Rental Network
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December 2016
Nat and Linda Holzer
Address
5400 N. Mesa, Ste. D
El Paso, TX 79912
Contact Us
Phone: 915.581.4900
Fax:915.581.1026
Toll Free: 1.888.404.4900
Our Services
  • Out of State Property Management Company Referrals
  • Maintenance and Make Ready Services for our Owners and Referring Agents
Best Practices
Check Your Insurance: Events can happen - flood, extreme heat, earthquakes, fire, and more! It is important to check your insurance to obtain the best coverage possible and ensure that it is current.Review now with your insurance agent before a disaster/emergency occurs.
If An Emergency Occurs: Please be patient and avoid tying up critical phone lines and our time. Our first priority during any emergency is to handle the situation, taking any necessary measures for the safety of your property and your tenants. Then, we will contact you as soon as we are able.
Our Associations
Associations
Retaining Good Tenants
It is obvious why an investor would not encourage bad tenants to remain in their property, just as it is understandable why a property owner or manager would want to put effort into retaining good tenants - it is simply a matter of financial common sense.
Vacancies are costly - turnover means high expenditures, not to mention stress. A good tenant is really worth their weight in gold because they make timely payments, care for the property, and take responsibility for reporting problems to the property manager and/or owner.
What retains good tenants? Our company approaches tenant retention with the three R's - Reasonable Management, Respect for Tenants, and Reward Good Tenancy.
Reasonable Management
We find that conducting reasonable management of the property is the first step. Offering fair market rent and conditions, providing a clean and safe environment, and practicing Fair Housing attracts "good tenants." This starts everything off on the right track. Then, while the tenant is in the property, it is important to keep up maintenance, which discourages them from thoughts of moving to a "better" residence.
Respect for Tenants
Bad tenants and "slumlords" are the culprits who have created misconceptions about rental property. Everyone has heard the horror stories on how tenants have trashed the property, not paid rent for months, or sued the property owner. Conversely, many tenants feel the property owner and/or manager will not take care of the property, only wanting to raise the rent, while they (the tenants) are the ones really paying the mortgage. Movies seem to abound on this subject. As property managers, we have heard it all and will continue to hear the lament in the future.
The truth is, bad tenants and poor property owners do exist and do create these misconceptions. However, our experience is both are the minority; the majority of owners and tenants are decent human beings. Therefore, it is important to treat tenants "with respect," instead of expecting the worst and promoting distrust.
It is important to listen to a tenant's request and/or complaint. Perhaps they cannot have the new carpet they want, but if they know someone is listening, considering the condition and safety of the carpet, and initiating repairs, it does help. Ignoring them only promotes the feeling of "lack of respect."
The term "landlord" first came from feudal properties in England, and the first renters were slaves or peasants in the kingdom. However, it is not a good idea to continue the attitude of a caste system without rights. Residents have the right to enjoyment of their "home" and landlord/tenant laws guarantee this. It is important to go beyond just "obeying the law."
Owners and/or managers should not expect to see the property (unless in an emergency) without a courteous call, consideration of the tenant's schedule, or the proper notification. What is important is to "respect" their right to privacy in their home.
Reward Good Tenancy
If you have provided reasonable management, treated the tenants with respect, then take it one-step further and reward good tenancy. There are many ways to do this - renewing their lease with the same rent or a reasonable increase; updating the property with new carpeting, paint, or a new appliance; rewarding them with a gift certificate during the year at an unexpected time. Rewarding and recognizing their timely payments and care of the property promotes good will and discourages the urge to move.
There are always reasons why a tenant will move despite using reasonable management, respect, and rewards; but taking this approach will simply lead to another good tenant.
The material provided in this newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT legal advice. Although we believe this material is accurate, we cannot guarantee that it is 100% without errors.
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