kathleen richards

Know Your FICO Score

July 29, 2011

This month a new law was passed that stipulates if you apply for rental housing and you are denied because of your credit the property mgmt firm must give you your FICO score.  The State of California requires that if an applicant asks for their credit report you must provide it to them. If you [...]

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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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Landlording Made Easy – Come Learn How

June 22, 2011

Hi all, Some of you may know that I teach property management classes at Cabrillo College each semester.  The last class was a huge success.  I revamped the class from a 1 day class down to a 4 hour class.  We had 25 people and a waiting list! Well, another class is coming.  The current [...]

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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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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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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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