June 2011: Is It Time to Revisit Your Insurance?

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, May 31, 2011

There have been incredible weather events happening all other the world - earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, tornadoes throughout many states, and flooding along the Mississippi to name a few. Insurance is a necessity for investment property. You pay with the hope that you will ...

May 2011: Beware of Retaliation

By Michael Mengden Saturday, April 30, 2011

Fair Housing law defines retaliation as an act of harm by the owner, manager, or agent against a resident or applicant because that resident or applicant has asserted their fair housing rights. This important legislation protects the right of the applicant, resident, prospective...

April 2011: What IS a Rental Emergency? & Market Update

By Michael Mengden Thursday, March 31, 2011

What IS a Rental Emergency? It is important to understand what a rental emergency is. Depending on whose perspective it is, whether it can be owner, tenant, vendor, or property manager, it can mean different things when it happens. The definition from Wikipedia is An...

March 2011: Carbon Monoxide - the Silent Killer

By Michael Mengden Monday, February 28, 2011

Carbon monoxide is another area of risk management that has been creating new laws in many states. Currently, at least twenty-five (25) states have legislation on carbon monoxide detectors requirements. Please note that various states have different requirement in their laws. Fe...

February 2011: Rents - Do the Math

By Michael Mengden Monday, January 31, 2011

It is natural to want to obtain the highest rent possible when your property is vacant. A long vacancy can cause frustration, anxiety, and anger. However, holding out for more money can be more costly than you think. When this situation occurs, it is better to use a mathemati...

January 2011: Seven Proactive Ways to Avoid Risk

By Michael Mengden Friday, December 31, 2010

No investor wants to hear that there is a possible or definite lawsuit to defend. Although there are times you cannot avoid legal actions, most of the time, property owners can by being proactive. Here are seven positive steps to follow to reduce your risk. Never ignore nec...

December 2010: Planning for the New Year

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, November 30, 2010

As another year ends, many people take time to reflect on the past year. Generally, this leads to setting goals and making resolutions for the New Year. Our company is busy reviewing 2010 and planning on how we can improve our property management services to you, our clients. He...

November 2010: Never Ignore Water

By Michael Mengden Sunday, October 31, 2010

Water is a necessary element to support life and when it concerns rental property, water usage must be available to tenants. However, water can be destructive. This can come from an act of nature, such as a serious flood or hurricane. If there are repairs left unchecked in a ren...

October 2010: When It is NOT a Pet

By Michael Mengden Thursday, September 30, 2010

Ordinarily, property owners have the right to refuse animals while renting their property. However, there a specific circumstance exists when a dog, cat, or possibly another animal it is not considered a "pet." When a disabled person with an assistance animal applies to rent...

September 2010: Plan Winter Maintenance Now

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Thinking about winter maintenance needs for your investment before the season hits can often save you money. An extra benefit is that it can help keep tenants happy. For example, if you wait until the rains or winds come and the roof leaks, you will be competing with everyone el...