Tag Archives: tenant file property management software

New User Questions

Get Your Property Summer Ready

Whether you are new to the property management game or have been managing properties for years, a little help is always welcomed. The Tenant File property management software is an innovative program that helps to simplify your property management system. Although our rental property management software is very user friendly, we know that any new software can be daunting at first, so we provide industry leading support to help new users get started and comfortable with the program. Our property management expertise goes beyond just software know-how and we love to offer up advice whenever we can. So let’s talk seasonal maintenance…

It’s already June which means summer is upon us. If you haven’t already started summer maintenance tasks on your rental property, you should probably think about doing so. Completing these seasonal tasks as early as possible will ensure that summer is enjoyable for both you and your tenants. Here are some key tasks you want to be sure to check off the list this summer:

You may want to start inside the units and work your way out to the exterior. Make sure your tenants keep cool all summer long by scheduling cleaning and maintenance services for the air conditioning systems. It’s probably a good idea to leave behind some interior filters for the AC systems so your tenants can change those on a regular basis. For units with ceiling fans, tighten loose screws and adjust the direction of the fan blades to achieve optimal cooling. Finally, checking the windows and doors for air leaks, and sealing leaks if necessary, will ensure maximum energy efficiency.

When it comes to the exterior of your property there are plenty of preventative maintenance tasks that you can do every summer to keep your property in optimum physical condition, but we will just cover a few here. First, you’ll want to take a look around the outdoor walkways and paths. Fixing any damage or fractures will not only make the property more aesthetically appealing, it will also help to prevent possible injuries to tenants and guests. Next, you’ll want to inspect all the wood, wash the windows and clean the siding. Finally, cleaning and repairing the gutters is an important maintenance task that must be tackled regularly. Taking preventative measures like these to ensure that the outer surfaces and areas of your property are in the best condition possible could save you a lot of money in potential future repairs.

Here’s wishing you a relaxing, fun and sunny summer, from all of us here at Tenant File.

Administrator

Commercial vs Residential Real Estate – what should you invest in?

When considering to invest in real estate, you have to ask yourself: do I want to invest in commercial real estate or residential real estate?

investmentBoth commercial and residential real estate have their ups and their downs, it’s just about figuring out which one is more appealing for your situation. As far as timing, commercial real estate may be more time consuming in your search for a tenant. Residential real estate is a more stable market and easier to find a tenant for in the long run. If you have the time and really want to focus on growth rather than stability, commercial real estate offers significant room for growth because of the fact that commercial leases tend to run longer than residential leases.

Now, something that you need to consider is how both investments are valued. Residential properties are way easier to value than commercial properties and also allow for relative comparison. Comparing houses in the real estate market is not a difficult task, whereas comparing commercial properties is. Commercial properties are difficult to value, so if you’re looking to make a specific investment to reach an exact future value, consider this. If you’re looking to make a large investment that you know will pay off, definitely consider investing in commercial real estate.

Administrator

Round of Applause for the all new Tenant File website!

We are very excited to announce the all new Tenant File website ! The new website can now be accessed from a number of mobile devices across different platforms (you can see it on your android and your iPad!), so getting your Tenant File questions answered on-the-go will never be an issue.

Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about the all new Google algorithm that launches next week (you can read more about it here), emphasizing the importance of mobile-friendly websites. By optimizing our site to make it mobile friendly and easier to navigate, we hope that we can help our users become more familiar with our software and give them a better feel for Tenant File in general.

Beyond just optimizing our website, we’ve also changed our blog to keep up with the times. Our blog can still be accessed here, but now you’ll be able to read from any device with internet capabilities.

Now, we don’t want our current users to be scared by our new design! Both the blog and website are more user friendly than ever, and designed with the user in mind. There are also now more support topics, and an ever increasing number of helpful videos that the Tenant File is making available to all customers.

We’ve made these changes to enhance your experience with Tenant File so that we can guarantee we’re providing you with the best service possible.

Tenant File website
Just a small preview of the all-new Tenant File site!
Administrator

When should you start looking for a new tenant?

If you’re having problems with your current tenant, you have to ask yourself, at what point is it time to have them move out and find a new tenant?

Finding a good tenant is hard, and keeping a good tenant is even more difficult. Sometimes a tenant that may

new tenant, eviction

have been the best thing since sliced bread can turn sour, leaving you with a mess. At some point, you need to start considering finding a new tenant that you know you’ll be at peace with.

Now, you can’t just decide to evict your tenant out because they’re bothering you, but you can evict them if you

have a reason. While actual eviction laws vary from state to state, if you have a valid reason to ask your tenant to leave, it’s typically justified. If your tenant remains in your property beyond the date stated in the lease, you can evict them. You can also evict them if they fail to pay rent. Property damage, and rule breaking

are also justifiable reasons for to ask your tenant to leave the property. Basically, at the first sign of any of these, or if you feel that your tenant is putting you or your property in danger, you should ask them to leave to avoid further problems.

 

Administrator

When Tenants Go Sour: How to Avoid Bad Tenants

Here at Tenant File, we’re constantly stressing the importance of finding a tenant that is a perfect fit for your home. While there are certain steps you can take prior to renting out your home to them (check out our video on tenant screening here), can you guarantee that your tenant won’t go bad? Realistically, you can’t, so you need to be alert and keeping your eyes open for signs that your tenant may not be as good as they seem. Having a bad tenant can make the rental process immensely difficult and costly for you, so you need to make sure you don’t end up with one!

For starters, don’t rush the process of screening your tenant. It’s important to make sure that you have legitimate information that checks out. You should definitely require proof of employment from your tenant and verify it to make sure it’s not falsified. If you skip this step, you may end up with a tenant that you think is a high earning executive, when in reality they’re unemployed. Missed or late payments are also a huge red flag your tenant may be going bad; if they stop paying out of nowhere without speaking to you about any issues they might have, it may be time to have them move.

A huge thing that some tend to overlook is making sure everything is in writing. The lease contract needs to be sure to have every single aspect of the rental agreement being made in it, not just a general overview of the terms. If all the terms of the agreement are in writing, it’s clear to your tenant what they can and can’t do in your property. Having a fully stated agreement also makes it easier for you to point out certain terms your tenant is breaking and provide concrete reason to have them evicted.

bad tenant

Administrator, New User Questions

Keeping Good Tenants – Top 5 Tips for Tenant Retention

At Tenant File Property Management Software, we recently covered the importance of tenant screening. But once you have a good person chosen and moved in, how do you ensure tenant retention? We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 tips for keeping good tenants that you should be sure to use if you want to guarantee a low tenant turnover.

1. Allow pets.

It’s very difficult for pet owners to find a rental home that will let them bring their four-legged friends, so if they find a home that does allow pets they are likely to stay there for a long time. A tenant with a pet is also responsible (they have to take care of themselves and their pet!), so they’ll be responsible enough to take care of your home

2. Listen to your tenants.

Listening to your tenant is key in being able to keep them as your tenant! If your tenant has a request, like painting a wall, or changing an appliance, hear them out and try to take care of it as best as you can. It’s important that you and your tenant listen to each other and voice any concerns or requests either of you may have.

3. Offer discounted leases.

If you have a tenant who’s lived with you for an extended period of time (over a couple of years or so), you can offer them discounted or reduced rent. This gives them an incentive to keep living with you and makes it clear that you like having them as your tenant.

4. Take care of issues promptly.

If something breaks, fix it quickly! Don’t make your tenant wait a long time for things to be fixed, because they’re going to think that you don’t care about taking care of them or the property.

5. Treat your tenant right.

It’s important to talk to your tenant and be able to develop a relationship with them. If they’re having issues that may prevent them from paying rent, or may require them to leave for a period, your tenant should feel comfortable enough with you to be able to talk to you about these things. Sending cards for birthdays and other holidays are also great because they give your tenant a nice reminder that you’re thinking about them.

Do you have any tips you recommend for keeping a good tenant?

landlord and tenant

Administrator

Life’s A Stage: The Importance of Staging

Staging your way to success!

Recently at Tenant File, we read a BuzzFeed article about the importance of using good photos when posting real estate listings. Making sure your real estate listing looks good is crucial because its the first image that people see of the property, and creates an idea in their heads of what to expect. These photos would be nothing if the home doesn’t have anything in it, simply blank walls and emptiness; this brings up why staging is so important in renting or selling your property.

Staging involves setting up your home to have it shown to potential tenants or buyers. The home is fixed and decorated to appeal to those who are interested in possibly living there, making them feel comfortable and welcome. You want your property to be staged in a way that makes the person seeing it feel at home; you want them to feel comfortable with the idea of living there themselves and making it their own home.

Effective staging involves using the right paint colors, furniture, decor, and overall ambiance. Use warm and light colors to make the room seem bigger and have a nice calm feel. Make sure that the furniture you choose also goes with the overall design of the house; you wouldn’t furnish an old Victorian home with very modern furniture. As far as decor, have pillows on couches, to exude a look of comfort, and paintings and wall decor to be able to draw people into the room. Another great tip is to have candles lit throughout the home with a nice, calm scent (vanilla is a great choice) because it makes people associate the home with nice, warm, positive thoughts.

staging

 

Do you have any great staging tips that you always use? Tell us about them today!