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A landlord’s top priority should be to keep their tenants happy during their time in the rental. This is because happy tenant is more likely to renew their lease and stay long-term. Having a long-term tenant means more consistent passive income. 

In order to keep renters happy, you want to ensure that the property is well-maintained and clean. You also want to make yourself available to the tenants should they have questions. When the tenant feels like they have been taken care of they’ll feel confident staying in your rental property. 

If you want to learn how to keep your tenants happy, keep on reading!

Draft a Detailed Lease Agreement

The lease or rental agreement is a very important document as it details the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. It also includes all the terms and policies associated with occupying the rental unit. 

If your lease agreement is vague you’re more likely to experience conflict with your tenants. To avoid this issue, you want to ensure that your lease guides the renter on their duties, rights, and different procedures to follow. Having these details spelled out can serve as a reference during minor conflicts and can help avoid issues altogether. 

Always be Professional 

Approaching your role with the right attitude makes a difference. You have to remember that your tenants are also your clients, therefore they deserve a certain level of professional contest and respect. 

Remember that although you may be the property owner, the tenant is still paying to rent the space. Therefore, you cannot enter the unit as you please. Coordinate times with tenants if you need to inspect the unit to ensure that they are aware of the visit. When communicating with your tenant, you also want to ensure that you treat them with respect.

You always want to be patient, approachable, and respectful when interacting with your tenants. Doing so will help make them feel more comfortable and happy which will only solidify your working relationship with them. 

Be Responsive to a Tenants Needs

As a landlord, you have many responsibilities that you have to handle. Sometimes you’ll find yourself overseeing multiple things at once. That said, you still need to be sure that you are accessible and responsive to your tenant’s needs. 

If a tenant contacts you about a necessary repair, you want to follow up swiftly and keep them informed of what is being done and how long the repair should take. Provide your tenants with the same level of customer service and care that you would want to receive.

Respect the Tenant’s Privacy 

Everyone has a right to privacy. When it comes to managing rental properties, a tenant’s primacy is protected under the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. This ensures that tenants are able to live in a rental unit without experiencing consistent disturbances. 

As the landlord, you can respect the tenant’s privacy by providing them with notices prior to entering their space. This ensures that the tenant won’t experience surprise inspections or other visits. You also want to ensure that you aren’t checking too frequently as this could also invade their primacy. 

Make Property Improvements 

If your tenant has been in the rental for some time, consider offering to conduct some property improvements. These renovations don’t need to be too costly, something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or providing new appliances can go a long way in making tenants happy. 

You can also offer to have a professional cleaner come in to freshen up the space for your tenants. By taking these steps to maintain the unit, you’re showing the tenant that you care about their comfort and safety. 

Don’t Leave Conflicts Unresolved 

During your time managing rentals conflicts are bound to occur. This can be between the landlord and the tenants or between tenants and neighbors. Whatever the conflict is, as the landlord, you want to de-escalate the situation and maybe even act as the mediator. 

If a conflict is left unresolved then it’s bound to only get worse. The tenant may also feel neglected. However, if you make an effort to keep the peace, this will translate to happier clients. 

Learn What Amenities Renters Want

Different kinds of tenants will desire different amenities in their rentals. For instance, some may want more storage space and modern appliances while others will prioritize having things like updated kitchens and bathrooms and additional security. 

Take the time to look into what your target demographic of renters desires and speak to current tenants as well. By learning what people want and need you’ll be better positioned to make property improvements and changes that will differentiate you from your competition. 

What’s more, by speaking with tenants and applying changes, you’ll also show that you value their opinions which can motivate them to stay long-term. 

Bottom Line

As a landlord, you want to keep tenants happy. This will help ensure that they stay long-term thus protecting your investment. Keeping them doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money but it does require attention to detail. 

If you feel overwhelmed when managing your rentals and feel you need help, contact the experts at Home Choice Property Management today! Our team of property managers is capable of handling everything from property marketing and tenant screenings to maintenance work and rent collection. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about our property management services!

Many first-time landlords underestimate how much work goes into managing rental properties. There is a myriad of issues that can occur making the job more taxing. Among these issues are tenant complaints! Tenant complaints can arise in a variety of ways, ranging from maintenance issues to pest infestations and anything in between. How quickly and efficiently you’ll be able to address these complaints will make all the difference. 

If your tenant doesn’t feel that you’ve addressed their concerns, they will be less likely to renew their leases. High tenant turnover means fewer profits for you. That’s because you’ll need to spend more on advertising, marketing, and repairs and maintenance. 

Luckily for you, tenant complaints don’t have to derail your investment goals. The following are top tenant complaints and how you can solve them. 

Maintenance Complaints 

This is inarguably one of the most common types of tenant complaints. As a landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure your rental property is well-maintained; the law requires it. 

The state of California requires that landlords maintain their units to certain health and safety codes. If you aren’t able to meet them, your unit may become uninhabitable and your tenant may be able to exercise a number of legal options including:

• Breaking their lease without penalty
• Reporting you to a relevant government agency for action
• Withholding rent until you have fixed the maintenance issues
• Repair the issues themselves and then deduct the cost from future rent payments

What to Do? 

Once you receive a maintenance complaint, visit the property in person. This will allow you to get a better, first-hand, understanding of the issue so that you can plan accordingly. As you plan to enter the unit, make sure to notify your tenant beforehand. California requires that landlords provide their tenants with “reasonable” notice prior to entry. 24 hours is considered reasonable. 

After examining the problem, find a solution right away. You’ll also want to let your tenant know that you’re sorting out the problem and provide them with updates if it’s an issue that will likely take more time. 

Noisy Neighbors 

Noise is also one of the top tenant complaints you’ll encounter when renting out your property. All tenants have a right to the “quiet enjoyment” of their rented premises. This means that your tenant has a right to the undisturbed use and enjoyment of their rented premises. This right is also implied. This means that it doesn’t have to be written down on the lease in order to be enforceable. 

What to Do? 

After receiving the noise complaint from your tenant, it’s your responsibility to have the matter sorted out. There can be financial repercussions should you choose to do nothing. That being said, as a landlord, you can only deal with a noise issue you can control. The following are steps you can take:

• Identify the source of the noise – Is it coming from a neighbor who also happens to be your tenant? If so, let the tenant know that a noise complaint has been filed against them and should stop. 
• Take action – If the tenant doesn’t stop the violation, consider evicting them. However, this can only work if you have a clear policy on noise guidelines. For example, if you have outlined the specific quiet hours or put a limit on the number of overnight guests. 
• Choose the right type of flooring – The right flooring option can go a long way in minimizing sound transmission. Carpet and cork flooring make great options. 
• Insulate the walls – Have you gotten multiple complaints about noise traveling between the walls of your rental property? If you have, it can be prudent for you to invest in wall insulation. 

Pest Infestations 

Pest infestations can make you lose good tenants faster than you can imagine. Just like unaddressed maintenance issues, pests can make your rental property uninhabitable. Therefore, you must take swift action to resolve the issue. 

What to Do? 

Did the pest infestation exist before the tenancy began or did it arise by no fault of the tenant? If so, it’s your responsibility to fix the issue if the infestation arises from the disrepair of the rented property. For instance, if rodents are accessing the unit through holes on floors or walls. 

Your tenant may also have a responsibility of fixing a pest infestation if they engage in certain actions such as failing to dispose of food properly or failing to clear the excessive mess. 

Pet Complaints 

The most common complaints about pets have to do with owners not cleaning up after them, barking, or aggressive behavior. 

What to Do? 

To address a barking dog, deal with the issue the same way you would a noise complaint. Start by identifying the problem, and try to find an amicable solution. But if the problem doesn’t go away, issue a warning to the tenant. You may also want to request the owner to remove the dog or else face eviction. 

To address complaints regarding messes, the first step to take is to bring the matter to the tenant. Let them know that a complaint has been lodged against them and need to rectify it. Again, if the issue doesn’t go away, start an eviction action against the tenant. 

When it comes to an aggressive dog, you’ll need to take immediate corrective measures. Remember, you have a responsibility to ensure your tenant’s safety. If it’s threatened, they can use that as a legal justification to move out if you fail to respond quickly.

If the aggressive behavior continues after written warnings, contact the city for action. Then, begin the eviction proceedings against the tenant. You might also consider conducting pet screenings prior to accepting pets into the rentals.

Summary

Tenant complaints are inevitable. As a landlord, however, it’s your responsibility to ensure they are addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. But should you find this daunting, Home Choice Property Management can help. 

We are a full-service property management company ready to assist you in managing your rentals and maximizing your ROI. Contact us today to learn more!

As part of the landlord-tenant laws in California, landlords are required to treat their tenants with respect and fairness. Enacted by Congress in 1968, the goal of the Fair Housing Act is to eliminate housing discrimination when it comes to the renting and buying of homes. Mortgage lenders are also not an exemption. 

If you are a landlord and want to learn more about the act and your responsibilities under it, keep on reading. 

What Led to the Passage of the Act by Congress? 

As already mentioned, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) was passed by Congress in 1968. Before the passage of this act, two attempts were made to stamp out housing discrimination. The first attempt was the Rumford Fair Housing Act. The author behind the act was W. Byron Rumford, an assembly member of the California Legislature. 

The California Legislature passed the Rumford Fair Housing Act to help end racial discrimination by property owners and landlords who refused to sell or rent their property to people of color in 1963. 

The second attempt at ensuring fair housing was made a year later with the Civil Rights Act. It was first proposed by President John F. Kennedy and was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy’s successor. 

The act outlawed housing discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin. It also gave federal law enforcement agencies the power to prevent racial discrimination in voting, employment, and the use of public facilities. 

But the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was the groundbreaking piece of legislation that brought real change in matters of housing discrimination. First introduced in the U.S. Congress in 1966, its goal was to protect people from discrimination in housing matters. 

At first, it only prohibited discrimination based on four protected characteristics. That is, race, color, religion, and national origin. Sex was added as a protected characteristic in 1974. 

Another amendment was made in 1988. Signed into law on September 13, 1988, the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) became effective on March 12, 1989. The act amended Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to add more protected characteristics: disability and familial status. 

So, in total, there are 7 protected characteristics at the federal level. That is, race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Some states, including California, have also passed legislation to add more protected characteristics to the list. 

What are Protected Characteristics in the State of California? 

According to the California Department of Fair Housing, the protected characteristics are as follows: 

• Race – It’s illegal to discriminate against a tenant based on their race. Therefore, a person’s race shouldn’t factor when it comes to renting a property. 
• Color – It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against a tenant based on their skin color. 
• Religion – A landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone based on the tenant’s religious beliefs. 
• Medical Condition – It’s illegal to discriminate against a tenant based on their medical condition. Including, history or record of cancer or any genetic characteristic.

• Marital Status – Whether a person is married or single, you have a responsibility to treat them equally without discrimination. 
• Gender – Under the Fair Housing Act in the state a person’s gender cannot be a determining factor in whether or not they are suitable to rent the unit. 
• Sexual Orientation – This protection is primarily intended for members of the LGBTQ community.

Other protected characteristics include disability, age, genetic information, ancestry, and national origin. 

What Types of Homes Does the Fair Housing Act Apply to? 

The Fair Housing Act applies to all types of housing that are either rented, sold, or leased. This, therefore, includes properties such as apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, mobile home parks, and even homeowners’ associations. 

But are there any exceptions? Yes, there are. In very limited circumstances, the Act exempts private clubs, religious-operated organizations, single-family homes rented or sold by the owner without agency services, as well as owner-occupied buildings having less than 4 units. 

How Can Landlords Discriminate Against Tenants? 

The following is how discrimination in housing can occur:

• Running rental ads that contain discriminatory language. For example, “Ideal for Single Professionals,” or “Suitable for a Female Student.” 
• Asking illegal questions during the tenant qualifying process. For example, “Is that a service dog,” “How many children do you have,” or “Where are you originally from.” 
• Using a different qualifying standard based on the race, color, or another protected characteristic of a tenant. 

• Treating tenants differently based on a protected characteristic. For instance, responding to maintenance requests quickly for male tenants but not for female tenants.
• Terminating a tenant’s lease for discriminatory reasons.
• Saying your unit is not available for renting when it actually is. 
• Steering a tenant away from a section of a community or neighborhood. 

What Rights to Disabled Tenants Have in California? 

First and foremost, in California, a disabled tenant has the same rights as every other tenant. As such, disability shouldn’t factor in a landlord’s decision. The following are some of the things you should know as a landlord:

• It’s illegal to ask discriminatory questions. For one, you cannot ask about the severity of a disability. In addition, it’d be illegal for you to inquire about a disabled tenant’s medical records. 
• You have a responsibility to honor reasonable requests from a disabled tenant. 
• Your disabled tenant has a right to make reasonable modifications to their unit. 

Summary

There you have it! Everything you need to know about the state’s Fair Housing laws. As a landlord renting out a property, you also need to ensure that you understand landlord-tenant laws, the legal eviction process, security deposit laws, leasing regulations, and more. 

Do you have questions regarding property management? Home Choice Property Management can help! We are a trustworthy property management company that can help you in all aspects of property management. Get in touch to learn more!

Disclaimer: This post should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. If you need legal assistance please contact a licensed attorney. 

Are you looking for new investment opportunities? Real estate investing is a very fruitful option! 

Investing in California can be a little intimidating since it’s viewed as being relatively expensive especially for new investors. However, the benefits of real estate investment keep attracting new investors daily. California offers high rental rates and also has some of the highest return rates in the United States. 

Some of the factors that heavily influence California real estate include low housing stock, strong demand for property, and its reputation as a hub for tech and business ventures. The good weather also works in investors’ favor as people can live in the area comfortably. 

Having real estate in California is a good investment option, and particularly in the Anaheim region. Anaheim real estate offers a variety of options to investors. In this article, Home Choice Property Management provides you with several reasons why you should invest in Anaheim.

Top Reasons You Should Invest in the Anaheim Area

Very Affordable 

As an investor, the price is often the main factor that will determine the type of property you invest in. The good thing about Anaheim is the affordability and diversity of real estate. 

The area is more affordable than neighboring regions such as Fullerton that have the same amenities and convenience. It has even been said that Anaheim is one of the most affordable places to buy real estate in Orange County. 

The real estate market is also favorable to various types of investors, from first-time homebuyers or rental property investors.  

Great Neighborhoods

In addition to the great housing values available in Anaheim, there are also several exceptional neighborhoods in the area. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood with adequate walking and outdoor spaces, great schools, or a relaxing atmosphere, the city has many neighborhoods to suit your needs. Some of the top Anaheim neighborhoods have been discussed in brief below. 

• Anaheim Hills – This notable neighborhood is located in the east. It’s a luxury neighborhood with several architectural beauties. The neighborhood also enjoys a high security rating and has several highly rated public schools. This area is admired for its city views and good quality of life. This can be attributed to the availability of several family amenities. It’s however important to note that the neighborhood is a little more expensive than other neighborhoods in Anaheim.
• Platinum Triangle – This is an up-and-coming region that stands out from the surroundings of the Honda Centre and Angel stadium. It’s a neighborhood that is experiencing a transition from commercial and industrial space to incorporate a mix of high-density housing. The area is mainly comprised of young professionals and has a more relaxed feel to it. Most of the properties in the region are newly constructed condos and apartments.
• The Colony – This neighborhood is also known as Anaheim’s historic district, is filled with beautiful trees and well-kept vintage-inspired architecture. The neighborhood offers residents a nice community with plenty of local activities. The neighborhood is also home to several rated public and private schools.

High Demand for Various Property Types

As you have seen from the neighborhoods above, different areas attract different demographics. To add, each segment of the population will need different types of housing with specific amenities and features. Thankfully, Anaheim offers diversity in terms of property needs. 

Whether it’s a condo, single-family home, or apartment, there are plenty of properties to choose from. All come with varying price tags, depending on the location, the amenities, and demand for that type of housing. That being said, the properties can generate a steady stream of income for their owners and have a great return on investment.

Numerous Activities

Anaheim is a vibrant city that offers a number of activities for residents to enjoy. Some of the activities include seeing a concert at Honda Centre, catching a baseball game at the Angel Stadium, or trying some of the local eateries. It’s also great if you looking for a fun night out at there are several trendy bars and breweries and live concerts.

These and many other activities help keep the city alive and vibrant all year long. The busy city also aids in the growth of the economy and therefore boosts the rate of return on properties around the area. 

Great Tourism Market

The excitement and warmth of the city attract many visitors yearly. Some of these visitors later become residents because of their love of the area. As an investor, you may decide to invest in short-term rentals like Airbnb’s due to the substantial number of annual tourists. 

Tourists today no longer want to stay in expensive hotels. They are looking for a more cozy and inviting touch when they visit an area. Airbnb’s has grown to become a huge and profitable real estate business. Investing in Anaheim offers you the chance to explore this business arena due to its great tourism market.

In Conclusion

Anaheim is a great place for any real estate investor. With research and a proper strategy, you can enjoy the great benefits of being one of the city’s investors. The reasons above are just a few of the many examples of why you should consider Anaheim as a place to make your real estate business come to life. 

For more information on the various prospects available to you as a potential real estate investor, call upon the experts at Home Choice Property Management. We operate from the city of Anaheim in Southern California and have been offering full management solutions to property owners in Riverside County, Long Beach, and Orange County for the past 10 years. 

A lease agreement spells out the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. It’s a legal document that binds the signing parties to its terms for a certain period. So, when your California tenant breaks it, you may be able to hold them liable both financially and legally.

Generally speaking, most tenants who sign a lease agreement intend to stay for the entire leasing period. But, life may get in the way and the tenant may not be able to stay for the entire time.

The following are some of the common reasons why your California tenant may break their lease:

• They could choose to move in with their partner 
• They may need to move closer to family
• They could be beginning an active military duty
• They may need to move for work or school
• The tenant may need to upsize or downsize

The list of reasons why a tenant may need to break the lease is long and varied. What landlords need to be aware of, is which of these reasons is legally justified. 

If the reason for breaking the lease is legally justified, all the tenant may need to do is provide you with proper notice and proof before moving out. But if they don’t have a legal justification, then you may have a right to hold them liable for all rent due under the lease.

 

What Rights and Responsibilities do Landlords in California have When They Sign a Lease?

Just like your California tenant, you have certain rights under the lease agreement and landlord-tenant laws. To begin with, you have a right to require rent from your tenant for the entire time the lease will be active.

So, if the lease is running for a year, your tenant is contractually obligated to pay rent for the entire 12 months. And this is regardless of whether they live in the unit or not.

Next, you have a right to be properly notified by a tenant who is looking to move out. A tenant on a weekly agreement must give you notice 7 days before moving out and they must provide 30 days notice if they have a month-to-month lease.

Similarly, landlords have certain responsibilities under a typical lease agreement. One such responsibility is to respond to maintenance issues within a reasonable period. If the issue impacts your tenant’s habitability and you don’t respond in time, your tenant may have a right to break the lease.

Furthermore, you also have a responsibility to respect the privacy of your tenants. According to California statutes, you must provide your tenant with “reasonable notice” before accessing their rented units.

 

When is Breaking a Lease in California Legally Justified?

The following are the legally justified reasons a tenant can use to break their lease without incurring any financial or legal burden.

 

Active Military Duty

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects active servicemen and women who are deployed or receive a permanent change of station. The protection starts from the day they enter duty and ends between 30-90 days after getting discharged.

To break the lease, your tenant must provide the following per the relief act:

• Show proof that they signed the lease before entering active duty.
• Show proof that they intend to serve in the military for at least the next 90 days.
• Provide you with a written notice and accompany it with a copy of the deployment letters from their commanding officer.

It should be noted that the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act only applies to the following members:

• Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Air Force)
• National Guard
• National Militia
• State Military Reserve

Once your tenant has met all these requirements, their lease will end 30 days after the next rent period begins.

 

Early Termination of Lease Clause

Some landlords have clauses in their lease agreement that allow their tenants to terminate their lease. In exchange, landlords require tenants to give them proper notice and pay a fee.

Typically, the notice is usually two months and the fee amount is normally equivalent to the rent of two months. The notice allows the landlord ample time to look for a replacement tenant, while the fee helps pay for the tenant qualifying process.

 

Unit is Uninhabitable

California tenants have a right to live in a unit that meets basic habitability standards. If your unit doesn’t meet them, a court would likely rule that you have “constructively evicted” your tenant. As such, all the tenants obligations under the lease agreement would remain suspended.

Examples of a unit that isn’t habitable are ones that don’t have:

• Code-conforming heating facilities
• Drinkable water
• Working electricity
• Heat during cold weather
• Up-to-date conformity to building codes
• A functioning ventilating system

 

Landlord Harassment

Landlord harassment is an adequate reason for a tenant to break their lease in California. The following are two examples of how it can occur:

• Entering your tenant’s unit repeatedly and without notice. In California, landlords may only enter a tenant’s unit after serving the proper notice.
• Changing your tenant’s locks. In some states, changing the locks on a unit can amount to “constructive eviction.” There is no statute in California, however, when it comes to lockouts.

Other actions that would be deemed harassment by a landlord include:

• Turning off utilities
• Removing windows or doors
• Removing your tenant’s personal belongings

 

Issue of Domestic Violence

In California, domestic violence victims have certain special protections. An example is a protection from termination. As a landlord, you cannot refuse to rent to a potential tenant because they are domestic violence victims.

 

Do Landlords Have a Duty to Re-rent in California?

No. Unlike some other states, landlords in California have no duty to “mitigate damages.”

 

Summary

There are justifiable reasons for a tenant to break the lease, as a California landlord, it’s important that you know and understands leasing laws. It’s also important that you stay informed of security deposit laws, the legal eviction process, squatter’s rights, rent increase laws, and more.

If you would like help keeping track of rental laws or managing your rental properties, contact the experts at Home Choice Property Management today!

Disclaimer: This blog isn’t a substitute for professional legal advice. For help, kindly hire a qualified attorney or an experienced property management company.