If you are involved in property management, chances are you are already aware of the horrors associated with the field. You know about the fake IDs used to rent the property, the landlords who came in unannounced, and the dogs living in the apartment. But did you also know that there are other nightmares you can encounter as a property manager?
Unwelcome neighbors
Most people have a neighbor who is annoying, to say the least, if not downright naughty. One of my colleagues has a friend who has a neighbor who has a car that has not been driven in years. There are other things to do than mope around the neighborhood. The best way to deal with such neighbors is to start a polite conversation. It may not be a good time for your friend to smuggle in the keys to the kingdom, but that’s a different story.
Aside from your friendly neighborhood neighbor, there are several other factors to consider when settling into new digs. The cost of your lease should be factored into the equation, as should any perks that may be part of your deal. Also, you may have to scrounge for free upgrades from your internet provider in order to get your new apartment on the net. To top it all off, if you are a tenant, you are responsible for the maintenance of your own property.
Dogs in the apartment
If you own a dog, you’re probably familiar with property management horror stories. It’s not just barking dogs that can be a nuisance. In addition to odor and pests, pet waste can tarnish the appearance of your apartment and even make the flooring smell.
When you are looking for an apartment, make sure that you ask about pet rules. Many complexes will have restrictions on breeds or weights.
Breeds that are considered to be dangerous or aggressive are prohibited in many buildings. Landlords can be liable for injuries that occur on their property as a result of a dog’s actions. Some states also prohibit ferrets and hedgehogs.
If you are in an apartment, you might want to get your dog’s DNA tested. This will help you track your pet’s habits and behavior. You may also be required to pay a pet deposit.
Landlords entering unannounced
When it comes to property management, there are many horror stories to hear about landlords entering rented apartments unannounced. It can be very annoying. If you are a tenant, you have the right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your unit. You should not be forced to spend your time chasing down your landlord.
Several state and local laws require your landlord to give you proper notice before he or she enters your home. Most jurisdictions require you to provide at least 24 hours’ notice. This is a nice thing to do and a safe way to know when your landlord will come to check on you.
In addition to providing the required notice, your landlord may also need to explain the consequences of entering your property. It would help if you were always prepared to answer questions and explain your reasons for entering. For example, your landlord may need to perform maintenance on your property.
Fake IDs used to rent the property
If you’re a property manager, you’ve probably heard of fake IDs being used to rent properties. These scammers are trying to defraud both you and your tenants. They take professional-looking pictures and fill your apartment with identical furniture.
Scammers are also using the internet to list bogus rentals. In one case in St. Leonards, Victoria, police seized 15 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $15 million. The police were able to trace the men through three drug labs.
There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from a scammer. One is to do your homework. Another option is to do a background check. A legitimate property management company will usually conduct a background check on each tenant.
