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A Walkthrough Checklist for Renters

Image of a checklist on a desk, in the blog A Walkthrough Checklist for Renters.

One thing there is plenty of? Checklists. Unfortunately, many lists have the property owner or manager in mind. Renters need a walkthrough checklist, too, along with an understanding of what normal wear and tear looks like, and what needs to be repaired (and cleaned!) before you move in.

Your walkthrough checklist

Before you sign on the line committing to a rental property, employ the following checklist to ensure everything is in working order. As you work through the list, identify and document all concerns. 

  • Faucets. Turn on every water source. Water should be clear with good pressure. There should be no banging pipes or leaks. 
  • Floors, walls, and ceilings. Look for evidence of damage, including water damage, mold, stains, or cracking. 
  • Windows. All windows should open and close. Proper opening and closing windows prevent damage and ensure your safety. Windows should also have undamaged screens.
  • Closets, doors, and cabinets. Check that all open and close properly and double-check for signs of pests. 
  • Outlets. Bring a small electric device, such as a phone charger, to test if all outlets are in working order. 
  • Appliances. All appliances should work correctly and be clean to your standards. 
  • External doors. All doors leading to outdoor spaces should close, lock and seal correctly. 
  • Locks and security gates. Your property manager should ensure all work and that you understand access procedures. 
  • Other security features. Ensure features such as lighting in outdoor spaces and communal hallways meet your comfort level. 
  • Access. Understand how to access any amenities, for example, parking, laundry facilities, or fitness areas. 

This list is a starting point for your walkthrough.  Be as thorough as possible. When your walkthrough checklist is complete, address any issues with your property manager.

Keep a personal copy of your observations. Provide another copy of your document to be kept in your records and with the property management office. If your concerns aren’t resolved, walk away and find an apartment that fits your needs and standards. If everything is to your standards, it’s time to sign a lease, get those keys, and move into your new home!

Need more help creating inspection lists? 

If you are a property manager looking for more rental assistance, let our property management professionals help. Contact Class A Management at info@classamanagement.com or call 817-295-5959. 

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Decision Time: Are You a Landlord or Investor?

Decision Time: Are You a Landlord or Investor?

All property owners are investors, but not all of them are landlords. What’s the difference? The amount of time and control is gained or lost, depending on the role(s) you embrace. The property investment market and rental industries are changing. The role you choose will be affected. Here is some helpful information to help you decide if you are debating if you want to be a landlord or investor. 

First, an investor

Every investment property owner is an investor first. Investors are entrepreneurs looking to expand an income portfolio by purchasing properties in which others will live or work. They risk financial losses and reap the benefits of tax breaks for small businesses.

If an investor chooses to remain an investor, they leave the mundane details of everyday property ownership to professional property managers. The alternative requires much more investment of self, time, and patience.

Then, a landlord

Those who manage their investment properties take on the title of a landlord, and that’s an entirely different proposition. Strict investors give up some control of their properties but also benefit from a symbiotic relationship with professional property managers whose wealth of knowledge and resources make things easier for the investor.

Those property management fees may seem hefty at first glance, but choosing to forgo hiring a property manager leaves you to deal with the daily headaches of marketing, leasing, property repairs and maintenance, rent collection, the legal considerations for evictions, and more. It’s a distinction worth researching before investing in a property because every property manager, whether professional or the investor who chooses to manage his investment property,  knows that being a landlord is very different from the hands-on responsibilities of property management.

Landlord or investor: Class A Management is here to help

If you’d prefer to remain an investor and reap the benefits without the headaches, contact Class A Management today and let us handle the day-to-day operations and maintenance details. We know what it takes for properties to succeed so investors maximize their returns. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or e-mail info@classamgmt.com

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The Foundational Approach to Property Improvements

A painter uses a sprayer to paint a balcony railing, image for the blog The Foundational Approach to Property Improvements.

You wouldn’t buy a property with a leaky roof just because it has fresh paint, and you need to determine your priorities for property improvements using the same approach. Prospective renters need safety first, then curb appeal and enhanced amenities and finishes.

If you invest in the long-term success of your property,  good renters will show their appreciation by renting and investing in your equity.

Building as a guide for rehab

When a building first goes up, everything starts with a stable foundation. Think of your capital investments the same way.

Safety and security are the number one concern of any human being. When you’re ready to invest in your property, inspect it for issues that could turn into safety hazards. Are there water intrusion concerns? You’ll have to replace rotten siding and structural components before even considering new kitchen counters.

Once your investment is safe for those who depend on its solid foundation and sturdy walls, it’s time to move on to amenities that will stand the test of time.

Keep property improvements neighborhood-appropriate

Renters expect an affluent downtown loft to look very different from housing in a middle-class residential neighborhood, and rents usually reflect those expectations. Keep property improvements in line with what the market will bear. For example, laminate countertops may be a better investment over granite materials. Or, on the other end, renters in your neighborhood may walk away from a property with carpet, preferring hardwood or laminate.

Improve your property structurally, make it safe and secure, and then make it attractive compared to what is available in the area. Foundational improvements improve a property’s value, not just its marketability. Base your rehab investments on what makes sense to tenants and the market, and back away from big-ticket expenses that won’t add value to your property’s bottom line.

Property improvements with Class A Management

If you are still determining what property improvements your property needs to attract your ideal tenant, call on Class A Management. We offer extensive development services that include remodels and upgrades. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or e-mail info@classamgmt.com.

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3 Steps to Legal Evictions

Image of an eviction notice attached to a door, in the blog 3 Steps to Legal Evictions.

Once you’ve established that you have legal grounds to evict, save yourself headaches by following three simple steps for legal evictions.

1. Know the law in your state

Every landlord should know their state’s laws before renting a property. It also pays to review state law before starting the eviction process. The law will address specific questions like how to notify a tenant that they violated the lease agreement, how many days the tenant has to respond to the initial notice, and what follow-up steps are required. The landlord must prove lease violations, sometimes in court, so it pays to know the law and the text of your lease before standing before a judge.

2. Put the resident on notice

Every state law requires that the landlord post a termination notice, usually allowing the tenant to correct a situation. In extreme cases, there is no opportunity for a resident to change their ways; this is called an Unconditional Quit Notice. This notice is for the most extreme cases of repeat non-payment of rent, property damage, and illegal activity. It still gives the tenant time to vacate the property voluntarily before you begin legal eviction proceedings.

3. File a lawsuit to evict

Landlords usually don’t have any right to remove a resident or their property. They also can’t lock them out of the property. Once the deadline for the termination notice has come and gone, the property owner files a lawsuit to have the renter evicted. Once the landlord receives a judgment of unlawful retainer, a local law enforcement officer will serve the eviction notice for a fee. The notice gives the resident a few days to clear out, at the end of which time the officer returns to physically remove the evicted tenant if they haven’t moved out on their own.

Help with tenant issues, including legal evictions

The professionals at Class A Management handle tenant issues professionally. We’ll find the best renters and solutions for your investment property. If a tenant issue that requires legal action arises, our team can help you through the legal evictions process, or handle it altogether as your rental property management company

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A Renter’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear

A Renter’s Guide to Normal Wear and Tear

As a renter, you’re likely familiar with the phrase “normal wear and tear.” If you don’t have a detailed understanding of what this description entails, you may not only lose part or all of your deposit but also have the potential to face significant fees and penalties. Also, when you’re shopping for a new apartment home, it’s helpful to know what repairs to include in your walkthrough checklist.

Expected levels of wear and tear

Let’s clarify with a definition and examples. “Normal” wear and tear is the physical breakdown of property resulting from someone using it as intended. And, for this type of use, the property’s owner (i.e., landlord) can’t penalize the user (i.e., renter). Examples of normal wear and tear include:

  • Faded wall paint
  • Modest traffic wear to carpet
  • Furniture impressions on the carpet
  • Faded or worn curtains
  • Walls dings behind doors without door stops
  • Broken plumbing pipes or drains (unless due to improper use)
  • Worn hinges on doors and locks
  • Dirty or dusty blinds
  • General dust throughout

Though not a comprehensive list, it’s a good starting place when looking at potential wear and tear your landlord or property manager expects to see. Anything going beyond these expectations may be considered damage. 

Damages beyond wear and tear

While it’s likely the owner of your property may not be picky and may place even more excusable damages on the list above, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Anything that goes beyond regular expectations will be considered damages. The way to resolve damages depends on the situation. The following is a list of damages that, if left behind, could result in a financial penalty, either against your deposit or as an additional cost.

  • Holes in the walls (nail holes or other)
  • Carpet tears and wearing that goes beyond expected traffic
  • Animal stains (even if the owner is aware)
  • Burn marks from irons, cigarettes, hot plates, etc.
  • Doors and windows that are broken or have holes or cracks
  • Broken or missing blinds or window coverings
  • Clogged drains due to misuse
  • Broken furniture or shelving (if applicable)
  • Excessive bathroom mildew
  • Excessive dirt or mess throughout
  • Burned out lightbulbs
  • Inoperable fire/carbon monoxide detectors

The best recommendation the expert property managers at Class A Management give is to read all tenant policies, paying special attention to wear and tear descriptions.

Take time to understand policies

For the properties we manage, for example, this is where we identify the damage for which we will hold renters accountable. By carefully reading and understanding the policies and rules associated with the property where you live, you can avoid incurring extra fees for damages. Once you know the property expectations, protect yourself by caring for the property you rent. 

For more information and to learn more about the properties managed by Class A Management, contact us at 817-295-5959 or info@classamgmt.com.