by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Apr 16, 2021 | Property Management, Santa Cruz Property Management Education
The Santa Cruz rental market has always been complex, and this last year has certainly been unique.
While we can absolutely understand the amount of anxiety and hesitation around the challenges that are due to economic shifts and the unexpected global pandemic, we don’t think this means anything negative for the 2021 rental market forecast.
That’s because there are also opportunities. Whether you currently own rental homes in Santa Cruz or you’re thinking about investing, there are some important things to consider when thinking about the state of things and how you can make them work for you. (more…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Mar 19, 2021 | Property Management, Santa Cruz Property Management Education
No one wants to leave their Santa Cruz rental property vacant for longer than necessary. Not only does it deprive you of rental income, it also leaves your investment at risk.
The dangers of leaving a rental property vacant are more than financial. A long vacancy delivers several additional problems and unintended consequences. You’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for things like utilities and landscaping. You also have to keep the property secure and free from squatters, vandals, and other potential criminal activities. The appliances aren’t being used and there’s no one in the home to let you know when a leak is sprung or something starts to deteriorate.
Don’t put your property at risk for long vacancies and the dangers that come with them. Here’s how you can protect your Santa Cruz investment home. (more…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Feb 19, 2021 | Property Management, Santa Cruz Property Management Education
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.
(more…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Dec 25, 2020 | Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Dec 11, 2020 | Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Nov 27, 2020 | Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Nov 13, 2020 | Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Oct 30, 2020 | Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Sep 18, 2020 | Our Blog, Property Management
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…)
by Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg | Sep 4, 2020 | Our Blog, Property Management
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…)
