What services do you offer? It is important that the potential management company offers full management, unless you are searching for only a tenant placement service. With a full management service the company will market your rental property, background and credit check tenants, complete leasing documents, conduct move-in and out inspections, rent collection, and perform routine inspections. This allows you to be a hands-off landlord, which is the service you are paying form.
How many rental units do you currently manage? Too few units could mean that the candidate is new to the business and therefore inexperienced, or they may have unsatisfied clients that have terminated their business. Too many rental units could mean you will not receive timely and effective service. At SOPM we handle 100 or less properties per property manager, ensuring you are receiving the best service.
What areas do you serve? At SOPM we believe being local is very important. Our managers are locally based in Penticton and Osoyoos, with the ability to be on-site in 20 minutes or less to any of the communities we service: Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos.
What experience does your company owner have in managing rentals? If the company owner has never actually managed property the company may not have the proper systems and regulations in place to successfully manage your investment. At SOPM our managing broker, Ashley Lutke-Schipholt, has been managing properties for 11 years and was recently nominated for Property Manager of the Year with the Professional Association of Managing Agents organization.
How is my management contract cancelled with your company? If you are unhappy with the service you are receiving you want to ensure that you are able to cancel the management agreement, if necessary. SOPM allows a 30 day written notice cancellation, as we are confident in our ability to meet clients’ expectations.
What are the fees? In Penticton and other South Okanagan communities there is usually a fee percentage of the monthly rent charged. Often the percentage will be higher for short-term rentals. Also ask the company if there is a fee charged when the rental unit is vacant and any extra fees that may be charged, such as if the property manager is contacted after-hours in case of emergency. Contact SOPM today to receive our fee structure for your perusal.
How do you market available properties? The company you choose should advertise properties on a variety of online portals, so your property has the best exposure. At SOPM we have an in-house marketing employee that ensure your property is updated regularly on Facebook, Kijiji and Craigslist. Our southokanaganrentals.com website is also checked every day for new available properties by hundreds of potential tenants in Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos.
What are your screening requirements for potential tenants? It is much easier to deny a potential applicant before tenancy, then have them move into your property and have to evict them. SOPM has potential tenants submit an initial form before they are contacted. They are then taken through a phone interview before a property viewing. If satisfactory, the tenant is then allowed to submit an application. A mandatory credit score of 600 is applicable, along with positive landlord references.
Is there a charge for maintenance and repair organization? This is a pertinent question to ask, as you may be charged every time a vendor is sent to attend the property.
Will I get regular updates on my properties and changes in tenancy legislation? Government legislation is constantly evolving. Important Residential Tenancy Branch updates may be applicable to the tenancy in your rental unit. You want to ensure your property manager is well informed and apprised of any updates. Routine inspections will provide you with updates on your physical property. At SOPM we perform quarterly inspections on most of our rental units. At the inspection, the tenant is asked a series of questions which they sign off on, and that inspection report is emailed to you. SOPM also provides its owner landlord clients with regular newsletters informing them of any pertinent tenancy legislation changes.
At South Okanagan Property Management we strive to maximize your rental property investment by sustaining healthy relationships between property owners and tenants throughout the South Okanagan.
Areas we serve: Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos and Keremeos
Contact us today for a free consultation anytime: 250.485.9935 or via email info@southokanaganrentals.com.