What to Look For During a Rental Inspection

Man with clipboard looking in home. Zenith Properties NW, serving Clark County WA explains what to look for during a rental inspection.

As a landlord, you’re legally responsible to keep the property habitable. So to ensure your property remains an investment, you’ll want to perform a yearly inspection. This will help you identify maintenance issues before they become serious problems, ensure tenants are following lease terms, and check on the overall condition of the home.

You have a legal right to inspect your property while it’s occupied with tenants as long as your reasons comply with state law and you give proper notice to your tenants. It’s also a good idea to build annual inspections into your lease agreement.

Rental Inspection Checklist

Before you perform your inspection, you’ll want to have a checklist handy to make sure you don’t forget anything. Also, keep records of your inspections, including notes, pictures, and dates to serve as legal documents in case something happens to your rental property.

  • Inspect major appliances
  • Check under sinks for water damage
  • Check HVAC filters
  • Inspect fire extinguishers
  • Check smoke detectors
  • Check the overall condition and cleanliness
  • Inspect the roof
  • Inspect toilets
  • Inspect door seals
  • Inspect windows and seals
  • Inspect for signs of pests

Also, remember to give your tenants proper notice before entering the property for an inspection. This is required by state law.

Professional Property Management

Owning a rental property can be a lucrative investment but it comes with a lot of work, especially when you manage it yourself. If you own a rental property, but find it challenging to manage, hiring a property management company like Zenith Properties NW can be helpful. Our team takes care of everything from tenant screening and marketing to property inspections and repairs. To learn how we can help you, give us a call today or fill out our convenient online form!

Should You Allow Pets in a Rental Property

Cat and dog cuddling. Zenith Properties in Clark County WA talks about if you should allow pets in a rental property.

People love pets. In fact, around 85 million families or about 67% of U.S. households own a pet.
While allowing pets in your rental property provides you with a wider range of prospective renters it also comes with risks. So if you’re wondering whether or not you should allow pets in your rental property, consider the following factors brought to you by Zenith Properties.

Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Rental

There are several benefits to allowing pets in your rental property.

  • Gives your property access to more tenants: If you allow pets, you will appeal to a larger pool of applicants, giving you access to an extra 70% of tenants who own pets.
  • Responsible tenants: pet owners are generally more responsible as taking care of a pet requires a lot of time and effort.
  • Longer or more renewed leases: not only are there not many properties available for pet owners, but many owners simply don’t want to put any stress on their pet, so they don’t want to move often.
  • Increased income: landlords who allow pets in their properties often make more money by charging tenants for pet deposits or pet rent.

Cons of Allowing Pets in Your Rental

On the other hand, there are some risks of allowing pets in your rental property.

  • Damage to your property: cats and dogs may scratch or chew on walls, baseboards, or doors in the home. They can also leave stains or unpleasant odors.
  • Noise disruptions: pets that make noise can be disturbing to other tenants or neighbors. Ask the potential tenant how much noise the animal typically makes or ask prior landlords if pet noise was an issue.
  • Dog bites: as a property owner, you don’t want to be liable for any injuries, including pet-involved injuries. If you choose to allow pets in your rental property, you’ll want to require tenants to have renter’s insurance to cover liability for dog bites on the property.
  • Allergies: if the rental property is close to other tenants, in the case of condos for example, allergies may be an issue. As a landlord, you may want to be aware of tenant allergies before allowing a pet.

Have Questions About Pets and Rental Properties?

We hope this information helps as you decide whether or not to allow pets in your rental property. If you do decide to allow pets, you’ll want to consider what your HOA allows and you’ll want to make your property pet-friendly. Moreover, you’ll want to screen tenants with pets and add a pet addendum to your lease agreement.
If you’re looking to market a rental property in Clark County WA, or simply need help wording your pet policy for your rental property, turn to Zenith Properties. Our trusted ream of property management specialists has helped homeowners and renters

How to Keep Good Tenants

Picture of home and coins. Zenith Properties serving Clark County WA talks about how to keep good tenants.

Rental properties can be lucrative investments when you have good, reliable tenants. But what can you do to keep those good tenants? Below are some tips from Zenith Properties to help.

Take Care of the Rental Property

Rental properties should be comfortable and provide pleasant atmospheres. Keep appliances and other fixtures up-to-date. Have regular inspections performed on the plumbing and electrical systems, and schedule regular pest control treatments and carpet cleanings.

Address Maintenance Concerns Promptly

Be proactive about addressing property maintenance issues. Staying on top of your tenant’s maintenance concerns will not only keep them happy, but it will also prevent small issues from turning into larger ones, allowing you to spend less time later on repairs when you eventually turn over the rental property.

Be Accessible

You need to let your tenants know that their needs are important so it’s important that you’re accessible to them. Return calls, messages, and emails in a timely manner and consider having an emergency phone number for power problems, water leaks, and other urgent issues.

Stay On Top of Renewals

Like your tenant? Let them know well in advance that you’re interested in renewing their lease. Reach out to your tenants several months in advance to see if they’d be interested in discussing a lease renewal and ask for them to respond 90 days before their lease expires. If they’re thinking of leaving, you can learn what affected their decision so you can make the necessary changes and advertise the rental before they’ve officially moved out.

Encourage Longer Leases

One way to keep a reliable, paying tenant is to encourage longer leases. Although you could lose out on profit from rent increases, consider asking your good tenant to sign a longer lease at a reduced rate. For example, if they renew every 6 months, consider extending their lease to a year. Just make sure to calculate the differences in rental revenue first before committing to this decision.

Treat Tenants Fairly

Be consistent with all of your tenants and treat them fairly, regardless of race, religion, physical disability, or sexual orientation. Also, make sure you’re well-versed in local and federal housing laws.

Screen Tenants

Before keeping good tenants, you have to know how to find one in the first place which is where screening comes in. Tenant screening will look at a prospective tenant’s credit, criminal background, rental history, eviction history, and it will verify their employment and source of income.

By checking these factors, you have a better chance of finding great tenants who will make your rental property profitable.

Property Management Experts

If you need help with a rental property in Clark County, WA, contact Zenith Properties. We provide a wide range of property management services to keep your investment property lucrative. We can take care of your tenant’s maintenance requests, screen tenants, and market your properties. To learn more about our services visit our website or contact us today!

Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Home

Decorated snowman with the text winter maintenance tips. Zenith Properties serving Clark County WA talks offers helpful winter maintenance tips for renters and homeowners.

Winter is fast approaching and whether you own a home or are renting, it’s time to prepare your home for colder temperatures. Follow these helpful tips from Zenith Properties to ensure your home is energy efficient and safe for when Old Man Winter hits.

Insulate

Having your home insulated will make a big impact on the comfort of your home (in both summer and winter) and will improve your energy efficiency, reducing your electricity and gas bills.

Block Drafts

In addition to insulation, sealing around your doors and windows will also make a big difference in your heating. Walk around your home, inspecting windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulking can wear down over time and cause warm air to escape.

Consider Upgrading Appliances

If your budget allows for it, invest in new and updated appliances. Modern HVAC systems and tankless water heaters are drastically more energy efficient compared to their older counterparts.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Although gutters and downspouts are often forgotten, not maintaining them can cause a host of problems. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to soil erosion, foundation cracks, and standing water–which attracts pests. They can also affect the integrity of your roofing.

Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat settings at night and when you’re not home can save you on heating costs. To make this more convenient, you may want to consider installing a programmable thermostat. Just maintain a temperature of no lower than 65 degrees to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Weatherproof Exterior Pipes

Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Frozen pipes can crack and burst, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Shut off your outside pipes at the mains and ensure they’re drained, including your irrigation system. Cover your spigots with insulated faucet covers. They’re affordable and found at most hardware stores.

Prepare for Storms

Winter brings rain, sleet, and snow. Make sure you have the tools necessary to keep you safe and comfortable, such as sand bags, salt, snow shovels, and a generator.

Get Your Chimney Cleaned

If you have a fireplace, you’ll want to have it cleaned by a professional. Creosote buildup, leaves, and bird nests can create fire hazards.

Flush Your Water Heater

Sediment can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, creating hot spots that can damage the tank in gas water heaters or cause the heating element to fail in electric-powered ones. You’ll want to drain your water heater at least once a year or hire a plumber to do it for you as part of regular maintenance.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof isn’t there for just looks. It protects your home from the elements. Give your roof a good inspection to identify loose or missing shingles.

Whether you own a home or are renting, preparing your home for the winter months can save you a lot of time and stress and keep your family safe and comfortable.

Hopefully these winter maintenance tips will help you get prepared for the cold weather (and possible snow) that comes with our Pacific Northwest winter. If you have any questions about our homes in the Clark County WA area, give us a call!

 

Should I Rent my Home or Sell it?

For rent sign in front of home. Zenith Properties in Vancouver WA talks about if you should rent or sell your home.

We know a lot of people are making a move in 2020, and many of you might be wondering whether or not you should sell or rent out your house. There are many factors to consider if you’re in this scenario which we’ll layout below.

Will renting my house generate cash flow?

First, you’ll want to determine if renting out your home will be profitable or not. Ideally, your rental will at least cover your mortgage, insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs.

Add up all of the expenses of renting and subtract them from the amount you’ll make from renting, including the tax breaks you’ll receive.

Your expenses will vary, but here are some to consider:

  • Mortgage
  • HOA fees
  • Insurance costs
  • Repairs
  • Advertising
  • Credit checks on tenants
  • Taxes
  • Property management fees

Did you ever want to own a rental property?

Are you someone who’s always wanted to own a rental property? If so, renting out your home is a great way to experiment as an investor. Since you already own the home, you won’t have to take out an investor loan which typically requires higher down payments and has higher interest rates. Plus, if you find owning a rental property isn’t something you enjoy, you can always sell your home in the future.

Being a Landlord Has Tax Benefits

Owning a rental property also comes with some great tax benefits. These tax deductions and depreciation can help offset gains and losses elsewhere. You’ll want to speak with a tax advisor for more information on your specific situation.

Consider the Market

The housing market almost certainly will improve in the next few years. If there’s a good chance your home will increase in value, renting it out will allow you to keep the home and pay the mortgage.

Are You Coming Back to the Area?

If you’re moving to relocate, renting out your home can provide you with some security because you can always move back to your home if necessary. It’s also cheaper to rent out your home and move back than it is to sell your home and purchase another one.

Hiring a Property Manager

If screen tenants and staying up-to-date on laws and codes sounds daunting to you, consider hiring a property manager, especially if the home isn’t local. Property management companies, like Zenith, will list your rental property, screen tenants, collect payments, take care of maintenance issues, and more. We take the hassle and stress out of being a landlord.

We know deciding to sell or rent your home is a big decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. If you have any questions about our services, please feel free to give us a call.

Duties of a Landlord

Small replica of a house with a man in the background. Zenith Properties serving Vancouver WA talks about duties of a landlord.

Owning a rental property is great. It’s easy to get started, it’s a good way to receive a steady source of income, and you are your own boss. But don’t get us wrong, there is a lot of work that goes into owning a rental property. Keep reading to learn what those are.

Comply with the Fair Housing Act

This is one of your biggest obligations as a landlord so before you advertise your rental property, it’s important that you understand these laws. Under the FHA, you cannot discriminate applicants based on their sex, race, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or familial status.

Provide Habitable Housing

Every state and city may have different laws on what you’re responsible for as a landlord. But, they may include:

  • Pest control
  • HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliance maintenance
  • Lawn care
  • Snow removal
  • Disclosing information about previous hazards like bed bug infestations, asbestos, or lead paint

Maintain Insurance

If you have a loan for your rental property, you may be required by your lender to have insurance on the property. If not, it’s still a good idea to have it, to protect yourself and your dwelling. It’s also a good idea for your tenant to have renter’s insurance to help cover their belongings.

Screen Tenants

To be sure you have quality tenants in your rental property, you’ll want to use screening tools and background checks for your applicants. There are various tools online that offer varying degrees of thoroughness. Keep in mind these are an added expense.

Prepare a Legal Rental Agreement

Your rental agreement is a contract between you and your tenant. It will include details such as the rent amount, how long the tenant will occupy the residence, the tenant’s rights, when you can enter the property, and more.

Comply with State Rental Rules

All landlords want their tenants to take care of the home and pay rent on time, hassle-free. Whether you need to evict a tenant, raise the rent, or simply get into the home, you must comply with state laws. There are also laws for the following:

  • Maximum amount for a security deposit
  • Security deposit interest
  • Bounced check fees
  • Pet deposits
  • Cap on small claims court
  • Emergency entry without notice
  • Late fees
  • Move-out inspection timeline

As you can see, being a landlord comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially if you choose not to work with a property management company–and we’ve only hit the tip of the iceberg. As a landlord, you’ll deal with many hurdles, but if you enjoy the responsibility and have the time and patience, you’ll reap the benefits.

Curious about investing in a rental property? We at Zenith Properties are here for you. We’re a full-service property management company proudly serving all of Clark County WA. We can help you as little or as much as you need when it comes to managing your property.