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Policies And Procedures Manual And Management Guides For Real Estate

By Lisa Snyder


Managing properties is a dynamic engagement as you move from one state to the other. The rules also change from time to time, making it difficult to find a comprehensive guide that cuts across states or covers all properties. However, it is not difficult to identify reliable policies and procedures manual and management guides for real estate that will help you avoid penalties and fines or trouble with tenants and the law.

Tenant screening is a requirement by the state and will also be for your own good. You do not want an explosion ripping off your floor or a tenant who cannot pay perpetually. Engage professional agents to check the background and ensure that you allow only high quality tenants. However, never discriminate because the law will be on the side of the tenant.

Tenancy and contracts with managers should be in writing. Many landlords have ended up in trouble because of verbal agreements that lack evidence. Agree on the amounts to be paid, the deadlines, penalties, rent increments, modes of payment, etc and put all that in writing. Have the contract scrutinized by a lawyer to ensure that it meets the required threshold.

Inspect and repair your property on regular basis. Any injuries that tenants sustain at your property and especially due to your negligence will cost you a lot. The law allows you to inspect the property on regular basis and even enter for maintenance purposes. Whenever a tenant raises an issue about the condition of your property, take immediate action. Inspection will also help you detect illegal activities within the compound that are likely to compromise the integrity of a property.

The security deposit from tenants should be handled with care. The contract should capture the deposit comprehensively including how it should be handled and refunded depending on circumstances. Have a clear mechanism of setting the deposit and have it available to a tenant whenever he or she is required to move out. Be guided by the contract to avoid conflicts and unnecessary lawsuits.

The landlord has an obligation to keep the premise secure. Most tenants will sue you if theft occurs within the properties. It is worse if such provisions as a CCTV camera are not available to assist in investigations. The perimeter fence also needs to be in place to guarantee security alongside properly manned entry and exit points.

Be open about any hazards that tenants within your premise may encounter. Some of the problematic hazards include mold and lead poisoning. Notify the tenant of the existence of such hazards and take necessary measures to safeguard them. Failure to disclose these hazards will haunt you in case you are sued.

Though the property is under managers, you need to oversee it. This ensures that the managers take proper steps to keep it in pristine shape. The contract with managers should stipulate their responsibilities and obligations. It will be easier to identify the culprit or responsible person whenever a problem arises.




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