to the skills of the property manager.
Here are some tasks that property management companies perform:
Handling the rent collection from tenants
Addressing concerns and catering to maintenance requests
Communicating with delinquent tenants
Marketing vacant rental units
Organizing business records such as leasing agreements, receipts, and invoice
Cost of Property Management
What makes some property owners hesitate about turning over property management to another party is the cost. Management fees can differ but normally 10% is acceptable in the industry. It can range from 8 to 12% in reality. It just depends on the kind of services offered by the company.
Though it can sound a lot for some, the benefits that come along with it can’t be discounted. Property owners can pursue more investment opportunities instead of being swamped with the tedious tasks of property management.
Having a Property Management Company’s Support
A lot of property owners who have since taken the plunge to hire a property manager, never look back. For one thing, some property investors prefer a hands-off management style when dealing with rental operations.
Some also find the property management tasks time-consuming, and they may even need to learn new skills. Others are more focused on looking for more investment ventures and don’t want their time and energy to be taken.
Property managers offer this value by performing tasks and sharing these responsibilities with the property owners:
Marketing expertise: Compared with a first-time property owner, a property manager has greater professional marketing skills and is much more adept at attracting high-quality tenants.
Local market knowledge: Exposed to the property management industry, property managers are able to set the right rental rate that’s optimal to the property owners and reasonable to the tenants.
Property showings: Property managers have the free time to work out a schedule with prospective renters to view the rental unit. Long-distance landlords can enjoy this special service as they don’t have to travel far and spend a lot of money to meet the prospects and give a property tour.
Dealing with tenants: Even if you have exemplary tenants, it still requires effort to build your communication skills and tend to them.
Attending emergency maintenance and repairs: A large part of a property manager’s responsibility falls on property maintenance and addressing repairs. They have a team of contractors that help them achieve the goal of keeping a habitable rental for the tenants.
Benefits of Hiring a Property Management Firm
Simply stated, having professionals manage your rental investment makes a ton of difference. As your professional representative, they have more experience and skills in handling potential renters and tenants. You reduce your stress since they’ll be using effective management practices that have worked for years.
Property managers are well-versed in property laws and can apply their industry knowledge and experience to make your rental business a success. They’re also responsible for assigning the right rent price, keeping up with the maintenance work, advertising vacancies, customer service, and scouting for new prospects.
As a property investor, having a property management company working for you presents numerous advantages. This becomes even more apparent when you own several properties and have a lot of responsibilities on your hands.
In return for the monthly fee, working with property managers provides you with:
High-quality tenants
Shorter vacancies
More efficient processes
Reduction in legal conflicts
Fewer responsibilities and stress
The Necessity of Having a Property Management Company
While the decision to hire a property manager may rest with you, here are scenarios that may make it necessary to hire one:
Growing your rental units as part of an investment strategy.
Being a long-distance landlord affords you little time to oversee your investment property. It’s best to have a local manager supervise your rental home.
Actively managing your property is not your preferred way to spend your time. Treating your rental unit as a passive income means engaging the services of an external party to run the business operation for you.
Bottom Line
Reputable property management companies provide a significant value that can end up maximizing your returns. You’re also able to access professional expertise at a small fee in the grand scheme of things.
If you have any questions or would like to take up a property management agreement with us at Sutton Property Management, contact us today!