When you hire a management company, you’re paying them to be your eyes and ears. So it’s extremely important that they be strict about scheduling regular property inspections. Many owners don’t understand how much damage a bad tenant can cause in a short period of time. There’s a natural tendency to assume that as long as the rent is being paid on time and there aren’t any complaints, everything is going well.
Don’t make assumptions or take anything for granted. Not only will regularly scheduled inspections allow you to catch problems quickly, they’re also very effective in deterring undesirable tenant behavior. Ask any prospective property management company the following questions about how they inspect the properties they manage:
What kind of move-in inspection do you perform?
Tenant-completed inspections are typical for apartments. But for single-family units, the manager should perform a detailed inspection that includes digital photos. The tenant should accompany the manager for a walk-through and sign off on the inspection report. This kind of documentation is critical to resolving disputes over what damage took place during the tenant’s stay.
How often do you inspect the property’s interior? Are tenants notified before inside inspections?
Your property manager should inspect your property at least annually, with every six months being the preferred interval. The person doing the inspection should have a checklist that includes things like checking all appliances, locks, A/C (filters), furnace, water heater, smoke detector, electrical, plumbing and looking for lease violations. Do not accept the management company only performing inspections between vacancies. Tenancies can last years, and there’s no excuse for not inspecting the unit during that time. Note: Tenants must be given notice before an inspection takes place (24-48 hrs depending on state laws).
How often do you inspect the property’s exterior?
Monthly to quarterly exterior inspections are standard, but the more frequent the better. More often than not, many managers treat these as “drive-by” inspections in which the person doing the inspecting doesn’t even get out of their car. While this may be acceptable for more frequent visits, a full-scale exterior inspection should be performed at less frequent intervals as well.
How often will you send me inspection reports?
Ask to see a sample copy. A management company can be operationally perfect, but if they can’t attract new tenants, do those skills even matter?
Next, we’ll cover the nuts and bolts of what makes a property management company effective in finding and keeping tenants.
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The Realty Medics are the nation’s leaders in “Rocket Science Renting”: Rocket Science Renting is about keeping your life simple by letting someone else handle the complex work of property management for you. It’s knowing that your property is running smoothly, with no hiccups or glitches. It’s hyper-responsive customer service that gives you property management peace of mind. It’s advanced technology that could only be designed by a former NASA engineer like our owner, Ben Sencenbaugh. And it’s knowing that you’re always getting maximum value and ROI for your investment.
Orlando Property Management Hiring Guide
BASICS OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
- 11 Questions for Determining if You Need a Property Management Firm
- Property Management Services: A Complete List
- What Are the Benefits of Using a Property Management Company?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FLORIDA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
- Property Management Fees, Part I
- Property Management Fees, Part II
- Handling Tenant and Owner Funds
- Setting and Collecting Rent
- Property Maintenance and Repairs
- Property Inspections
- Tenant Marketing and Retention
- Tenant Screening
- Examining the Organization: Background, Qualifications, Portfolio
- Examining the Organization: Size, Staff, Customer Service
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
Let us handle the rocket science of renting for you!
CONTACT US
The Realty Medics
10027 University Blvd
Orlando, FL 32817
Phone: (321) 947-7653
FAX: (407) 965-3312
The Realty Medics are the nation’s leaders in “Rocket Science Renting”: Rocket Science Renting is about keeping your life simple by letting someone else handle the complex work of property management for you. It’s knowing that your property is running smoothly, with no hiccups or glitches. It’s hyper-responsive customer service that gives you property management peace of mind. It’s advanced technology that could only be designed by a former NASA engineer like our owner, Ben Sencenbaugh. And it’s knowing that you’re always getting maximum value and ROI for your investment.
More from the guide
Areas We Serve in Florida
We’re happy to serve many of the surrounding areas here in Central Florida. Below are the current cities and locations that we operate in. If you don’t see your area listed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we’ll see if we can work together.
The Realty Medics Guarantees
We are very proud to be the highest rated and most reviewed Property Management company in Central Florida. We guarantee results and have the lowest rates to support our results-driven philosophy.
14 Day Rental Guarantee
If we don’t rent your home in 14 days you get one month FREE management.
90 Day Money Back Guarantee
If you, the Owner, is unhappy for any reason, we will refund your management fees
12 Month Tenant Guarantee
If a tenant is removed in first 12 months, We find you a new tenant free of charge.
Pet Damage Guarantee
If a pet causes any damage to the property, We will cover this damage above the security deposit up to $1000.*