Owners considering Property Management FAQ's:

What needs to be done to prepare a property for rent?

The property should be in the best possible condition to attract a quality resident. Paint should be in good shape with marred or dirty areas touched up. Neutral colors for walls and floors are best. Blinds or shades are ideal window coverings. The home should be “detailed” clean and the yard in excellent shape.

How do I determine the rental amount?

The competition determines the rental amount. As experts in the field, All Florida properties inc knows the market and the competitive rental ranges for your home. If the home is marketed too high the home will be vacant much longer. If it is marketed too low, it may be one or two years before the price becomes competitive again.

How do you market the property?

The property is immediately added to our rental availability list, web sites and other resources. Ads are placed in the local newspaper. A sign is placed in the yard and marketing photos are taken within immediately. Properties are assigned to a property manager to track the marketing effectiveness for the individual property.

How long will it take to rent?

Vacancy periods are market driven. There is also some luck involved in the right person looking at the right time. On average in today's Fort Worth market it takes between four to eight weeks to rent a home. Homes rent more slowly between Thanksgiving and New Years. Location and price effect vacancy.

What are the policies regarding Pets?

Statistics indicate that 75% of renters own pets. Restricting pets reduces the number of available qualified residents. Pets should be screened and pet references checked out. In general, a well-behaved cat or dog causes less wear and tear on a home and yard then a young child.

Is it possible to refuse to rent to families with children?

In federal, state, and local Fair Housing regulations children come under the protective class of “familiar status”. It is unlawful to discriminate against children in any way.

Is first and last month's rent as well as a security deposit collected up front?

If a resident has good credit it is common practice to collect first month's rent and a security deposit up front.

What happens if the rent is late?

The rent is due on the first of each month. All Florida properties inc begins collection proceedings after the fifth of the month. If the rent is not paid by the 10th we take the first step in the eviction process and send out a 3-day notice to pay rent or vacate. If the resident does not pay by the 10th of the month the owner is notified and normally eviction papers are filed at the courthouse. Most evictions are the result of loss of employment. In most cases All Florida properties inc uses an attorney for evictions. All Florida properties inc manages over many properties. Our eviction rate is less than 2% of properties under management.

When are monthly funds distributed?

Before disbursing funds, we require that rental checks must have cleared the bank and the accounts reconciled to the penny. The payments to owners along with statements are processed around the 10th of the following month. Disbursements are made by check and mailed with statements.

Who handles emergencies?

A property manager is always on call for emergencies. We have a network of maintenance personnel and sub-contractors to handle any emergency on your property, day or night. We are on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

What is the average length of tenancy?

Over 50% of rental agreements are for one year. Other agreements range from six to eighteen months. At the end of the lease term the owner can decide to renew to the resident (if the resident wishes to remain), vacate the resident, or allow the resident to remain month-to-month. If the market has changed, the owner can raise the rent at lease end.

How are repairs handled?

The property manager is responsible for approving all maintenance requests. Residents are encouraged to submit all repair requests in writing. It is All Florida properties inc policy to notify owners of all major maintenance requests. If funds are available the expense will be deducted on the next month's accounting statement. If funds are not available the property manager will contact the owner for payment arrangements. Sometimes a request falls into the category of a maintenance emergency. Emergencies are scheduled immediately and the owner notified at the first possible opportunity. Some maintenance requests can result in a rent abatement if not handled timely. The owner is notified immediately when there is a rent abatable maintenance issue.

What happens if the resident leaves before the end of the lease?

The resident is responsible for the rent for the term of the lease. If residents leave before the termination date they will be charged for rent until the home is re-let. All Florida properties inc, on behalf of the owner, will do everything possible to re-let the home and minimize the residents' cost. The owner is charged for advertising and the Tenant a re-letting fee per the terms of their contracts.

How is the owner protected if the resident damages the property?

A refundable security deposit taken at move-in is usually sufficient to handle the minor damage caused by residents. Residents with excellent credit and references seldom cause significant damage. If the resident leaves the property owing money for rent and/or damages, they will be billed and turned over to collections. If they do not pay, All Florida properties inc, with the permission of the Owner, may file suit in the Justice of the Peace Court to collect delinquent rent and/or damages. If the court agrees with the charges, the court will enter a judgment against the resident. This judgment remains on the person's records for a minimum of ten years or until satisfied.

Judi Maiorani Vice President /Broker

Owners considering Property Management FAQ's:

Judi Maiorani
Vice President /Broker