Residencial Property Management Services
The most pertinent tasks below, are the focus of MACC Residencial.
Managing Day-to-Day Affairs
At a basic level, expect the MACC Residencial runs the properties day-to-day affairs.
No matter the type or size of the commercial property, the following list includes MACC Residencial property manager’s daily activities:
- Handle tenant requests, complaints, or emergencies
- Oversee maintenance, installations, and expansions
- Ensure the fulfillment of lease agreements
- Public representative of your company and brand
- Compose budgets and recommendations
The property manager’s job is to keep you fully abreast of everything in or around your property. On the other hand, they should not come to you with every issue. That’s why you hired a property manager, right?
A professional property management company can determine when to include the owner. And, as the owner, you have the option to be involved as much as you’d prefer. A good property manager knows when to bring something to your attention and when to take care of the matter themselves.
Tenant Management
Your property management company should also be well-versed in tenant management. Tenants leasing or renting your real estate should be your highest priority, and your rental property manager should reflect your values.
First and foremost, the property management company may be charged with acquiring new tenants (and subsequently helping them settle in). As such, you may insist on a professional property management staff with licensed REALTORS®. Some property management companies will also market your property; however, that’s not necessarily an essential service. At the very least, the rental property manager should be able to talk to prospects, and show the interested parties around the property or inside vacant units; they can also handle all of the paperwork involved and address any concerns that future tenants might have.
Unfortunately, property manager companies may also be responsible for starting an eviction process. Overall, these are most commonly the tasks involved with tenant management:
- · Market to prospective tenants to fill vacancies
- · Show prospective tenants the vacant units and the property
- · Screen and interview tenants
- · Manage leases, from conception to execution
- · Set rent and security deposit amount
- · Collect security deposits and monthly rent/lease
- · Administrate tenant requests, complaints, or emergencies
- · Delicately handle evictions
Management of Property’s Interior and Exterior
A property management company is also expected to manage the property’s interior and exterior maintenance. Such tasks usually require the manager to:
- · Perform frequent inspections
- · Initiate preventive property maintenance
- · Repair any issues or hire a professional to fix the issue
New technology platforms have increasingly assisted in maintaining (and growing) the tenant relationship. As such, user-friendly software that allows tenants access to their accounts and documentation can go a long way in satisfying your tenants. When seeking a property management company for your real estate, choose the one who can enhance the tenant experience with technology.
Management of Property Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance and repairs are another focus of the property management company you choose. Seasonal changes can pose a unique set of challenges, and different types of properties require different types of care. Such tasks usually require the manager to:
- · Display expertise in their property type
- · Conduct frequent inspections of the property’s interior and exterior
- · Perform seasonal maintenance
- · Initiate preventive property maintenance
- · Manage resources and contract negotiation
- · Repair any issues or hire a professional to fix the issue
- · Enforce safety training and standards
When it comes down to property maintenance, relationships could hold the key to timely repairs and renovations. That’s why you should choose a property management company with reliable contacts with local companies that can mitigate issues as they arise. Quick response time and competitive pricing from contractors will also assist in ensuring profitability.
Rent Responsibilities
Rent management is one of the primary duties expected from any property manager companies. While it may seem simple, it’s quite an arduous task that requires the property manager to:
- · Collect rent on time
- · Strictly enforce late fees
- · Adjust the rent amount when necessary
- · Maintain accurate accounting data and records
As mentioned above, one way to streamline rent collections is with the help of software. While each property management company has its specific methodology, choosing one supported by a rich tech platform will increase your bottom line.
What do property management companies do?
Here is a quick rundown of tasks you should expect from a property management company:
- Tenant Screening Ensure tenant quality
- Rent Collection Arrange timely and consistent payments
- Property Maintenance Reduce the risk of costly repairs and preserve its value
- Inspections Ensure the property is well-maintained
- Handling Tenant Concerns Address maintenance requests and resolve disputes
- Marketing and Advertising Attract potential tenants to minimize vacancy periods
- Lease Management Draft lease agreements, renewals, and terminations, and enforce of lease terms
- Financial Reporting Better financial management and planning to maximize returns
- Legal Compliance Conform to all relevant laws and regulations
- Eviction Procedures Handle the eviction process in case of non-payment or lease violations
1. Tenant Screening
Property management companies screen potential tenants by conducting background checks, and credit checks, and verifying employment and rental history to ensure reliable tenants. These are some of the processes involved in tenant screening:
- o Credit Check – Review the applicant’s credit report and score to assess their financial responsibility and ability to pay rent on time.
- o Income Verification – Confirm the applicant’s income source(s) and that their monthly income is at least 3 times the monthly rent.
- o Employment History – Look for stability in their current and previous jobs, which can indicate reliability.
- o Rental History – Check references from prior landlords about their payment history, property care, and whether they gave proper notice when vacating.
- o Criminal Background Check – Screen for any criminal convictions that could pose a safety risk or make them an undesirable tenant.
- o Eviction Records – Avoid applicants who have been previously evicted, as it signals potential problems.
- o In-Person Interview – Meet face-to-face to evaluate personality fit and discuss expectations/rules upfront.
- o Pet Policies – If allowing pets, screen for acceptable types/breeds and require pet deposits/rent.
- o Number of Occupants – Ensure you comply with occupancy standards based on rental unit size.
2. Rent Collection
Property managers handle the collection of rent payments from tenants, ensuring timely and consistent payments. Here are some of the tasks related to rent collection:
- · Set Up Online Rent Payment System – Provide tenants with a convenient way to pay rent electronically.
- · Send Rent Reminders – Proactively notify tenants when rent is coming due to avoid late payments.
- · Keep Detailed Records – Meticulously log and account for all rent payments received.
- · Pursue Delinquent Payments – Follow up promptly on any missed rent payments with notices and enforcement.
- · Assess Late Fees Fairly – Ensure late fees comply with state/local laws and are applied consistently.
- · Enforce Late Fees – Clearly communicate the late fee policy and consistently apply fees for overdue payments.
- · Issue Payment Receipts – Provide tenants with documentation confirming their rent payments.
- · Deposit Rent Promptly – Don’t hold onto rent payments; deposit them into the property owner’s account quickly.
- · Comply with Security Deposit Laws – Properly handle, account for, and refund security deposits per regulations.
- · Report to Owner Regularly – Give the owner periodic statements showing rent collected and any delinquencies.
3. Property Maintenance
Property management companies oversee regular maintenance and repairs of the rental property, ensuring it remains in good condition and addressing any issues promptly.
- · Routine Inspections – Conduct regular interior/exterior inspections to identify maintenance needs.
- · 24/7 Emergency Response – Provide tenants with an emergency hotline for urgent repair requests.
- · Landscaping Oversight – Coordinate regular lawn care, trimming, seasonal cleanup as needed.
- · Preventative Maintenance – Schedule regular servicing for systems like HVAC to prevent breakdowns.
- · Oversee Repairs/Renovations – Coordinate and oversee any necessary repairs or renovation projects.
- · Vendor Management – Maintain a network of trusted, licensed contractors for various maintenance tasks.
- · Maintain Detailed Records – Thoroughly document all maintenance requests, work orders, and contractor invoices.
- · Manage Maintenance Reserves – Budget for and fund reserves to cover major repairs or replacements.
- · Enforce Property Rules – Ensure tenants follow rules related to property upkeep and report violations.
- · Comply with Safety Standards – Ensure all systems and the property overall meets safety codes.
- · Turnover Unit Prep – Handle cleaning, repairs, and getting units rent-ready between tenants.
4. Inspections
Regular inspections of the property are conducted to ensure that it is being properly maintained and to identify any potential issues early on.
- · Move-In/Move-Out Inspections – Document unit condition before new tenant moves in and after they move out.
- · Routine Interior Inspections – Perform scheduled inspections of occupied units on a regular basis (quarterly, annually, etc.)
- · Exterior Property Inspections – Inspect outdoor areas, parking lots, landscaping, etc. routinely.
- · Preventative Maintenance Checks – Inspect HVAC systems, appliances, plumbing, electrical, etc. to identify potential issues.
- · Lease Violation Monitoring – Look for any unauthorized renovations, unreported damage, unauthorized occupants, etc.
- · Tenant Communication – Provide advance notice to tenants about upcoming inspections per laws/lease terms.
- · Detailed Documentation – Use consistent inspection checklists and file reports with photos/videos.
- · Follow-Up Enforcement – For any violations found, initiate follow-up notices and enforcement actions.
- · Tenant Education – Explain proper maintenance responsibilities and housekeeping standards to tenants.
- · Life-Safety Inspections – Ensure all fire protection, safety, and security systems are functioning properly.
- · Code Compliance – Verify property and units meet all applicable building/housing codes.
- · Vendor Oversight – Monitor quality and ensure accountability when contractors perform inspections.
5. Handling Tenant Concerns
Property managers act as the point of contact for tenants, addressing their concerns, handling maintenance requests, and resolving disputes.
- · Clear Communication Channels – Provide tenants with methods to easily submit requests/complaints via phone, email, portal, etc.
- · Prompt Response Times – Set standards for acknowledging tenant concerns within a reasonable timeframe (24-48 hours).
- · Provide Repair ETAs – Set clear expectations on timeframes for completing requested repairs.
- · Maintain Transparency – Keep tenants informed on the status/progress of their concerns.
- · Documented Tracking System – Log all tenant inquiries and follow-up actions in a centralized system.
- · Empathetic Listening – Take the time to understand tenants’ issues and respond with empathy.
- · Fair Conflict Resolution – Act as an impartial mediator when disputes arise between tenants or with neighbors.
- · Enforce Lease and Rules Consistently – Objectively apply lease terms and community rules across all tenants.
- · Protect Tenant Rights – Ensure tenant rights related to security deposits, habitability, privacy, etc. are upheld.
- · Manage Reasonable Accommodations – Properly handle accommodation requests for disabilities.
6. Marketing and Advertising
Property management companies advertise vacant properties, attract potential tenants, and manage the marketing process to minimize vacancy periods. Here are the primary tasks that a property management company should cover:
- o List Vacancies Online – Utilize rental listing sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, etc. to market available units.
- o Optimize Property Websites – Ensure company and individual property websites are search-optimized.
- o Leverage Social Media – Promote listings and highlight properties on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- o Professional Photography – Invest in high-quality photos that showcase units and amenities.
- o Create Virtual Tours – Offer 3D/360° virtual tours to allow remote viewings of vacant units.
- o Develop Marketing Materials – Design brochures, flyers, and signs highlighting property details and amenities.
- o Host Open Houses – Coordinate open house events to allow prospective renters to view units.
- o Manage Online Reputation – Monitor and respond to reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and ApartmentRatings.
- o Offer Incentives/Specials – Promote rent concessions, move-in specials to attract new tenants.
- o Target Local Advertising – Use direct mail or local publications to market to nearby areas.
- o Conversion Tracking – Implement tracking to measure lead sources and ad effectiveness.
- o Stay Current on Market – Continuously analyze rental comparisons to price units competitively.
7. Lease Management
Property management companies handle lease agreements, including drafting, renewals, terminations, and enforcement of lease terms. Specific tasks should cover:
- o Lease Preparation – Draft comprehensive, legally compliant lease agreements for new tenants.
- o Lease Renewals – Proactively manage the renewal process for existing tenants near their lease expirations.
- o Rent Increases – Analyze market data to implement appropriate rent increases upon renewal per local laws.
- o Move-In/Move-Out Inspections – Conduct thorough unit inspections when tenants move in and move out.
- o Security Deposit Management – Comply with laws on collecting, holding, and returning security deposits.
- o Communicate Lease Changes – Properly notify tenants of any changes to lease terms or community policies.
- o Lease Violation Enforcement – Issue notices and take action for any violations of the lease agreement.
- o Early Termination Procedures – Handle proper procedures if a tenant needs to terminate their lease early.
- o Legal Compliance – Ensure leases and practices conform to all federal, state, and local rental laws.
- o Eviction Coordination – In cases of non-payment or other violations, coordinate the eviction legal process.
- o Record Keeping – Maintain orderly files with executed leases and all associated documentation.
- o Lease Clause Updates – Periodically review and update lease clauses as laws and policies evolve.
8. Financial Reporting
Property management companies provide owners with detailed financial reports, including income and expenses, allowing for better financial management and planning.
- o Monthly Financial Statements – Provide owners with detailed monthly income and expense statements.
- o Rent Roll Tracking – Maintain updated rent rolls showing collected/delinquent rent for each unit.
- o Bill Payment – Pay invoices for property expenses like repairs, utilities, and mortgages from funds collected.
- o Owner Disbursements – Issue periodic disbursements of net income to property owners after expenses.
- o Annual Reporting – Compile yearly financial reports and tax documentation for owners.
- o Banking Reconciliations – Reconcile property bank accounts and income/expenses each month.
- o Accounting Software – Utilize professional-grade property accounting and reporting software.
- o Operating Budgets – Develop annual operating budgets projecting income and expenses.
- o Capital Expense Planning – Track capital expense needs and budget reserve funds accordingly.
- o Accounts Receivable/Payable – Properly manage outstanding balances owed and amounts due to vendors.
- o Customized Reporting – Offer customized reporting and financial analysis based on owner needs.
- o Financial Auditing – Conduct periodic internal audits to verify accuracy of financial data.
- o Investor Reporting – For multi-owner properties, provide tailored investor reports and distributions.
9. Legal Compliance
Property management companies must ensure that the property complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including fair housing laws, building codes, and landlord-tenant laws.
- o Fair Housing Compliance – Ensure all policies and practices adhere to fair housing laws prohibiting discrimination.
- o Landlord-Tenant Law – Stay up-to-date on federal, state, and local landlord-tenant regulations and statutes.
- o Safety and Habitability Standards – Maintain properties that meet all safety and habitability requirements.
- o Security Deposit Handling – Follow laws precisely when collecting, holding, and returning security deposits.
- o Lead/Asbestos Disclosure – Provide required disclosures about presence of lead-based paint or asbestos.
- o Lease Agreement Review – Regularly review lease agreements to conform with any legal changes.
- o Eviction Procedures – Strictly follow legally mandated eviction processes including proper notices.
- o Service Animal/ESA Policies – Comply with reasonable accommodation requirements for assistance animals.
- o Accessibility and Modifications – Allow reasonable unit modifications for residents with disabilities.
- o Screening Criteria Compliance – Ensure tenant screening policies are non-discriminatory.
- o Privacy Law Adherence – Handle tenant data and recordkeeping per relevant privacy laws.
- o Legal Counsel Coordination – Work closely with attorneys on any litigation issues that arise.
- o Staff Training – Provide ongoing legal compliance training for all leasing and management staff.
10. Eviction Procedures
In case of non-payment or lease violations, property management companies handle the eviction process in compliance with local laws.
- o Legal Grounds for Eviction – Ensure there is a valid legal reason such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, etc.
- o Proper Notice Requirements – Follow all state and local laws regarding appropriate notice periods and formats.
- o Accurate Documentation – Maintain detailed records of all rent payments, lease violations, and communications with tenant.
- o Court Filing Process – Properly file eviction lawsuits with the appropriate courts if the tenant does not vacate.
- o Judgment for Possession – Obtain a court order or judgment terminating the tenant’s right to possession.
- o Coordinating Law Enforcement – Work with local law enforcement for legal and peaceful removal if tenant refuses to leave.
- o Fair Housing Compliance – Avoid any discriminatory practices and apply eviction policies consistently.
- o Security Deposit Return – Handle any remaining security deposit refunds properly after accounting for damages.
- o Unit Preparation – Coordinate any repairs, cleaning, re-keying to make unit ready for new tenant.
- o Financial Accounting – Track lost rental income, legal fees, repair costs related to the eviction case.
- o Eviction Prevention – Work with tenants proactively on payment plans if possible to avoid eviction.
- o Staff Training – Ensure staff understands eviction protocols, tenant rights, fair housing laws.
