Is it time to break up with your Property Manager?
Like any relationship, things don’t always work out the way we’d like. If you feel like you need a fresh start or need more from your relationship, it might be time to talk to Haven Home Rentals to see if we’re the right fit for you.
So how do you choose a great property manager?
You might think that a property manager is there to manage your property, and you’d be correct. However, a larger part of our job is actually managing people and relationships.
Tenants come in all shapes and sizes – families, young couples, roommates, newlyweds, retirees, and even business owners. In 2024 there are many different pieces of software trying to outperform human interaction, however nothing can replace a great relationship between people.
It’s really important to us that we’re a good fit for you and vice versa. Being able to trust the person looking after your second most valuable asset (after your health of course!) is a big deal, and we get it.
Bottom line – you need to have a connection and be comfortable with your choice.
Most Importantly – Do a Bit of Research!
On the surface it may look like every property manager does the same thing and it’s just the costs that differ. To a certain degree, this is true, however each property manager will have their own organisation and communication style and a bit of flair that helps build that rapport. Don’t go handing over your property just because the person has the lowest fee rate, cheaper isn’t always better. We’ve put some handy questions together that will help you see if the Property Manager knows their stuff.
The Best Questions to Ask:
Here are ten questions you can throw at a potential property manager. You don’t have to go through them all unless you’re feeling a real connection. But good answers to each mean you might have struck gold:
- How many properties do you manage?
- How often do you inspect properties?
- How will you go about choosing the tenant?
- How do you tackle rent arrears?
- Can I get hold of you easily – phone, email, WhatsApp etc?
- Do you have an after hours policy?
- Healthy Homes and compliance – do you know your stuff?
- Are there any fees during the management of the property?
- Is online account access part of the deal?
- Do you have some happy clients who’ll vouch for you?
Communication:
You should hear from your property manager regularly, at the very least, every month with your rental statement and every three months in line with your regular inspections. Communication could also come in the form of phone calls, rent updates, maintenance requests or any rental-related news we might have to share.
Feeling comfortable talking to your property manager and having regular communication helps build a great relationship so we understand your wishes and goals in managing your property.
Regular Inspections:
Inspections serve multiple purposes:
- Checking in with tenants to maintain a healthy relationship.
- Identifying damages or maintenance needs promptly.
- Fulfilling insurance requirements for inspections every three months, documented with
photos.
Maintenance:
Every property needs regular maintenance, and a proactive property manager will guide you on what needs to be done. This could include things like annual gutter cleaning, house washing or suggesting small renovations such as painting a room or replacing old carpet to maintain or increase your property’s value.
A good property manager should have trusted and cost-effective maintenance contacts, ensuring you get fair prices and quick action.
Annual Rent Reviews:
Rent reviews should happen annually, looking at the current market conditions and taking into consideration your plans and the relationship with the existing tenant. A good property manager understands your tenants and your property, making the right recommendations on rent increases, if any.
So how do you make the change to Haven Home Rentals?
Switching to us is as easy as 1, 2, 3:
- Contact Haven Home Rentals
- Fill out our Management Agreement
- Email your current Property Manager to say you’re switching and we’ll handle the
changeover with your current property manager on your behalf.