Repairs & Maintenance

This topic will cover what maintenance is required by law for health and safety and to be in compliance with the housing code, what is considered “normal” wear & tear versus damages. How to protect yourself from replacing large ticket items when a simple fix will do. What is reasonable to provide and maintain in a property? Inspections and preventative maintenance check lists and more.

Class is over – What did we learn?

October 19, 2011

I teach classes at Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA a couple times per year.  It is always great to touch base with consumers to see what is really on their minds.   The take away from the class is that as an Owner you need to know the laws and fair housing.  Take a great [...]

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Annual Preventative Maintenance

October 14, 2011
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July 1, 2011 – Save a Life!

July 1, 2011

Today it is law that all homes have Carbon Monoxide Detectors installed in them. Having personally known people who have died from Carbon Monoxide it is well worth putting the detector in your home. Rental properties have until July 2013, but in our company we have already installed them in all of our units. If [...]

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Santa Cruz Rental Inspection Ordinance Update

June 15, 2011

The City of Santa Cruz passed the Rental Inspection Ordinance that was to go into effect 60 days from January 1, 2011.  At this point in time the City is still putting the program in place and working out the details of the program.  So, the process will be that owners don’t need to register [...]

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Wear & Tear Versus Damages – Quiz Answers

February 9, 2011

Try this quiz: Wear & Tear (W&T) or Damages (D) Furniture scratches on wall Crayon drawings on wall Picture hook hole in wall Molly bolt hole in wall Hole in wall from doorknob Dent in wall from doorknob Mildew caulking in tub or around sinks Dead light bulbs Worn carpet at front door Stains all [...]

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Wear & Tear Versus Damages – Take the Quiz

February 2, 2011

Security Deposits are always a topic for heated discussion.  What is wear and tear versus damage?  Leaving a house dirty is not wear and tear.  It is dirty and cleaning can be deducted from deposit.  Security deposits aren’t to be used for last month rent because you may not have enough money left to cover [...]

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Holiday Maintenance Checklist

December 8, 2010

Rental properties always need maintenance here is a list of To Do’s to get ready for the season and to prevent you getting that call on Christmas Eve when you have a house full of guests and aren’t in the mood to deal with a maintenance emergency on your rental. Check heater and install new [...]

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