If you are considering becoming a property manager, there are a few things that you should know. The property management industry is a growing market. It involves managing homes and rental units so the owners do not have to. This has increased opportunities for out-of-state investors, but also for those who would like to manage these properties. Read on to learn how to get started in Lakewood Property Management.
Understand Property Management Laws
Many laws cover the landlord-tenant relationship in Colorado. As a property manager, you need to be able to explain these laws to both parties. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the laws that are relevant to your everyday work as a property manager.
Laws to look into:
- State laws covering tenant rights
- Security deposits
- Fake service dogs
- Access to rental properties
- Individual rules from your city or individual housing complexes
Start Small
If you are managing your properties or doing it for a landlord, you should start in a small niche that you are educated in. This might include a neighborhood that you are familiar with or even with renters who you have known previously. This can allow you to learn the industry and build on your experience.
Landlord Fees
The cost of a rental is a huge factor for those who plan to pay for it, but it will also depend on your budget. Be sure to decide how much you plan to charge landlords for your services. This charge should include everything that goes into maintaining a rental property.
Set Up Processes
This is essential if you want to work successfully in property management. Be sure that you set up a plan to market as soon as possible. This will help to get you more customers. Then, you need to begin setting up processes in how you operate your business. How will you perform reference checks and how will you vet potential tenants? Make processes that can work for your business in the long term. It is necessary to have a process that will serve you now and in the future to ensure long term success.
Use Rental Property Management Software
If you only have one or two properties, then it will not be too difficult to know who you need to collect rent from. As your business grows, you might consider using some type of tracking software to manage your tenants, your properties, and your business. Rental property management software is great to help you manage your data. It can offer reports about your business, which can allow you to see where you are going, and where you need to make changes.
Find Your First Tenants
The first step to take after setting up your business is to find your first tenants. They may be within your network, or from another method of searching. You should be sure to ask them for references, a background check, and a credit check. This will ensure that you have a strong relationship with them and that you can bring their file to a potential landlord.