"My neighbors tell me that my Tenant's have a U-Haul backed up to the garage door and are packing up!" This is what I heard from the caller last Friday morning.
The guy lives like many, many miles (and is now in the snow) and out of the blue he gets a friendly phone call from one of his neighbors here in San Antonio that kind of keeps a look out for his rental home. Of course, his Tenant hasn't returned any of his phone calls, has been late on the rent, hasn't included the agreed upon late fees and stopped responding to any of the Owners requests. So, what do you think is going on?
Well, basically I told him that it looks like they are doing the old packing up, moving in the night trick. How could that be? We signed a lease together? They have total control over my property....how did this happen?
Well, I don't have all of the answers but, I do have a few.
First off this really nice guy thought that he could "manage" his property from some 1200 miles away. Secondly, he thought that since it was a newer property that he wouldn't have any "repair" issues. 3rd, HE DIDN'T SCREEN HIS TENANTS BECAUSE HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW. Is it just me, or does it seem that there is a problem here?
I can't stress enough the importance of hiring a Professional Management Company to handle all of the issues above for him. The headaches that he has now he will pay with whatever money he saved "managing it" himself! It doesn't pay.
Out of sight out of mind. If your too far away to check in on your property and make sure that your Tenants are keeping it in good working order and condition then issues will arise. Also, during these "visits" it's a great opportunity to see what kind of preventive maintenance could be done to make sure there aren't bigger issues down the road.
Secondly, even though the property may be newer there are still going to be issues. If you are not familiar with the Texas Property Code (like we are) you may not realize that Landlord's have certain items that need to be addressed when the Tenant moves in as well as repair issue time frames during the term of the lease.
As your Agent it is our responsibility to diligently screen all applicants (not take their word for it) and not call their Mother to verify that they have been paying "rent" to live in her house! The number one key to getting excellent Tenants is screening. For credit issues, past credit problems, timely rental payments, to check and see if they have ever been evicted or sued by another and what the reasoning for it was.
As a Professional property management company we are members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers and have a different set of ethics and education than others.
This is our business.
We are your eyes and ears when you can't be.
Have questions about property management? Call Sheila with Moran Property Management, 210-325-6962, RE/MAX Access, 19115 FM 2252, Ste. 7, Garden Ridge, TX 78266
Buy or Sell a house from me, use my moving truck for FREE!
Call me for details, Sheila Moran, RE/MAX Access, 210-325-6962.
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