MANAGEMENT FAQ

MANAGEMENT FAQ


  • Why should I use a property management company?

    Property management is a unique profession. It requires interpersonal skills to communicate, negotiate, and execute agreements, accurate accounting and reporting for legal and tax purposes, thorough knowledge of properties and maintenance issues as well as maintain relations with quality and affordable vendors to keep the properties well maintained and repaired. In addition, it is vital to understand current market conditions in order to get the maximum rent possible. At Peak Residential, Inc., we take care of these things and more providing you with more spare time.

  • Why shouldn’t I manage my property myself?

    Certain owners choose to manage their property themselves and some of them are very successful. With the time involved in collecting rents, arranging repairs and leasing units and handling emergencies, most owners have found that their time is more valuable spent elsewhere. A property management company will have your best interest in mind and make you money on your investment. Other important considerations are the legal aspects of property management, we are well versed in tenant landlord law and stay abreast of the constantly changing Federal and State laws governing them. 

  • What type of properties do you manage?

    We specialize in the management of single-family homes, duplexes, condominiums and small apartment communities.

  • What services do you provide?

    Our services include but not limited to:

    • Rental market analysis

    • Preparation of Vacancies

    • Advertising and marketing

    • Vacancy showing

    • Tenant screening and lease preparation

    • Rent collection

    • Eviction and legal services

    • Maintenance services

    • Property Inspections

    • Bill payment

    • Monthly and Year End Accounting

    • 24-hour emergency service


  • How do you determine the rental rate?

    Rent amounts are determined by finding the “fair market” rent value of comparable properties in the neighborhood. We do extensive research using internet, other management companies and our own expertise to provide the rental rate recommendation to you.

  • What needs to be done to prepare a property for rent?

    The property should be in the best possible condition to attract a quality tenant. Paint should be in good shape with marred or dirty areas touched up, carpets or flooring cleaned, needed repairs fixed, light bulbs replaced, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms installed and checked for operation. The home should be “detailed” clean, and the yard should be maintained until occupied. Download the Move-In Checklist

  • What websites do you use to market the property?

    In addition to our own highly visited website, we post properties to over 100 different websites including Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads, Zumper, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Abodo and many more.

  • When do you show the property?

    If vacant, we typically have open showings of properties Monday thru Saturday.

  • How long will it take to rent the property?

    Unfortunately, we cannot give you an exact time that the property will rent, some properties rent within days while other may take over a month. But we will work diligently to rent the property as quickly as possible while considering our most important objective is to have a quality tenant. 

  • Who is responsible for maintaining the yard?

    Responsibility of lawn care is generally the tenants, but some owners will include this service, especially if it is a large yard or needs extensive care. We can advise you if we think providing lawn care should be included in the rental rate. While the property is vacant you will want to make sure the lawn is being cared for and it looks good since this is the first impression prospective tenants have of your property.

  • Should I allow Pets?

    Statistics indicate that 70% of renters own pets. Restricting pets reduces the number of available qualified residents. We typically market homes as pet’s negotiable with a minimum $500.00 additional security deposit. Certain dog breeds are restricted due to liability and insurance concerns.

  • What about smokers?

    We prohibit smoking inside all our rentals. This does not significantly reduce the marketability of the property.

  • How do you screen prospective tenants?

    We understand the importance of finding responsible and reliable tenants. We require a detailed application from each adult. We will process the application by completing current and previous tenant verifications, income qualification, and credit check. 

  • Do you require tenant to have insurance?

    We do require that all tenants have $100,000.00 in liability insurance and highly recommend that they have renter’s insurance that cover their own belongings.  If the tenants do not have their own liability insurance, we will purchase coverage for the property and charge the tenant $9.50/month

  • What is the Tenant Benefit Package?

    The tenant benefit package is a monthly charge of either $10.00 if the rental home has wall heat & air or $20.00 if the home has central heat & air.  This fee is required to be paid by the tenant and cannot be opt out of.  This fee covers tenant portal and online payment option, utility tracking and billing, insurance compliance, 24/7 maintenance call service, for homes with central heat and air an air filter will be sent to the home every three months. 

  • How long is the Lease?

    Unless otherwise requested by the property owner, our leases are for 1 year. At the end of the initial lease term the contract becomes a month to month tenancy. We will typically contact you 30-60 days prior to the lease expiration to inquire about offering the tenants another one-year lease or keeping them on a month to month agreement, we will also recommend any rent increases that we feel are justified.

  • Who maintains deposits received from tenants?

    Security deposits are received from tenants and maintained by our company in a trust account until the tenant vacates at which time, we deduct any amounts owed by the tenant and refund the balance in accordance with California State Law.

  • When do I pay the monthly management fee?

    If Vacant, the monthly management fee will not start until after we place the first tenant.

  • Can you pay my monthly bills?

    We can pay monthly recurring bills associated with your rental property at no additional cost except for taxes and mortgage payments. These bills may include utility service, pool care, lawn care, association dues, insurance etc. 

  • When can I expect my monthly funds?

    If rent has been paid on time you will typically receive payment between the 3rd and 6th of the month. We can direct deposit funds into a checking or savings account of your choice or send you a check. 

  • Will I receive monthly statements?

    You will receive a monthly owner statement with copies of any bills paid and they will be mailed or emailed to you based on your preference. In addition, you will be able to create a login to be able to visit your owner portal to view any current or past monthly owner statements, bills paid, tenant leases, renewals, and property inspections. 

  • What is the $300.00 owner reserve fee for?

    We maintain a $300.00 balance in each owner’s operating account to cover any expenditures such as repair and maintenance, utility bills, or other costs that may occur prior to receiving the next month’s rental payment. 

  • Do you charge a markup on repair or maintenance issues?

    The handling of repair or maintenance issues is included in the monthly management fee and we do not charge any markup or additional fees for bills submitted by vendors. 

  • Who handles the maintenance and repairs for the property?

    We use reliable, qualified and cost-effective vendors to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs. If the property owner would like to perform work, we will contact them to discuss the issue and offer any assistance we can. 

  • Who pays for maintenance and repairs for my property?

    Our vendors are trained to identify problems caused by normal wear and tear which the property owner pays for versus damage caused by the tenant’s abuse, misuse or neglect which the tenant would be responsible to pay for. 

  • Will you inspect the property?

    Prior to any tenant moving into the property we perform a move-in inspection and then again when the tenant vacates, we perform a move-out inspection. For a small fee we will perform an annual or bi-annual interior inspection of the property which complies with the inspection requirements for the City and County of Sacramento. All reports are done using a cloud-based program using an iPad and you will be provided the detailed report with pictures which is typically 10-20 pages. 

  • What happens if the rent is late?

    The rent is due on the first of each month and late fees assessed if rent has not been paid by the first business day after the 3rd of the month. If we have not received payment, we will contact the tenant and then update you about the date we may expect payment. 

  • What happens if you must evict my tenant?

    If the tenant becomes delinquent in rent and we cannot negotiate a payment plan we may advise legal proceedings to begin eviction, although this is rare, and our eviction rate is less than 1% of tenants that we have placed into properties. All our evictions are handled through a California based attorney specializing in tenant/landlord law. The owner will be responsible for the cost of the attorney and we will provide you that cost and get your approval prior to starting any action. 

  • What happens if the tenant leaves before the end of the lease?

    We will begin marketing the property for a new tenant and the current tenant will be responsible for the rent until the next tenant moves in. In addition, the normal leasing fee charged to the property owner is paid by the current tenant. 

  • How quickly do you contact me when my property comes vacant?

    We typically send a letter or email and contact you by phone within 1 business day once we receive the 30-Day Notice to Vacate from the tenant. We will recommend the new rental rate and begin marketing the property for a new tenant. Once the property becomes vacant, we will perform a move-out inspection and then call you to outline the property condition and any recommended repairs. 

  • Who pays for repairs on my vacant property?

    After the move-out inspection, we will determine if the past tenant is responsible for the cost of any repairs, cleaning or damage above “normal wear and tear” and make those deductions from their security deposit. We want you to know that we consider this an important time in the management cycle, and we will protect your interest. 

  • What if a tenant contacts me?

    Our job is to take the worry and stress of management away from the property owner. Although we are required to put you name on the lease agreement, we will never give a tenant your phone number, but occasionally tenants contact owners using other means for this information. In such instances it is imperative to direct tenants to contact our office for any requests. This provides continuity for tenants and allows you time to relax. 

  • Why should I hire Peak Residential, Inc. as my property management company?

    We understand whether you own a single rental unit or an apartment community, it represents an expensive and important investment. We are committed to maximizing your cash flow, minimizing the vacancy period, protecting your investment and achieving long-term relationships with you and your tenants. We have been in business since 1982 in the Sacramento area and have the experience to make your investment a success. 

  • When can Peak Residential, Inc. begin managing my property?

    Once you have determined Peak Residential, Inc. is the best fit for you and your property we can begin the process and start right away. 

  • How do I get started?

    Just Email or Call and we can have one of our experienced property managers discuss our management services with you. 

Share by: