When you’re looking for an experienced and reputable Alhambra property manager to take care of a single rental home or an entire portfolio, you should do a little research. Find out what types of properties they manage, how long they’ve been in the property management business, and whether their current and former customers have positive things to say about them.
Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few potential property managers, schedule some interviews. We recommend having at least one conversation about your specific property and the services you need.
It’s a good idea to have some conversation topics prepared, and we recommend you ask some of these common questions before you hire a management company.
How Will You Market My Property?
A long vacancy is expensive, so you want to make sure you’ll get your property rented quickly to qualified tenants. Fast leasing requires good marketing. Ask about how they list homes, where they market those properties, and whether there are particular websites that attract the most qualified tenants. Discuss For Rent signage (still relevant, in some cases), and whether they list rental homes on the MLS. Ask about the showing process as well.
How Do You Screen Tenants?
This is an important question because you need to know what kind of tenants are being placed in your property. Find out what sorts of screening tools they use, what they use for rental criteria, and how they can be sure they’re following all fair housing guidelines and laws.
How is Maintenance Handled for my Alhambra Investment Property?
A good property management company is available 24 hours a day in case there’s a maintenance emergency at your property. You also want to know how routine maintenance is handled, and whether there’s a plan for preventative maintenance.
What Type of Vendors Do You Work With?
While you’re discussing maintenance and repairs, ask about vendors. Does the company use an in-house team or do they have a preferred list of vendors they work with? Are those professionals licensed and insured? Find out how tenants report maintenance. Most management companies now have an online system of reporting repairs. Find out if you’ll have access to that so you can see invoices and reports.
How do you Utilize Technology?
Automated systems allow property managers to work more efficiently. With online portals, we can collect and pay rent electronically. You should see accounting statements and maintenance invoices online, and you should have access to reports and leasing documents.
Do You Keep Up with Landlord Tenant Laws in California?
Laws are always changing, especially in California. You want to be sure your property management team has access to the best resources and tools. Look for a management company that belongs to professional associations like the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), where they can get a lot of training and support. Discuss rent control and just-cause evictions and how those things impact the way they lease and manage properties.
If you’d like to discuss your search for property management in Alhambra, please contact us at ZenPro Property Management. We’d be happy to answer these questions for you and learn more about your investment properties.
