Property Management


Tenant Eviction Process in Santa Cruz | Landlord Advice

Tenant Eviction Process - article banner

Evicting a tenant in Santa Cruz is more challenging than it once was. There are a number of protections in place for tenants who are struggling to pay their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You have to be aware of those before you begin an eviction process.

Even outside of the pandemic, eviction in California requires you to have just cause, otherwise you may find yourself responsible for a relocation payment to your tenants when you make them leave. The most common reasons you can legally evict a tenant in Santa Cruz are: 

  • Nonpayment of rent.
  • Violation of the lease agreement.
  • Illegal or criminal activities at the property.

There’s currently a federal moratorium on evictions for tenants who cannot pay due to the pandemic. California has its own law in place, which protects tenants from eviction if they sign a declaration that their financial hardship is due to the pandemic and if they agree to pay a percentage of the rent that’s due.

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Why Communication with Owners is Key to Success

Why Communication with Owners is Key to Success - Article Banner

At Real Estate Eight Three One, we take communication with our property owners seriously. We know it has a direct impact on your peace of mind and even your ROI. We also work hard to communicate openly and responsively with tenants, vendors, and everyone in our community and industry.

Good communication is critical to the effective management of your property and your ability to earn more and spend less on your investment. (more…)

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How Often Should You Perform a Rental Property Inspection in Santa Cruz?

How Often Should You Perform a Rental Property Inspection in Santa Cruz? - Article Banner

Rental property inspections are the best tool you have to protect the condition of your investment home and ensure your tenants are following the terms of your lease. Inspections also allow you to check for deferred and unreported damage.

Most property owners know they have to inspect before tenants move in and after tenants move out. These inspections will help you document the condition of your property before and after the residency. While California law is strict about when and how you should enter a tenant’s occupied home, it’s a good idea to get inside at least once during the leasing period for a maintenance walk-through.

There may be reasons to inspect more frequently. If you have a reason to believe your tenant isn’t taking care of the property, or you see something suspicious while driving by the property, you might want to schedule an extra inspection. Otherwise, you want to balance your need to protect your investment against your tenant’s right to privacy and a quiet living environment free from disruptions. (more…)

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A Checklist for Santa Cruz Landlords With Tenants Moving In

A Checklist for Santa Cruz Landlords With Tenants Moving In - Article Banner

With tenants moving into your Santa Cruz rental property, you need to make sure the place is clean, welcoming, and functional. Offering tenants an easy and stress-free move-in experience will set a positive and professional tone for the entire tenancy. It’s a great opportunity to establish a great relationship with your residents.

As you put together your move-in checklist, make sure it includes these important items. (more…)

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How to Handle Security Deposit Returns in Santa Cruz

How to Handle Security Deposit Returns in Santa Cruz - Article Banner

There have been some big changes to California law in terms of the landlord and tenant relationship. Even before the pandemic put a moratorium on evictions, there were rent control rules that grew even stricter throughout the state and new eviction requirements that rental property owners have been struggling to incorporate.

Renting out a property in California is risky. It’s easy to make mistakes, and if you’ve never thought about working with a professional Santa Cruz property management company, this is a good time to consider it. (more…)

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Rental Property Maintenance: Why You Need a Licensed and Insured Vendor in Santa Cruz

Rental Property Maintenance: Why You Need a Licensed and Insured Vendor in Santa Cruz - Article Banner

Rental property maintenance is rarely something property owners like to talk about. It’s expensive, but it’s also necessary. When you’re renting out a Santa Cruz home, there will be routine and emergency repairs. Part of budgeting and being prepared is putting together a great list of vendors. The professionals you use to complete these repairs should be licensed, insured, and bonded. It’s the only way to protect yourself, your property, and your tenants.

A lot of landlords seem content to hire anyone willing to do the work. It often seems to be the cheaper way out of a maintenance issue. We don’t recommend that. In fact, we strongly caution you against it. This will only invite risk and liability, and it could cost you a lot more than you think you saved. (more…)

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Under What Conditions Can I Cancel My Agreement?

Under What Conditions Can I Cancel My Agreement? - Article Banner

Your relationship with the property management company you choose needs to be built on trust, communication, and a shared set of responsibilities and expectations. You’re paying your property managers a monthly fee in exchange for a scope of services. If you feel like those services aren’t being provided or you’re not getting the value that you’re paying for, it may be time to re-think your relationship. (more…)

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The Importance of Being Properly Insured in Santa Cruz

The Importance of Being Properly Insured in Santa Cruz - Article Banner

Insurance is part of your risk management plan when you own investment property in Santa Cruz. Your rental property is most likely one of your most valuable assets and it’s important to protect that investment. Insurance can be confusing, especially if you’re a new investor or you’re renting out a home that you once lived in yourself. (more…)

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A Guide to Creating a Smooth Maintenance Request Process in Santa Cruz

A Guide to Creating a Smooth Maintenance Request Process in Santa Cruz - Article Banner

When you want to protect the condition of your Santa Cruz investment property and work towards retaining great tenants, you have to have a reliable and responsive plan in place to address maintenance requests. Sound maintenance practices not only keep your residents happy and secure, they also protect the condition of your investment. (more…)

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