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Top 5 Property Management Mistakes And How To Fix Them

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with AppFolio, Inc.

Property management is a complex job with lots of details and a diverse clientele. In order to keep your business running in the most productive and efficient way possible, it is important to keep these 5 common mistakes in mind and to do your best to avoid or remedy them. If you take these issues into account, you will increase the likelihood of saving money and time in the long run.

  1. Hiring New Contractors Every Time
    When a maintenance issue emerges, it is understandable that you want to get it fixed as economically as possible. Contractors can charge anything they want, so if you shop around with each round of repairs or maintenance tasks, sure you can save a penny or two. However, you are going to pay in delayed time as well as increased risk, as your assurance of the project being completed efficiently and with a long-term solution is vastly reduced. In addition, you’ll potentially have to spend extra time in dealing with tenant complaints while you bid out the work. Instead, look to build a network of highly trusted, responsive contractors whom you can call on time and time again. You’ll be more efficient, faster and achieve higher quality work – keeping your tenants happier in the process.
  2. Letting Tenants Fix Their Own Maintenance Problems
    This can be a common occurrence, especially in larger properties. Tenants fix problems themselves and then deduct the cost from rent. This seems like an attractive solution to the burden of a maintenance pileup, but it can cause more harm than good. If tenants injure themselves while doing repairs, you could be liable for damages. Also, a tenant could easily do a poor repair and create a larger problem without your knowledge. It is always better to get repairs done by a licensed contractor or trusted maintenance worker.
Posted by

Zach Devine, Marketing
RentApp.com (A Service of AppFolio)

 AppFolio Property Manager

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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thanks for the tips. I agree it is not a good idea to let the tenants do the repairs .

Nov 30, 2012 01:24 AM