Page not found – JMW Group https://windermere-pm.com Windermere Property Management Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:43:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Landlord Liability Issues https://windermere-pm.com/2022/04/07/landlord-liability-issues https://windermere-pm.com/2022/04/07/landlord-liability-issues#respond Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:43:36 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=3445 The idea of being a property owner and generating passive income from rentals can be alluring and when properly managed lucrative.  At the same time, there are a number of responsibilities that come with being a landlord and it is important that you are both aware of them and attending to them. Here are some […]

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The idea of being a property owner and generating passive income from rentals can be alluring and when properly managed lucrative.  At the same time, there are a number of responsibilities that come with being a landlord and it is important that you are both aware of them and attending to them. Here are some things for you to consider. We have put them into two basic categories for you – Life Safety and Preventative maintenance.

Life-safety- As a property owner it’s both your job and legal responsibility to make sure your tenants are safe in their new home. Here are a few things you must check before they move in and that you want to inspect with some regularity as you can be liable for any and all of them.

·        Primary electric – Be sure all electrical systems, circuits, and outlets are in good working order, compliant with building codes, and that your tenant knows where breakers, boxes, and emergency shutoffs are located.

·        Handrails- Check all railings and handrails to be sure they are solid, fully functional, and well anchored to the floors, stairs, patios or porches.

·        Trip hazards – This may seem obvious but be sure that you don’t have mismatched floor levels, broken concrete or walkways, or anything that could pose a tripping hazard.

·        Appliances – Perform a check to be sure all burners are working on the stove, the oven works, the freezer and fridge are in good working order, and if there are fans or AC that all are working properly.

·        Security – If you have an alarm system be sure the monitoring is set up and working and that the system itself is in good working order.

·        Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors etc. – This is simple.  Whenever you get a new tenant, change the batteries in all of the detectors.  That way you know that everything will be in good working order.

·        Foundation – This is more for your benefit and the point is to inspect the foundation of your property to be sure that the home or structures are not settling and causing cracks in the foundation.  This is where water can get in and that is always a big problem.

Regular inspections are a good way to stay on top of these things and all leases provide for the landlord to inspect his/her property on a regular basis.

 

Preventative maintenance– Here we have two basic categories.  Planned and unplanned maintenance. Planned maintenance should include things like:

·        Trimming trees and shrubs to be sure they don’t encroach on walkways, sidewalks, obscure windows, of hang over the roof.

·        Checking and maintaining any fences.

·        Keeping the outside painted or stained

·        Maintaining the yard – some landlords prefer to have a rental amount sufficient to cover yard maintenance while others leave it up to their tenants.  In that case you need to provide the equipment for them to do so.

Unplanned maintenance –  there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to handling unexpected maintenance repairs. It’s a good idea to have a separate bank account set aside for when unexpected maintenance pops up. Experts typically suggest having at least three to six months of a property’s expenses in the bank. A great idea is to decide on a fixed amount of the monthly rent you collect to set aside for maintenance.

Another great idea is to keep a log of what, when, and how maintenance work was done on the property so you can be aware of when things might need redoing and how much that will cost. Preventative maintenance work is always less expensive than emergency repairs. This is especially true of plumbing and roofs.  Leaking roofs can cause tremendous damage and everyone knows what happens when a pipe leaks, a drain backs up, or a fitting comes loose!

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A Landlord’s Spring Cleaning To-Do List https://windermere-pm.com/2021/04/09/a-landlords-spring-cleaning-to-do-list https://windermere-pm.com/2021/04/09/a-landlords-spring-cleaning-to-do-list#respond Fri, 09 Apr 2021 08:00:28 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/2021/04/06/spring-cleaning-for-your-rental-property-a-quick-guide-to-your-spring-inspection-copy   Spring Cleaning your Rental Property Some things to remember for your Spring inspection of your Rental. The sun is shining a little longer after you get home these days, and you’re starting to notice those cobwebs you didn’t see all winter, and that the closet has really gotten away from you. It’s time to […]

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Spring Cleaning your Rental Property

Some things to remember for your Spring inspection of your Rental.

The sun is shining a little longer after you get home these days, and you’re starting to notice those cobwebs you didn’t see all winter, and that the closet has really gotten away from you. It’s time to binge Marie Kondo & get some Spring cleaning done.

But don’t forget your rental property. When you’ve tackled your own projects, make sure to get to your rental and inspect the damages of Winter.

Give your tenants 2 days’ notice, and inspect the property, don’t forget these three things to look for.

 

Inside

Filters:

Unless you know what you’re doing, send out an HVAC company to check on the furnace filters and ventilation systems in your house. It’s an important step to reduce dust and build up and prevent fires. Don’t forget your AC units, make sure to change the filter & spray the outside of the condenser with a hose (not a pressure washer).

Vents:

Put a piece of toilet paper to all your fans and vents to make sure they’re working properly.

Drains:

While you’re at it, inspect your washer and dryers and sinks and all things that drain.

Check the walls and floors for signs of leakage or build up in the utility room or wherever you store the washer/dryer.

Run the water in sinks and tubs/showers for 30 seconds to a full minute, make sure they’re draining properly. Check your dishwasher drain and make sure it’s free of debris.

 

Outside

Look Down:

Make a day of it with your green thumb, or send a professional out to clear the debris, refresh the top soil, rake the lingering leaves, and tear up those weeds and dead plants that aren’t coming back. Scrub the moss away from your patio and driveway, that will be a slip hazard in the rain.

Look Up:

Don’t forget the gutters! Clogged gutters will cause water to seep into your basement, especially if you have any windows below the ground level.

Getting help:

The earlier the better, you’ll want to get that professional scheduled earlier rather than later as their scheduled tend to fill up fast this time of year.

Landscapers pricing will depend on the size of the yard/garden area and the amount of work it needs. Expect to meet with them for a quote before they start work, or ask if you can send them photos for an estimate.

 

Mold

Inspect for mold that your tenants might not notice.

Check your crawl space to make sure that the plastic sheet is still covering the dirt and that there aren’t any leaks or wet marks. If your pipes typically freeze, or froze this winter, examine those while you’re at it.

Examine the window sills and tracks for any sign of mold – this is usually a tenant responsibility to clean but check your lease before asking them to tend to it.

Open and smell the washer – have the tenants run a cleaning cycle with a little bleach to get rid of any mildew smell.

Make sure to peak under the sinks and around toilets and faucets to leaking pipes, new and serious water damage. Water damage under the sink is normal wear and tear, but anything more severe could point to a larger problem that needs to be addressed.

 

What else do you look for when you annually inspect your investment? Do you have any other spring cleaning tips? Let us know in the comments section!

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Timing the Rental Market https://windermere-pm.com/2021/03/26/timing-the-rental-market-3 https://windermere-pm.com/2021/03/26/timing-the-rental-market-3#respond Fri, 26 Mar 2021 08:00:08 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=3033 When you are ready to put your rental on the market, knowing when to start marketing it is crucial to finding great long-term tenants. Poor timing could put you at risk for an extended vacancy and having your listing become ‘stale’, so read on to find best practices to time your rental right for your […]

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When you are ready to put your rental on the market, knowing when to start marketing it is crucial to finding great long-term tenants. Poor timing could put you at risk for an extended vacancy and having your listing become ‘stale’, so read on to find best practices to time your rental right for your next tenants.

By pricing a property correctly and understanding both the monthly and yearly rental cycles, you have your best chance to reduce your vacancy and increase profits.

 

Timing for the Monthly Cycle

Tenants rarely move out until they have somewhere to move-in. Depending on where your investment is, this cycle will shift, but you can expect tenants to be looking for a new place right before they must give notice to their current landlord.

For example:

In the Seattle market, tenants that are leaving a month-to-month rental are required to give notice to their landlord 20 days before the end of the lease term.  This is usually around the 10th of a month. This means there is a predictable drop-off of leasing activity each month around the 10th.  So- the prime marketing period for May 1st move-in, for instance, will be from March 20th through April 10th.

Activity will quickly die down after the 10th. Landlords should therefore try and have their property listed on the market, in as many places as possible about 6 weeks prior to their desired move-in date, so by around the 15th-20th of May for July 1st.  And they should adjust price based on results to find the market by the first week of [June, in this example], ensuring it’s rented by the 10th at the latest.

 

Timing the Yearly Cycle

The summer months are typically the “hot market” when investors can see an average 10% higher rent prices than what they could expect rents to be if rented in the depths of winter.

We see about 75% of the entire year’s leasing activity transpire in June, July, and August, with September 1st being normally the busiest move-in date of the year. But then the market dramatically slows in the fall.

If you priced too high in May and didn’t get it rented, the market may come up to that price in June. But if you priced too high in September, you might benefit from dropping the price quickly to get ahead of the downward curve that’s coming during the fall months.

 

Timing the Term End Date

Use the start time as a way to schedule your end date. Set your leases to end in May, June, or July (regardless of whether that means a 6, 9, or, 18-month initial term to get on a summer rental cycle).

This sets you up for future lease negotiations when market conditions are optimal, both with renewing and new tenants.

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Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit to your Home https://windermere-pm.com/2021/03/12/adding-an-accessory-dwelling-unit-to-your-home https://windermere-pm.com/2021/03/12/adding-an-accessory-dwelling-unit-to-your-home#respond Fri, 12 Mar 2021 08:00:14 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=3015 For those homeowners who may not have the capital to buy another property at the moment, but are looking for an opportunity for extra income, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) might be a good option. But what is that, and how do you add one to your property? We’re here to help answer your questions! […]

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For those homeowners who may not have the capital to buy another property at the moment, but are looking for an opportunity for extra income, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) might be a good option. But what is that, and how do you add one to your property? We’re here to help answer your questions!

 

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An ADU is a space on a property that already has a building where someone can live without sharing amenities with the other residents. They are typically found in a home’s basement, above the garage, or in a separate building on the same property, which are called Detached Accessory Dwelling Units for DADUs.

The key to identifying an ADU is whether the space is separate enough from the main property to allow a resident of that space relative privacy. This means that unit usually has its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. While the ADU may share a wall or yard with the main house, the idea is that the tenant can expect quiet enjoyment of their space without having to talk to the landlord all the time.

 

How do you add an ADU?

Adding an ADU to your property can be quite the task depending on your current set up. These questions will help you identify if your property already has the space for an ADU:

  • Do you have any extra space where you could clear out your belongings? Potentially a basement or garage space? You might already have a good-sized shed, or enough lawn space to build one.
  • Does that space have enough square footage for a relatively spacious living arrangement, including bathroom and kitchen?
  • Does that space offer an opportunity for its own entrance?
  • Does it have, or can you add egress?
  • What other requirements does an ADU have in my area? Are these feasible here?

If you answered yes or had a feasible answer to those questions, it’s time to figure out what all needs to happen to make sure the space is ready for a resident.

 

Next Steps:

Start putting together a plan to figure out what all needs to be added or taken away to be a reasonable living space. You might need to add a kitchen, or at least kitchenette, and maybe a bathroom.

Check your area’s permitting and requirements as you may need to add walls or windows. You also need to determine where the best place for the entrance is.

Start to map out the space and contact an insured contractor to help you manage the project.

 

When you’re ready for a tenant:

Talk to a local experienced property manager to help you search for and manage the space as a rental to increase your earnings by shortening vacancy time and handling rent collection, utilities, and maintenance issues.

 

If you’re in Seattle, our blog about recent legislation might be useful to you. Otherwise, we recommend talking with a local property manager, or looking up ADU programs online.

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Service Animals in Rentals https://windermere-pm.com/2021/02/26/service-animals-in-rentals https://windermere-pm.com/2021/02/26/service-animals-in-rentals#respond Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:00:19 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=2253   Is it a pet or service animal? There’s a difference!   If your recent tenant applicant told you they have a service animal, you’d likely looked into what that means, especially if they didn’t have an obvious need. According to HUD, Service animals and Emotional Support Animals (E.S.A.’s) are not pets, they are working […]

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Is it a pet or service animal? There’s a difference!

 

If your recent tenant applicant told you they have a service animal, you’d likely looked into what that means, especially if they didn’t have an obvious need.

According to HUD, Service animals and Emotional Support Animals (E.S.A.’s) are not pets, they are working animals who have a purpose with their human owner.  Tenants who have them are protected by these HUD laws. Much like you wouldn’t ask someone what their prescription is for, you can’t ask the tenant what they suffer from that requires an animal. Here’s how to handle service animals versus pets:

Service animals don’t need to be certified.

But there should be some other form of proof like a note from a doctor. However, if the disability is obvious then that’s all the proof you need; i.e. If they are blind and have a seeing eye dog, this shouldn’t even be a conversation. However, if the disability isn’t obvious you may ask for documentation.

If they don’t have verification of the animal’s status, then it is considered a pet, and you can charge a pet deposit and pet rent. But with a note or certification you cannot charge anything for the animal

 

Service animals come in all shapes and sizes.

You might have heard about the United Airlines scandal when they didn’t let a Service Peacock on the plane – That was a violation of the A.D.A. laws.  Keep this in mind when someone says their snake is a service animal. Also, keep it in mind when they say their Pit Bull is a service animal. You cannot judge for yourself whether an animal is or isn’t qualified, but you must instead rely upon the documentation.

 

What you can do:

As landlords, you are able to ask for documentation in a professional manner. Something along the lines of “Please include the certification of your service animal or E.S.A. with your application,” is an appropriate way to ask the tenants to prove the need for the animal. This certification might also come in the form of a letter from their doctor or therapist as a prescription. This is another acceptable document that you can use to prove the need for the animal without asking the tenant what they need the animal for, which is prohibited.

Now, this begs the question: what if their animal causes damage at the rental property or a nuisance?

The answer: you may hold the tenant liable per the terms of their lease. Use the tenant’s security deposit to fix any damage to the unit as you would with any other tenant.

 

Always work according to your local and state laws regarding discrimination. We are a firm based in King & Snohomish Counties of Washington State and are constantly watching the pertinent laws in our market to better understand how to work with people with disabilities, and how to keep landlords in compliance.

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Three Questions to Ask in an Interview with a Property Manager https://windermere-pm.com/2021/02/12/three-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview-with-a-property-manager https://windermere-pm.com/2021/02/12/three-questions-to-ask-in-an-interview-with-a-property-manager#respond Fri, 12 Feb 2021 08:00:45 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=2969 Your investment property is likely the largest investment in your portfolio. It’s one that requires diligence and time, as well as great communication when dealing with the tenants. You may have noticed that your rental is taking up more time than what you have, or would like to spend on it, but it’s a valuable […]

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Your investment property is likely the largest investment in your portfolio. It’s one that requires diligence and time, as well as great communication when dealing with the tenants. You may have noticed that your rental is taking up more time than what you have, or would like to spend on it, but it’s a valuable asset you don’t want to rid of especially in the middle of a pandemic. If you’re looking for a property manager to take over the leasing and management of the property, here are three questions you should ask when you’re interviewing them:

 

1.How many properties do you currently manage?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it will give you an idea of their capacity to handle your property. If they have a fairly large number, follow up by asking about their processes to keep all the properties taken care of.

They should act like a well-oiled machine and know how they manage their properties, either with technology or some other system. You want to make sure your property won’t be forgotten, knowing how they manage their portfolio is a great way to learn more about their efficiency.

 

2.How many years have you been a property manager? Including managing your own properties?

A property manager who has multiple years of experience is an asset to your investment. That doesn’t mean you should rule out a new agent.

If they are new to the industry, follow up with questions about their experience, and their support system as they learn the business. They should have a designated broker or managing broker who is well versed and willing to mentor them as they learn the ropes.

 

3.How often can I expect to hear from you regarding my property?

The answer to this depends on how often you’d like to hear about your property. If you’re hoping to be more hands off, you might expect a call every 6-8 months as well as whenever the tenants turn over. If you’d like to be more involved, you might want to hear from them more often. Have an idea in your head what the ideal communication would be for you and see if the property manager agrees with you. If they have another schedule, ask them what to expect when they communicate with you and what each touch base might cover.

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Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Real Estate https://windermere-pm.com/2021/01/29/rookie-mistakes-to-avoid-when-investing-in-real-estate https://windermere-pm.com/2021/01/29/rookie-mistakes-to-avoid-when-investing-in-real-estate#respond Fri, 29 Jan 2021 08:00:20 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=2941 Investors looking to manage a rental property with long term tenants must make the condition of the property their priority. Below is a simple to-do list. It’s easy to let these tasks slide, but that would be a mistake. Too many investors learn the hard way. You don’t have to. Mistake #1: Not having a […]

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Image Source: Canva

Investors looking to manage a rental property with long term tenants must make the condition of the property their priority. Below is a simple to-do list. It’s easy to let these tasks slide, but that would be a mistake. Too many investors learn the hard way. You don’t have to.

Mistake #1: Not having a savings account for emergencies and repairs

You never know when something will come up, and having a budget for repairs will help you when it does. Consider setting aside some portion of the rent in an account for repairs so you can slowly build a safety net. That way, you are prepared for a large emergency in the future.

Remember, your tenant’s security deposit is not for repairs while the tenants live there; it is for after they move out. You should set up another account, separate from their security deposit, to make sure you don’t mix funds and put their deposit at risk.

Remember to set aside money for an emergency and keep track of all the warranties you have in the unit. Save scanned documents in one place, so it’s easy to access them. Set reminders in your calendar app when warranties expire; this will help you plan for maintenance on your appliances or anything you’ve installed in your rental.

 

Mistake #2: Not recording the condition of the unit at move-in

The move-in condition report is a critical step to protect your rental from excessive damage. Take photos and detailed notes with the tenants when they move into your rental so you can inspect and document damage at the end of their lease.

While each tenant is allowed normal wear and tear, some damages will likely be their responsibility. Clear and detailed notes from move-in will be essential as you determine which repairs are your responsibility or the tenant’s security deposit.

Walking through the property with the tenants is also an excellent opportunity to help them understand the unit’s quirks if there are any. Show them how to use the thermostat or how to reset the garbage disposal. These little tips will empower your tenants to feel even more comfortable in your home and trust you as questions and issues arise.

 

Mistake #3: Not making yearly inspections of the property to check on it’s condition

Every landlord should know their rental property inside and out. Schedule a yearly inspection to see if any repairs are needed.

Check on things that tenants might miss, especially crawl spaces, exterior damage, windows, and appliances. The tenant could easily miss a hole made by a rodent or a slow leak that wasn’t there before.

These guidelines will give you peace of mind knowing that the tenants are taking care of your house and a better idea of what repairs are needed sooner rather than later.

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Painting Your Rental https://windermere-pm.com/2021/01/15/painting-your-rental https://windermere-pm.com/2021/01/15/painting-your-rental#respond Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:00:17 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=2903 How Often Should You Re-Paint? The short answer is: every three to five years. The long answer is: it depends on the wear and tear on your walls. This is where regular inspections of your home will help you plan for your future. Consider checking in on the condition of your rental at least once […]

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How Often Should You Re-Paint?

The short answer is: every three to five years.

The long answer is: it depends on the wear and tear on your walls. This is where regular inspections of your home will help you plan for your future. Consider checking in on the condition of your rental at least once a year, if not every 6 months, so you can determine if there are any items that need to be addressed, including the walls.

Of course, paint is much easier in an empty place, so re-painting will likely happen between tenants. By recognizing the lifestyle of your tenants, especially if they’ve hung anything up on the walls while they’ve lived there, as well as how long they lived in your rental, you will be able to predict whether you will need to paint when they decide to leave.

Remember, normal wear and tear will be a key factor in determining if you should charge the tenants for the paint, or if it’s your responsibility. For example, if your lease says they cannot mount a TV, but they did, that will be something they have to pay for at lease that wall. But if there are normal scratches and dirt, or they lived there for 3-5 years, that will be the landlord’s responsibility.

 

What Colors Should You Use?

In order to attract the most potential occupants, stick to neutral colors.

A neutral wall will let the tenant decorate how he or she likes, letting their inspiration draw from their style, rather than a colorful wall.

If you have a smaller space, consider white walls to make the rooms feel brighter, and therefore, bigger. As the light bounces off the walls, it will give the space an airier feel, even if it is a small room.

Do not paint your home based on the latest trends. Trends are passing, but you are hoping your tenants stay for a few years. Give them a timeless space in which they can grow.

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Avoiding Fraudulent Rental Listings https://windermere-pm.com/2020/12/04/fraudulent-rental-listings https://windermere-pm.com/2020/12/04/fraudulent-rental-listings#respond Fri, 04 Dec 2020 09:00:38 +0000 https://windermere-pm.withwre.com/?p=841 With every great new tool available to the public, there’s always someone out there who takes advantage of it and these days, it seems scammers area all over the place. While looking for a new place to live, or for someone to manage your property, using internet search engines and email can be difficult to […]

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A woman looks up rental listings on her tablet

Image Source: Canva

With every great new tool available to the public, there’s always someone out there who takes advantage of it and these days, it seems scammers area all over the place. While looking for a new place to live, or for someone to manage your property, using internet search engines and email can be difficult to notice a scammer when you first come across them. It’s important to know what to look for and how to avoid it.

This linked survey is worthwhile reading for both renters and landlords.  It points out various types of scams prevalent in the rental market, and ways renters can combat them.

If you’ve ever been scammed, you’re not alone.

It’s so common that this study found about 5.2 million U.S. renters have lost money from rental fraud. About 43 percent of renters have come across a listing they suspected was fake.

What’s worse is when people lose money to a scam.

This study found that 6.4 percent of the population has lost some money on fraud.

The money loss is usually a big blow to the bank account. Of those who lost money, 1 in 3 lost $1,000 or more. This is because the fraudulent listings typically ask for around one month’s rent upfront. Those who lost less likely paid the fake landlord directly for the application or background check. These things feel legit to a lot of renters, especially first timers who have only heard of what to expect, and never actually seen it in action.

When handing money over for first month’s rent or a deposit, renters should have a signed lease beforehand, and never wire money to anyone. Legitimate businesses will accept check or cashier’s check and will understand when renters don’t want to give out bank information.

But, there’s good news as those scorned tend to learn their lesson, as 88 percent of those who have lost money change the way they searched for rentals.

Avoid getting scammed and losing money.

To avoid getting scammed, renters can use their adjusted search process as their normal one. It’s always a good idea to check other sites to see if the same listing with the same information is there. Also, renters should meet the landlord at the advertised unit before applying or giving any money for a deposit or first month’s rent.

This goes for landlords, too.

As a property owner looking for a manager, it’s always good to check references, and that includes listings with their name on it. If they seem to be conducting business in a professional manner that’s not sketchy, it’ll be obvious the listing is in good hands. Never give a property manager money before signing an agreement. With that, typical property managers won’t ask to be paid until after the unit is rented.

Use the services of a reputable property management firm.

This will allow renters and landlords peace of mind that they’ll know who they’re dealing with. Always look for something in the ad that says “Listed by <firm name>” to know who you’d be working with for that property. You’ll always see “Listed by JMW Group | Windermere Property Management” in our listings.

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Hosting at Your Rental Amid COVID-19 this Holiday Season https://windermere-pm.com/2020/11/20/hosting-at-your-rental-amid-covid-19-this-holiday-season https://windermere-pm.com/2020/11/20/hosting-at-your-rental-amid-covid-19-this-holiday-season#respond Fri, 20 Nov 2020 09:00:54 +0000 https://windermere-pm.com/?p=2825     We by no means encourage hosting anyone for the holidays this year. This blog is meant to offer suggest ways to stay safe and healthy this holiday season amid what appears to be a third wave of COVID-19. Maybe you have family coming into town or maybe you’re the family going to visit […]

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4 family members, 2 little girls and their parents, are eating holiday dinner with blurred holiday decorations in the background.

Image Source: CANVA

 

 

We by no means encourage hosting anyone for the holidays this year. This blog is meant to offer suggest ways to stay safe and healthy this holiday season amid what appears to be a third wave of COVID-19.

Maybe you have family coming into town or maybe you’re the family going to visit for the Holidays.

Keep your family safe and healthy with this guide. We’re thinking outside the box for you so you can think about what really matters, the food and the beverages.

If the host lives in a rental property, here are some items to think about before setting up the pull-out couch.

 

Check the lease for what it says about guests.

Do you have to get permission from the landlord for the stay? Check the lease rules for minimums and maximums for how long someone can stay at the property.

This is important to make sure you are not in breach of your contract. It’s likely your landlord just wants to know who is in the house at what time. They’ll typically be understanding that it’s the holidays that guests are a normal part of that.

 

Keep the guest list small.

Health officials in Washington are suggesting you keep the gatherings to less than 5 people. If family are coming in from out of state, they will likely have to quarantine for 14 days, but before you meet up with anyone you haven’t seen in a while, be sure everyone is taking those 2 weeks to make sure they’re not sick. Of course, the best option is to stick to your COVID “Pod” this year.

Connect with vulnerable family and friends virtually by adding a tripod with a video call for those who can’t make it. Swap food or recipes so you can eat the same meal together, or order takeout from the same place.

 

Get the property in shape for guests.

Don’t forget to handle anything that’s the tenant’s responsibility for keeping the property in good condition & most importantly, safe.

Things like cleaning up the moss and de-icing the walkways will keep you and your guests safe, especially if they’re walking up with luggage or worse – their famous casserole.

If there is something you notice that is the landlord’s responsibility, give them time to fix it before your guests arrive. Recently, finding handymen has been harder than normal, and the ones that are still working are booked far out, so allowing that extra time is more important than ever.

Check that the oven is working properly, that your dryer is drying, and that your heat is on. Don’t forget the fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

 

Clean and disinfect.

Replace your furnace filter and your air purifier filter, make sure to vacuum corners and get all the cobwebs. It’s still allergy season, and no one needs an extra running nose with a pandemic looming over us.

Bleach your towels and bed sheets, stock up on laundry detergent for all the laundry loads and clean the carpets with a pet enzyme to clear it out of any pests and dander.

Then tackle the fridge to make room for leftovers and wipe out that oven to avoid smoke and fire.

Finally, disinfect high traffic touch points, like door handles and door trim. Place hand sanitizer in strategic spots, like by the front door. Consider putting up a poem or something to read for 40 seconds in your bathroom to encourage good handwashing.

 

The Seattle Times has a great article about How to Have a Safer Thanksgiving in the Time of COVID-19 if you’re looking for more tips on holiday gatherings and food this year.

The post Hosting at Your Rental Amid COVID-19 this Holiday Season appeared first on JMW Group.

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