Witches, mummies, ghouls and vampires will be descending on your property soon, but believe it or not, that shouldn’t be your #1 concern. Halloween also brings out spooky décor, crowds of children, and late-night revelers. Safety hazards are more likely due to increased risks on Halloween, so it’s important to stay vigilant. The goal is to ensure that your tenants have fun and don’t end up in the emergency room at the end of the evening. You also don’t want to be held liable for any accidents or misbehavior on the property. These last-minute Halloween tips should help you cover your bases so that when night falls, your only task will be handing out candy.

Keep Your Tenants Safe with These Last-Minute Halloween Tips

Make Sure Outdoor Areas are Lit Properly

With trick-or-treaters wandering around the property, you’ll want to be sure the area is well-lit. Costumes often include trip hazards in themselves (capes, masks, bulky outfits) but you can’t control what your tenants choose to wear. What you can do is make sure all areas are visible so parents and kids can see where they’re going. Additionally, criminal activity is much more common in dark, shadowy spots. Prevent this by repairing any damaged lights and installing new fixtures before Halloween night.

Remind Tenants about Fire Safety Protocol

This is a crucial last-minute Halloween tip that many landlords forget. Do your lease agreements prohibit candles? Are tenants allowed to place lit jack-o-lanterns outside their units or on balconies? Now is a good time to remind them of your regulations. If possible, suggest safer flameless or battery-operated options. You should also consider checking your smoke alarms to ensure everything is in working order. No landlord wants a fire on their property late on Halloween night; that would be worse than a horror movie jump scare!

Remove Tripping Hazards from Walkways

Hallways and outdoor walkways are filled with all sorts of clutter. Take the time to rake the leaves, remove debris, and clean common areas before Halloween. That way, little ghouls and goblins won’t trip over anything on the way to their next treat!

Stop Crazy Parties Before They Start

One final last-minute Halloween tip: remind tenants that the holiday isn’t an excuse to let rules fall to the wayside. If someone is planning a party, be sure to check in with them about the number of people invited and the duration of the event. Not everyone celebrates Halloween, and this year it falls on a Monday. That means a lot of neighbors will be upset if loud music is blasting through the walls at 2AM.

Partner with All County Denver South for Expert Property Management Services

All County Denver South Property Management is here to give property owners confidence in the quality of their tenants and the security of their property through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to pricing rent to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. For a complimentary quote or further information about our last-minute Halloween tips, call us today at (720) 664-4550.

Autumn is beautiful in Denver. There’s nothing better than getting outside and watching the Colorado pines turn color before temperatures drop. During this time of year, residents are eager to enjoy the last few days of good weather before winter sets in. As a landlord, you’re responsible for not only your comfort this fall, but for your tenants as well. Your property should be prepared for the upcoming season ahead of time. At All County Denver South, we put together this fall maintenance checklist for Colorado landlords to help you stay winter-ready. When freezing winds start to blow, you and your tenants can rest assured that the property is protected from the elements.

The Ultimate Fall Maintenance Checklist for Colorado Landlords

1.      Outdoor Landscaping

The first thing you should do is examine your gutters. Are there plenty of trees on your property? If so, you’ll want to clear the area of leaves and debris so water can drain properly. Next, plan to inspect your roof for signs of damage from summer storms. Any issues such as loose or cracked shingles should be repaired before the start of winter. Finally, make sure to check your chimney, keep walkways clear, rake leaves on the property, trim your foliage and mow the grass one final time. The first snowfall of the year often takes place early in Colorado, so you should also consider winterizing your sprinkler system.

2.      Heating and Cooling Systems

Next up on our fall maintenance checklist for Colorado landlords is heating and cooling. The last thing you want is for your tenants to come to your door upset because it is cold in their apartments. Always have your system inspected by licensed professionals before residents start relying on heat. Furthermore, you can avoid issues ahead of time by replacing any air filters, testing out all thermostats, and vacuuming out dust from bathroom exhaust fan covers and blades.

3.      Interior Spaces

The most important thing to do inside is check windows, doors, basements, and attic spaces for drafts. Any cold air that enters your property will inevitably up your energy costs. Seal these areas to keep your property warm and comfortable for tenants this winter. While you’re at it, you should also check all locks to ensure your security systems are in satisfactory condition. Locks can jam when temperatures drop, but applying WD-40 will loosen them and keep your property secure. Additionally, make sure the plumbing, electricity and other essential building services like elevators are running properly.

4.      Water Heaters

Last up on our fall maintenance checklist for Colorado landlords is water heaters. Your residents need access to hot water at all times, but during winter it’s vital. Plus, everyone deserves a hot bath after a long day in the cold! To ensure your water heater is in good working condition, examine the temperature pressure relief valve. Any leaks or seepage should be fixed right away. The water heater pan should be also be free of water. If you have any doubts or concerns, call a professional to inspect the system. Your mind will be at ease once they give it the all-clear.

Extra Maintenance Tips

After you’ve completed our essential fall maintenance checklist for Colorado landlords, consider taking on these additional tasks:

• Replace batteries in smoke detectors
• Inspect dumpsters and other trash receptacles on the property for damage
• Double check to make sure your building is up to code and free of safety hazards
• If you’re responsible for snow removal, make sure you have a list of respected companies you can count on
• Address all tenant repair requests ASAP to leave yourself time for unexpected winter maintenance needs
• Go the extra mile by checking in with your tenants personally or sending out a letter asking residents to inform you of any additional repairs they require

The Experts at All County Denver South Can Help You Maintain Your Property This Fall

If you need a property management company in Denver, look no further! All County Denver South Property Management is here to help property owners have confidence in the quality of their tenants and the security of their property through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. For a complimentary quote, or to learn more about fall maintenance checklists for Colorado landlords, call us at (720) 664-4550.

Landlords often struggle to keep up with their business operations. Property management is complex, and there are countless details to remember. A seasoned landlord may have strategies in place to stay organized, but someone who is new to the business might have a harder time keeping up. Transitioning to new technologies can also be challenging for experienced landlords. They become accustomed to running their business the same way, and fail to utilize tools that can simplify their job. No matter what situation you’re facing, however, poor administrative skills will impact your business over time.

You may benefit from this resource if you feel like your rental business is falling by the wayside, or you’re losing your grip on organization. First, you have to know what needs your attention. To keep track of what’s most important, you need to identify what’s most important. By staying on top of key tasks and documents, you can operate your property more efficiently and meet the growing demands of the industry.

4 Things Landlords Need to Keep Track Of

 

1. Lease Agreements

It’s incredibly important to keep track of your lease agreements, whether you upload them digitally or file paper documents. Rental agreements outline the terms of the lease, tenant/landlord responsibilities, payment due dates, and information about the eviction process. In the event of a tenant dispute, lease agreements are the first documents landlords refer to. Additionally, landlords should keep their rental agreements on hand even after a tenant has moved out. It is vital that your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed if any legal disputes or IRS audits arise later.

2. Seasonal Maintenance Checklists

Maintenance, repairs and inspections are some of the most important things landlords need to keep track of. If your property is in disrepair or looks unkempt, renters won’t want to live there. Therefore, you want to ensure it’s in good condition at all times. Regular maintenance will be easier to schedule if you write up a checklist prior to each season.

Fall is right around the corner. During this time of year, landlords usually clear the gutters, trim any overhanging tree branches, and examine their HVAC units. If your fall checklist is ready to go, you can use it before the season starts to get these essential tasks completed early.

3. Rent Payments

It’s likely that you have more than few tenants staying in your building. Keeping track of rent payments for all tenants at the same time can be tricky. Every month, you’ll need to know who paid on time, who paid late, and who failed to pay. Online software and digital tools can be helpful, but some landlords collect rent in-person. Be sure to document this properly so you know which of your tenants are in good standing. If this is something you have trouble with, consider hiring an expert property management company to collect rent for you.

4. Correspondence with Tenants

This is one area where landlords tend to slip up over time. E-mails, texts, and phone calls can be difficult to monitor when you have other pressing tasks to attend to. While this is true, they really should be a top priority. If your tenants are happy, they’ll be more likely to extend their lease or refer your property to others. When you receive a message from a tenant, either respond right away or make a note to yourself to do so later. This way, tenants will know you value their time.

How All County Denver South Can Help

If you need a property management company in Denver, look no further! All County Denver South Property Management is here to help property owners have confidence in the quality of their tenants and the security of their property through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. For a complimentary quote, or to learn more about the services we offer to landlords, call us at (720) 664-4550.