PropertyManager.com

New York’s Bedbug Disclosure Act

Posted on 01. Sep, 2010 by Aimee Miller.

In New York Gov. Paterson just signed into law the Bedbug Disclosure Act which requires landlords to tell prospective residents if there is a one-year history of bedbugs – now renters have the right to know about past bedbug infestations.

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Battle Over Smoking In Condos

Posted on 26. Aug, 2010 by Aimee Miller.

A hot topic is coming to head in Florida (keep reading….it’s a very clever pun!). Condominium owners are debating the right to smoke vs. the neighbor’s right to breathe fresh air.

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Residents That Hoard

Posted on 10. Aug, 2010 by Lynn Dover.

Resident hoarding can cause significant health and safety problems, both in the hoarder’s unit and in neighboring units. Hoarding can create pest infestations, mold problems, increased fire risk, interfere with entrance or exit of the unit, or exceed maximum load bearing floor capacity.

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Documentation and Organization Essentials for Property Managers

Posted on 05. Aug, 2010 by Mary Girsch-Bock.

In the last article, I talked about the importance of properly maintaining a trust account for security deposits and rent payments. The following post contains procedures you may want to implement along with things to avoid at all costs.

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NYC Short-Term Apartment Rental Ban Approved

Posted on 04. Aug, 2010 by Aimee Miller.

The New York legislature passed a bill in early July that eliminates New York City apartment rentals that are less than 30 days. Many thought Gov. Paterson would veto this bill given his comments leading up to his decision.

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Proper Use of Property Management Trust Accounts

Posted on 29. Jul, 2010 by Mary Girsch-Bock.

Misuse of trust accounts is the number one reason why property management companies are audited. That’s why it’s vital that the proper trust fund accounts are established as needed, and used properly. d

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Property Management Law with Daniel Bornstein (July 22 Webinar Recap)

Posted on 26. Jul, 2010 by Aimee Miller.

Daniel Bornstein, experienced real estate attorney, shares the top 10 property management pitfalls that cost business money and can potentially get them into legal trouble. Complete video after the break.

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4 Key Things Property Managers Need to Know (But Might Not!)

Posted on 22. Jul, 2010 by Mary Girsch-Bock.

Here are four important things every property manager should know about security deposits, rental/lease agreements, lead-based paint and notice requirements for your state.

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Property Manager Fined $85K for Breaking Lead Paint Law

Posted on 22. Jul, 2010 by Nora Betz.

Boston landlord, John C. Jones, is being fined almost $85,000 for failure to properly disclose the presence of lead paint to his tenants.

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Oregon Carbon Monixide Legislation

Posted on 20. Jul, 2010 by Jonathan Brownfield.

Oregon’s Lofgren and Zander Memorial Act (House Bill 3450) went into effect Thursday, July 1. The new law requires Oregon properties to install carbon monoxide detectors if the property is sold or rented after July 1, 2010.

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Money Judgment Advantages

Posted on 22. Jun, 2010 by KTS-Law.

Unless your unlawful detainer case went to trial, you have the option of obtaining a monetary judgment after your tenant vacated the property. There are several compelling reasons to continue the action to obtain a money judgment.

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Resident Security Deposits – Are You Covered?

Posted on 08. Apr, 2010 by Mary Girsch-Bock.

When Judy moved out of her apartment, the property managers at one of New Mexico’s top management companies were mortified by the extent of damages. The front door was covered in dents, and windows were broken in both the bedroom and the living room. The carpet was covered in cigarette burns and ugly purple stains, and the bathroom tile was curled up and peeling from excessive water damage.

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California 2010 Legal Update: Legislation and Case Law That Will Effect Rental Property Owners and Managers

Posted on 04. Mar, 2010 by KTS-Law.

As 2010 gets under way, it is important for property managers and owners to be aware of new legislation, case law and legal trends that will significantly impact our industry. Below is an overview of the most significant laws and trends for this year.

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Work Place Violence Restraining Orders – An Effective Tool in the Prevention of Workplace Violence

Posted on 12. Jan, 2010 by KTS-Law.

Our law firm is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of calls we receive concerning an irate tenant who is displaying signs and threats of violence. These threats are directed at on-site management, maintenance personnel or even independent contractors hired to perform work on the property. This article addresses one unique course of action [...]

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4 Year-End Property Management Accounting Best Practices (Nov. 19 Webinar Recap)

Posted on 03. Dec, 2009 by Aimee Miller.

In a recent webinar, we reviewed four accounting best practices property managers should be doing to close out 2009 and prepare for 2010. We talked through these best practices and demonstrated how to enact them using our web-based property management software but they are definitely applicable if you’re using a different type of software.

Below is the full recording of the webinar

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Top 10 Property Management Pitfalls (Presentation by Daniel Bornstein, Landlord Attorney)

Posted on 17. Nov, 2009 by Aimee Miller.

On Thursday, Nov 12th we hosted a seminar in San Francisco. Daniel Bornstein, Landlord Attorney with Bornstein and Bornstein (www.bornsteinandbornstein.com) presented an insiders view on how to avoid common property management mistakes that cost your business money and result in potential liability.
View more presentations from AppFolio
Top 10 Property Management Pitfalls

Failure to draft and execute outstanding [...]

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The Right Way To Evict A Resident – Learn the Correct Process Before You Need It

Posted on 12. Nov, 2009 by Daniel Bornstein.

As a property manager and landlord attorney, I know firsthand how stressful it can be when terminating a tenancy. The loss of rent, cost to retain an attorney and a resident “gaming the system” to delay the eviction can create incredible anger for the unfortunate landlord.

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Reasonable Modifications for Disabled Residents

Posted on 03. Nov, 2009 by Lynn Dover.

Do any of these questions sound familiar to you?
“I have a resident who wants grab bars installed in her shower. Are we required to install them for her?”
“Our property was built in the 1970s. Today, one of our residents came in to the office and said that he needs a ramp built over some steps [...]

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Challenging Times, Creative Solutions and Fair Housing

Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by Jamie Sternberg.

Vacancy rates are rising; rental rates are falling; resident retention is becoming more difficult; water, sewer and trash rates are increasing; and the overall economic forecast looks bleak – there is no doubt that these are challenging times for the rental housing industry. Competition for residents is stiff, and property owners and management companies are [...]

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California Tax Withholding Requirements for Rent Payments

Posted on 11. Aug, 2009 by Jamie Sternberg.

The California Franchise Tax Board has required withholdings in connection with real property sales for years. The FTB is now expanding withholding obligations to require withholdings on rent payments made to non-resident landlords.
The FTB initially focused on withholdings for commercial properties (by tenants and property managers). When it then attempted to expand implementation to impose [...]

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