Answers to Frequently Asked Property Owner Questions
How quickly will you be able to get my property rented?
We spend time ensuring your property is ready for the rental market and attractive to potential tenants. The amount of time it’s on the market depends on competition, time of year. and the condition and price of your home. We will ensure it rents as quickly as possible to protect your rental income.
How do you price my property?
We do an exhaustive analysis of comparable properties in the market and price your home accordingly. The goal is to earn you the most rent possible while minimizing your vacancy rate and ensuring we place the most qualified tenants.
What if my tenant doesn't pay?
Our strict tenant screening process greatly reduces the likelihood that your tenants won’t pay rent on time. However, bad things happen to even the best people, so if a tenant can no longer pay rent, we will begin the eviction process and place a tenant who can pay rent.
Can I keep a key to the property?
No. We do this to reduce any complaints or claims from tenants. Upon each tenant change, locks are rekeyed. Our team keeps keys in a secure location and if a property needs to be accessed for any reason other than maintenance repairs, a member of our team would be present. Remember, we are your representative and our job is to serve your needs.
How do you screen prospective tenants?
We conduct thorough screenings on all tenants and occupants over the age of 18. We pull credit and criminal screenings, verify current employment and require proof of pay, and review rental history prior to making a decision for approval. Each prospective tenant is screened the same way and our policy is to accept the best qualified applicants.
Do I get to pick applicants or see their information?
No. This is for yours and the prospective tenants benefit. Your Involvement Increases the odds of a federal fair housing lawsuit and adds additional liability that is unnecessary. You’ve hired us to perform these duties. We never share anyones information for privacy purposes and all information is kept secured.
Will I need to contact different departments to discuss different questions about my property?
Unlike other companies you will work with one dedicated property manager who will be your, and your property’s, champion throughout our entire relationship. Your property manager will know you and your property and they care about you. No more calling different departments for different questions!
Other than the management fee, what fees do you charge?
No hidden fees. We do not charge extra fees for normal property management services. Other companies will charge you for leasing, managing maintenance, and even to hand your tenants some papers. Our all-in management fee includes all of the services of full-service property management.
Do I pay fees when the property is vacant?
No. We feel that we should only be paid when the property is making money for you, so our fee is based on the rental income. This incentivizes us to keep it occupied and the money flowing to you as much as possible.
I want to use my own contractors, am I able to?
Yes, so long as your contractor is able to follow all fair housing guidelines, we are happy to allow you to use the contractor of your choice. If they do quality work at a fair price, we may even add them to our team of contractors. Have them call us!
How do you handle repairs?
Tenants may submit a maintenance request through their online portal or call our 24/7 emergency maintenance line.
Our goal is to preserve the value of your property while it is rented and keep maintenance expenses as low as possible. The tenant will have some responsibilities to maintain the property, but some expenses will fall on the landlord. A well-maintained property will attract higher quality renters and higher rents, while a poorly maintained property will take longer to rent, rent for less and rent to a lesser quality tenant. It is always in the Landlord’s best interest to maintain the property In order to demand the highest rents and attract the highest quality renters.
Maintenance Reserve We will hold a reserve on your account in the amount indicated in ftereeyego444af the management agreement to cover incidental maintenance expenses throughout the term of the management agreement. We will attempt to notify you of any and all maintenance requests. If however, if we are not able to reach you to approve maintenance expenses below the reserve amount, the expenses will automatically be approved in order to avoid further trip charges or additional expenses from the vendor.
Emergency Repairs – Emergency repairs are defined as any condition that would affect the health or safety of the Tenant or something that is causing damage to the property. Emergency repairs are typically fires, floods, no hot water, and water leaks, but could also include repairs to the FIVAC in the summer when outside temperatures are greater than 95 and in the winter when outside temperatures are below 40. We will take immediate action to address emergency repairs as soon as they are reported in order to protect the Tenant and your property. We will not get multiple estimates and we will not work through a home warranty company for emergency repairs. Doing so would delay the repair, risking the health or safety of the Tenant.
My property needs some work before a new tenant can move in. Can you help?
Yes, we can coordinate any make ready items that are needed to get the property on the market or get ready for a new tenant.
When do I get my rental proceeds?
All owner distributions and statements will be sent out on the 10th of each month. Should the 10th fall on a holiday or weekend, then the deposits and statements may go out on the following business day.
Why don't you offer tenant guarantees?
Tenant guarantees are really just another hidden tee. Consider the benefit clients get from these services. Most companies won’t charge you a second leasing fee if they have to replace a tenant and they call this a ‘tenant guarantee’ At Helios we don’t charge you leasing fees at all so in a way we do guarantee our tenants like other companies and we don’t charge you the initial leasing fee.
I already have a tenant in my property. What then?
If you already have a tenant in your property, Houston 4 Lease will contact your tenant and let them know that we are the new management company. We will explain to your tenant how they can pay their rent online. by mail or in person as well as how they can contact us with any concerns or problems that might arise.
Do I have to allow pets?
It’s not required, but we recommend it. Most people have pets and the property will lease quicker and have a larger pool of applicants if you allow pets. We screen pets as well.
Do you manage all sized properties?
Yes. We specialize in creating affordable, quality property management solutions for small to large residential properties and commercial properties.
How are the security deposits handled? We handle the security deposit for your tenant. According to state law, there are special requirements for the handling of deposits. We keep the deposits in a separate account. We conduct a move-in condition report of your property prior to the tenant moving in; we do it again when they move out, so we have a before and after picture and can lawfully deduct any damage over and above normal wear and tear on the property.
Three Pillars Property Management: Ready to boost your rental’s performance?
We treat your property like family.