Tenant Screening

Recently, I was at breakfast with a client who owns a quadruplex in the San Fernando Valley. He mentioned that one difference he’s seen since he outsourced his property management to us — a difference it took him a few years to notice — is that his tenants now tend to stay put. He had told…

Local landlords recently got a preview of the suite of all-new and ongoing incentives to participate in the Section 8 affordable housing program through the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB). Attendees of the Sept. 25 informational luncheon also heard from participating landlords and tenants about their experience with the Section 8…

As a landlord or property manager, you need to make sure your properties have good, reliable tenants who will not cause problems and will pay their rent on time. Even if you’re tempted to fill vacancies as quickly as possible, you need to think about exactly who you are renting to and what the consequences…

“I didn’t know” is not an acceptable defense if you face a discrimination charge, so the Grace Hill training tip of the week focuses on repeating advice that assistance animals are not pets when it comes to leasing your rentals. By Ellen Clark The typical story goes like this, where a prospective renter provides documentation from her doctor…

Blanca Barreiro admits she was apprehensive about renting a room to a homeless man with mental heath issues. But then she met her new tenant, Robert Jacobs, a former psychiatric nurse who had lost his job and was living in his car. “I was a little afraid and skeptical at the beginning, but when I…

When most people think of insurance, they likely think of some more popular types of policies such as health insurance, auto insurance, and even homeowners insurance. One form of coverage that’s not talked about as often is renters insurance. In fact, with only about 40 percent of renters holding policies, it’s not surprising that there…

My partner and I have acquired and leased hundreds of rental units. As co-owner at my organization, I still have the final say on approving rental applicants. As much as I want to delegate the task, I am aware it is of pretty high value. Having a great tenant in your property is crucial. A troubled one…

When you are reviewing your screening policies to avoid any discriminatory effects, especially criminal history, be sure to avoid your gut feelings. The Grace Hill training tip of the week focuses on tenant screening and the right way to do it especially when checking criminal history. The National Fair Housing Alliance’s recent publication, Making Every Neighborhood a Place of…

In 2000, Netflix was willing to sell itself to Blockbuster for $50 million. Blockbuster, as an established industry giant with increasing profits, refused the offer. Ten years later Netflix had an eight-figure market cap while while Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy. Blockbuster’s decline is not an isolated incident: Digital disruptors are shifting the marketplace and forcing organizations…

Paying for a traditional or monthly lease can put a dent in one’s pocket since it’s a constant expense which weighs on your finances and future investments. Traditional leases last 12 months, 18 months or 24 months. Property owners operating on a six-month lease is rare and costly. The lease’s structure is too unyielding for…