Sickness is unplanned, holidays are planned – either way even a Property Manager will need time off at some stage so what systems are in place to ensure your property is still managed satisfactorily during these times.
Have a Back-up Plan
A good Property Manager will have a system in place whereby they have a stand-in person who can cover for them during these times. As this person will probably be coming in ‘cold’ they will need to have a ‘paper’ or ‘computer data’ trail supplying them with all the information required to carry out their duties for the time to be covered.
Information and Records are Key
All relevant details on the property and tenants as well as copies of previous inspection reports should be easily accessible whether in hard copy or online (or both) enabling all concerned to keep up to date with the tenancy.
A stand-in Property Manager will be able to see from previous Inspection Reports the current status of the property, also the standard he should expect to find and maintain. They will be able to check any existing wear and tear against the report and be able to note with confidence any changes since the last inspection and take action if necessary.
Give Wear & Tear Prompt Attention
Certain wear and tear problems need to be attended to before they deteriorate, early detection and repair can save a lot of expense in the long run. If damage etc. is deemed to be the tenant’s responsibility then the sooner this is pointed out to them the more likely it is that they will reimburse the property owner for the repairs.
However, a stand-in property manager will need to have the back up of previous reports to confirm that their own report is fair.
To Summarise…
Tenancy management is not a black and white job and there are many shades in between as to what is acceptable and what is not. A good Property Manager will try to minimise problems whilst still doing the best job he can for the property owner. Good tenants will also respond in a positive manner to a manager they know will be treating them fairly, and will be much more likely to keep the property in good condition. Bad property managers can cause a property owner a lot more expense and stress than is necessary.
Barry Bridgman has been managing his own investment property portfolio for 25 years. During this time, there has never been any occurrence of rent defaults or property damage and Barry’s goal is to achieve the same for your property. Bridgman Property Management is based in Auckland Central, where Barry has lived for more than 18 years.
