Just like there are no two snowflakes the same, there are no two property management companies the same. You should expect to get the best services for your properties, which are unique. You did the hard work of obtaining them in the first place. If you only aim for second best on services, that is exactly what you will get, and your investment will not be that for very long.
What Services are Available?
Make sure property management services have access to lots of tenants. You may think that this is a basic thing, but not all companies have the same size presence when it comes to the internet. Since over 90% of people use the internet to search for a rental, you want to make sure the company you are looking at has a prominent online presence and can get your rental property in front of as many faces as possible.
Make sure that the tenant screening process is second to none. In other words, a credit check by itself is not enough to determine if you have a great tenant or not. A background criminal check by itself is not enough either. Combine those two things and you still do not have enough. The company should also interview prior landlords to make sure the tenant does not have a history of slow payments or evictions. These do not always show up on their credit reports. You want quality tenants to fill your property, not those who are going to tear it up.
You need access to your information. Some property management services are able to provide web access for you to get information quickly. Simply log into your portal and find out when your next rent check will be received, the date of the last inspection on your property, and which repairs are required without spending a lot of time trying to figure it out. This convenience is key for a busy person who wants answers quickly.
The property management company should know all the laws regarding your property. Not just national laws; laws for the local and state government are a necessity, too. This way, if a tenant ever needs to be evicted, the property manager can handle the process for you in an efficient manner. This will also protect you down the road from tenants that try to take advantage of landlords.
Make sure the property management company has 24/7 phone access available to your tenants. There is nothing worse than getting a call at 2AM telling you that the toilet is plugged up and needs plunging. This is a service that any property management company should be able to provide for you and your tenant.
Real Property Management is the number one rental management company in the United States. Inc. Magazine listed RPM as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. When seeking property management services in Oceanside, check with RPM first to fill your needs.
