Our Favorite Timesavers for Landlords
Text Messaging: People respond to texts faster than voice mail. Rather than leaving voice mails that your tenants ignore, try texting—the preferred form of communication for a growing population. A survey conducted by Sprint, a mobile services provider, showed that adults who have the option will respond to a text in a few minutes, compared to voice mail.
Loaded Landlord Caddy: If you have the essentials for routine maintenance and repairs in your car at all times, you will save a ton of time. Keep a couple of caddies ready to go, with touch-up paint, basic tools, special glues for wood and other surfaces, scratch cover, garbage bags and pruners. Then you’re ready to clip an overhanging branch, repair a ding in molding, or tighten a faucet.
Property Management Software: Ask yourself how much time you can save if you invest in proper software to manage your rental property business. There are plenty of software packages to choose from. Check them out, read the reviews, and decide which is best for you. Trying to manage your business without a system is not a good use of time; when someone has already developed a system that works, why not use it?
Online Forms: E-Renter.com offers a variety of property management forms you can use as-is, or customize for your situation. Don’t work harder than you have to—rental applications, leases, notices and more are all available for downloading. And they’re free!
Take Care of Little Problems: The old advice is still applicable. Many large problems with a rental property can be prevented if addressed early on. Repairing plumbing leaks immediately will likely save you from replacing flooring and cabinets. Inspecting your properties often will prevent tenant problems from multiplying. Pet issues and improper use of systems can be held in check. Testing smoke detectors can save lives and your property.