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Should you Allow Apartment Pets in Student Housing?

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
Should you Allow Apartment Pets in Student Housing?

We’ve talked a lot about apartment pets policies and whether it’s a good idea to allow pets on your property in the first place. What many property owners and managers tend to ask, however, is whether pets are a good idea when it comes to student-specific housing. 

The answer is: it depends. In Texas, property owners can create their own rules regarding pets and include these rules in a lease agreement.  Like everything else in business, you make all considerations to determine the best decision for your property. 

One note: service animals are not considered pets, and you’re legally obligated to allow them in your Texas rental property.

Set Expectations for Apartment Pets as Tenants

If you decide it’s reasonable to allow tenants to have apartment pets, it’s best to view them as actual tenants. Treat them in the same manner you would any other renter. This includes:

  1. Lease Language. The lease is your contract and the lifeline of the property. It ensures protection for both you and the tenant. And, just as you would use a lease to identify the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, it should also be used to define the obligations and expectations of the apartment pets and their owners. At a minimum, this should include cleaning up after the pet when outside, responsibility for damages done by the pet, and noise-related restrictions. It should also clearly define any breed or weight restrictions, where applicable.
  2. Pet Deposit. Similar to the standard deposit due at move-in, a pet should also require a deposit. This money is the insurance a property manager needs to hedge against the risk of damage or default. This way, the funds are there to cover repairs that result from pet-related issues. Whether the deposit is fully refundable or non-refundable should be clearly identified and defined in the lease.
  3. Pet Rent. The widespread practice of requiring separate rent for pets is fairly new. Yet, it’s catching on and many properties are now asking pet owners to pay additional monthly rent, often in the range of $10 to $25. The idea, again, is simply to treat the pet as an additional tenant.

Class A Management helps develop and evaluate pet policies

Pets can be a slippery slope of challenges for property owners. That’s why you need a knowledgeable property manager in your corner. The professionals at Class A Management have more than 40 years of experience in the industry and know what it takes to ensure satisfaction—for 2-legged and 4-legged tenants alike.

Call us today at 817-295-5959 or send us an email to info@classamanagement.com.

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Hand Over the Keys and the Wi-Fi Access

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
Hand Over the Keys and the Wi-Fi Access

A swimming pool isn’t necessarily the top-billing amenity your renters are seeking, but wi-fi access may be. While they may expect outdoor gathering spaces, today’s renters also expect that you’ll provide their internet service as part of the rent. The good news is that they’re also willing to pay more for it.

Expanded wi-fi coverage expected

Just a few years ago, prospective tenants would have been satisfied with a few wi-fi access points in shared areas like the pool and clubhouse. They expected to have to find their own in-home connectivity solution.

An overwhelming majority now expect community-wide wireless internet. They also expect to be able to stream unlimited video, as many residents opt out of traditional TV and head instead to Netflix, Disney Plus, and other online entertainment sources. The move toward remote work has only made wi-fi more important, as more people work from home and need reliable high-speed internet.

While some tenants may opt out of included wi-fi and get their own service, the ability to tap into community internet service is still a value add for tenants. Don’t underestimate the power of high-tech upgrades to help convert prospective tenants and justify higher rents for your property.

Smart homes trending

Renters want the convenience that new technology offers, and that includes security systems and other environmental controls they can operate from a smartphone. If they forget to lock the front door, they want to be able to open a smartphone app and lock the door remotely. 

They want to see how much energy they’re using, and they want to be able to monitor what’s going on at home even while they’re away. All this connectivity is going to require forward-thinking property owners to set up two wireless access points with huge bandwidth—one for smart house programming, and one for internet access—and it’s going to have to be reliable.

Community wi-fi options are becoming more readily available to meet this demand. SmartRent Community Wi-Fi is one forward-thinking solution that offers easy setup for new tenants. Coupled with connection speeds of up to 1 GB, it’s an attractive “amenity” that developers say is helping properties improve and maintain occupancy rates.

Class A Management helps with property updates

Part of what we offer at Class A Management is on-site management and more than four decades of experience providing the amenities and technology that residents expect from the best apartment communities. Contact Class A Management to take care of your residents, as well as their internet needs. Call us today at 817-295-5959 or e-mail, info@classamgmt.com.

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7 Tips for Making Rental Property Management Transitions

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
7 Tips for Making Rental Property Management Transitions

Whether or not you’ve made the decision to transition away from one rental property management company to another, you can be sure that it’s something done regularly. It can be a sticky situation if you don’t plan ahead for the transition.

The relationship between owner and manager can evolve over time as property needs change. That potential for strain is why it’s important to plan every step of the transition to make sure no stone is left unturned.

Plan a Smooth Rental Property Management Transition

Here are 7 tips to help you plan a smooth transition that establishes a great start for your new rental property management company and your staff and tenants:

  1. Have a plan. You need a strategy. You need to know what you’re looking for, why you’re leaving the current company, and how the new company is going to get you to your desired goal. You then need to write it down and get your staff on board with the change. This includes letting them in on the timeline and the selection process, as appropriate.
  2. Onboard the incoming team. Your timeline must include adequate time to onboard the incoming rental property management company. They need to be aware of your business and marketing plan, your brand strategy, and your communications plan. Essentially, you need time to get them up to speed on how to accurately manage and represent your brand.
  3. Inform the outgoing staff. This is the hard part. Yet, it’s only business, and they’re aware of the possibilities (especially so if there have been ripples in the water). Be upfront with all information and make sure to go about the process as outlined in the contract with that firm.
  4. Encourage collaboration. Introduce the incoming and outgoing teams and foster a collaborative relationship so the two can transition all back- and front-end office processes as seamlessly as possible.
  5. Communicate with tenants, clearly and often. As soon as the details have been nailed down, begin communicating the change with tenants. Use multiple channels, be clear, and be consistent in delivery. Have a process to answer questions and address concerns and be ready for backlash. No one likes change and some tenants may fight it. Have a strategy to address this challenge and follow through.
  6. Meet and greet. As soon as the new rental property management team is ready to begin, plan an event where they can meet the tenants. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even drinks and cookies during a 2-hour window in the leasing office will suffice. An allotted time for face-to-face contact is important, however you decide to host it.
  7. Monitor performance. All that’s left is to stay on top of things with regular surveying of the new management, as well as tenants. Ask for regular reporting and analytics, and make sure to stay involved with back office operations so you’re alerted early of any potential issues.

Choose the Right Management Team from Day One

Ready to make the transition to Class A’s rental property management professionals? We’ll help ensure your tenants and staff experience a smooth and easy transition, then provide top-notch customer service and communication. 

See what a difference it can make to work with our team of trained and certified property managers from the beginning. Call us at 817-295-5959, or send an email to info@classamgmt.com.

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4 Tips to Boost Your Apartment Ratings and Renter Satisfaction

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
4 Tips to Boost Your Apartment Ratings and Renter Satisfaction

Do renters hate renting from you? Your apartment ratings don’t always tell the whole story, but those pesky one-star Google reviews can be a good place to start improving your tenant experience.

Providing early rent payment incentives or extra perks now and then may not be enough to guarantee that your tenants enjoy living at your property. While these little touches can go a long way when combined with a solid property management approach, that foundation is what’s most important for building relationships, five-star apartment ratings, and long-term renters.

Build Positive Relationships; Reviews Will Follow

How well are you liked by your tenants? Do you provide nice little sign-on perks like 10% off the first month’s rent? How about at Christmas time? Are you the landlord that puts a discount coupon for the local burger joint in with the December newsletter or community update?

Despite these good attempts, tenants want more substantial positive interactions and experiences. Improve your apartment ratings by paying close attention to the following:

  • Provide a nice place to live. Tenants have the right to reasonable expectations when it comes to their rental property. According to NOLO, “Under most state and local laws, landlords must offer and maintain housing that satisfies basic habitability requirements, such as adequate weatherproofing, available heat, water, and electricity, and clean, sanitary, and structurally safe premises.”
  • Acknowledge needs in a timely manner. Since tenants have the right to the reasonable expectations outlined above, you, as the property owner or manager, are under obligation to keep things maintained. This typically means a 24-hour response time or less for emergencies and 2-3 days for everything else. Ignoring or ‘putting off’ a tenant’s request is one of the quickest ways to earn negative apartment ratings on popular review sites.
  • Offer security. Tenants have a reasonable expectation of security and safety in their homes. Landlords have a legal obligation to take some measures to make crime unappealing on their properties. That includes taking steps to stop illegal activities by tenants. Follow and enforce your city’s ordinances, statutes, and building codes to provide a safe place for renters and their families.
  • Respect all tenants. While it may seem unnecessary to even say it, tenants want to be treated with respect. They want open communication, and to be acknowledged in order to feel like more than just the means to your end. As such, they want to be spoken to nicely. Set a standard of respectful communication for your staff, and the frequency of those negative reviews and apartment ratings will begin to decline.

Top Apartment Ratings Come From Great Management

At Class A Management, we prioritize the growth of your multifamily property investment and the cultivation of trust and satisfaction among your tenants. We firmly believe that great management is the cornerstone of high apartment ratings.

Our commitment extends beyond mere property management. We actively safeguard tenants’ rights and work tirelessly to build trust. By fostering an environment where tenants feel respected and supported, we enhance both their living experience and your property’s reputation.

Discover the transformative impact Class A Management can have on your property. Contact us today at 817-295-5959 or at info@classamgmt.com to experience the difference firsthand.

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Maintain Curb Appeal with Natural Pest Control

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
Maintain Curb Appeal with Natural Pest Control

Landscaping is expensive to replace, but natural pest control can solve issues for many of your property’s landscaping woes. 

If your property’s shrubs and grass are suffering from an unknown blight, it’s possible you’ve got underground pests. They could be rodents that dig tunnels—moles, voles, and gophers—or wireworms and cutworms that eat new plantings at the base. Learn how to identify these pests, eliminate them, and prevent future expensive landscape damage without the use of toxic products.

Identify the Culprit

Digging rodents are seldom seen, but can be identified by the types of holes they dig. Voles and gophers actively eat your plants’ root systems, while moles, armadillos, and raccoons are searching for the juicy grubs that live beneath the soil. All this digging can create lots of root damage. 

The rodent family isn’t the only culprit when it comes to landscaping damage. Wireworms are thin, reddish-brown worms about 1-1/2 inches long, and they come to the soil surface in early spring to feed. Cutworms feed on the tender stems of new, non-woody plants, and will eat them to the ground.

Develop a Plan, and Attack

Natural pest control methods can take some time to work, but are non-toxic and won’t damage soil health. Also, they provide more humane methods of eliminating infestations that don’t involve trapping or killing the pests. 

Use smelly sprays and baits or even castor oil granules to eliminate these sensitive ground-dwellers, or go for their food source by eliminating grubs. Natural pest control for digging pests can benefit your soil for years to come. Investigate those options before you go chemical, or you could start a cycle of chemical dependency for your property’s lawn.

Plant damage can be prevented with a good organic program that creates healthy soil, combined with a healthy knowledge of how to protect tender plants from damage. Prevent cutworm damage, for example, by wrapping the stems of new transplants with cardboard or foil. Apply beneficial nematodes, compost, and natural sugars 2-3 times a year to maintain soil health. 

When you realize there’s a pest problem at your property, act quickly to minimize damage by eliminating the insect or rodent responsible—it’s the one time you want your property to be as inhospitable as possible so those pesky residents find somewhere else to live. Use natural pest control methods to avoid toxins, unsightly traps, and poisons on your property.

Find Natural Pest Control Experts

Need some help implementing a natural pest control program? Our professionals know a thing or two about it, as well as other methods for increasing curb appeal. Contact us today to learn more about how working with Class A Management can improve your maintenance and tenant recruiting and retention strategy. Call us at 817-295-5959 or send an email to info@classamgmt.com

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1904 Thousand Oaks Drive, Burleson, TX 76028 Mon-Fri: 9 to 5 817-295-5959 info@classamgmt.com

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