Interest on Security Deposit in Santa Cruz County

June 7, 2011

Interest is due annually on Security Deposits held within Santa Cruz County with the exception of Scotts Valley.   Interest needs to be paid at the end of each calendar year.  Our office pays in January and if under $5.00 we give tenants a rent credit if over $5.00 we send a check.  For 2011 the [...]

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Rental Market Environment

June 2, 2011

So what is the rental market look like these days?  Great.  Rents are getting a bit stronger.  There are lots of good, qualified applicants looking.  Keep in mind the foreclosure business is not over and all those people living in homes still need  a place to live. After what people have been through many will [...]

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Screen Potential Tenants Carefully

May 25, 2011

Hi folks, Sorry out of commission lately. Thought I would post a quick note about all the calls I am getting from Owners who have rented properties themselves and now tenants aren’t paying rent.  I have picked up quite a few properties lately into my portfolio which have met this very scenario.  My tip for [...]

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Scams and how to protect yourself

February 16, 2011

There are a number of scams out there for rental housing.  Here are a few tips. Craig’s List users make sure to water mark your photos and check your ads regularly.  Also, go to property regularly to make sure there is no unusual activity.  I always say in my ads – tenant occupied.  Have neighbors [...]

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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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Don’t Know Where to Turn – Call 211

January 26, 2011

In this difficult economic time (Santa Cruz County Unemployment is around 10%) many are looking to their community for help.  Santa Cruz and Monterey offer a one stop shopping place to help people looking for services who don’t know where to start.  Call 211.  This is an information number that will direct you to the [...]

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Business Systems – Tips & Tricks

January 12, 2011

1/12/2011 When I teach classes I am always telling the attendees that managing a rental property is a business and needs to be treated as such.  Here are a few tips: Have a filing system – any system will work Current tenant files should include:  application, credit report, emergency contact info, copy of renters insurance [...]

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