Benefits of Spring Cleaning Your Boston Rental Property

The Boston winter with its snow, ice and frost is over and done with. Now is the time to clean up the mess!

As soon as you, a Boston landlord, see daffodils blooming, it’s time to think about what damage the winter may have caused to your rental property.

In this article, learn why it's to your benefit to pay attention to spring maintenance and cleaning both outdoors and indoors.

While you are paying attention to the common areas of your building, also learn how to encourage your tenants to report any problems in their individual apartments so that these can be taken care of in a timely fashion.

Why Spring Cleaning Will Benefit Your Property

Implementing sound inspection and cleaning practices each spring keeps your tenants safe and happy and increases the value of your property. Why? Happy tenants are less likely to seek alternative accommodation.

A Boston spring is the beginning of the turnover season in Boston apartments, so by encouraging your residents to stay, you will reduce the wear and tear on your building caused by people moving in and out.

And, don’t forget about curb appeal. Well kept outdoor landscaping and a clean, well-maintained building are what prospective new tenants will immediately notice. An attractive exterior appearance will help to keep your units fully rented.

Tips For Landlords In Boston and Other Cities

Spring Cleaning Exterior Checklist

• Inspect your building’s roof and look for any signs of damage.
• Remove debris from gutters - water damage can result from clogs. Repair any breaks.
• Remove tree branches that have grown too close to the roof.
• Inspect your building’s walls and patch any cracks.
• Check your exterior paintwork. Make any necessary repairs and maybe go for a new look to increase curb appeal.
• Note any damage to windows and doors. Seals may have cracked in extreme cold and caused water damage and drafts. Clean the window panes.
• Repair broken or rusty hinges, ensure that doors latch, and replace old locks that might cause security risks.
• Check swimming pools for damage and give them a thorough cleaning.
• Clean up common spaces like garbage and picnic areas.
• Examine driveways, fences, decks and patios then thoroughly spray to get rid of salt, sand, and de-icer residues. Fill any holes, cracks, or gaps.
• Trim bushes and replant flower beds.
• If you have lawn areas, check that your mower and weed cutter are clean, gassed up and ready for the first spring cut.

Spring Cleaning Interior Checklist

• Inspect interior paintwork. Make any necessary repairs or try a fresh new color.
• Steam-clean all floors and carpets.
• Hire a professional to clean and service your HVAC system to ensure that it’s running efficiently and that you are saving on energy costs.
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs
• Inspect electrical breaker boxes and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
• Look for drainage blockages in laundry areas and check that coin-operated washers and dryers are operating normally.
• Search for signs of rodents, termites, fleas, and other insect infestations.

Involve Your Tenants

Of course, while you are spring cleaning your Boston property, you would also like to remind your tenants that spring cleaning season is here and maybe provide them with an incentive to spring clean their individual apartments.

For instance, you could offer to pay half the cost of a cleaning service. This will help to ensure that your rental property apartments stay free of dust, mold, and bugs. One problem you don't want is bedbugs.

Before the cleaning service arrives, you might even send tenants a helpful checklist. Some ideas for this are:

• Vacuum underneath and behind the refrigerator. Give the interior of the refrigerator a thorough cleaning and toss out expired foods or foods that have been in the freezer for more than a year.
• Go through closets and set aside clothes that haven’t been worn for several years. These items can be collected for a building wide garage sale, the proceeds from which will go to a local charity.

Need Help With Your Annual Spring Cleaning?

If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the work involved in spring cleaning and maintenance, the best property management company in Boston is here to help you before the hot Boston Summer arrives and year round.

Contact us to see how we can assist you to beautify and manage your property year round.

Why Property Maintenance is Important: Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities in Massachusetts

If you are a Massachusetts landlord, proper maintenance of your real estate investment will keep your property in good shape and also avoid friction between you and your tenants. 

If you are a Massachusetts tenant, it is useful to know your rights so that if your landlord fails to maintain the property you are living in, you are aware if what steps you can legally take to remedy the situation.

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, you can use this article to better understand landlord and tenant responsibilities and rights in Boston, MA. 

Why Good Property Maintenance Makes Both Parties Happy

If you are a landlord and your tenants are satisfied with the way you maintain the property they call home, they are more likely not to be late with their rent, to take care of their units, and to renew their leases. You, as a landlord, will reap the benefits of low tenant turnover (resulting in fewer vacancy days) and a more consistent cash flow.

Property Maintenance Tips for Boston Landlords

Seasonal inspections and maintenance and taking care of small problems promptly before they turn into bigger ones will save you money over the long term.

A good idea is to set aside one or two months of rent per year (more for an older property) to cover maintenance costs. If you have a vacancy, make sure the rental unit is up to code and appealing to prospective new tenants so that it rents quickly.

Your Obligations as a Massachusetts Landlord

As a landlord in Massachusetts, your responsibilities include the duty to provide the following:

• Habitable premises in good repair and free from infestation.
• Adequate heat, electricity and hot water.
• Necessary kitchen appliances in good working order.
• Good plumbing and working toilets.
• Maintenance of all exits to the property which should also be free of obstructions.

For a more detailed explanation of your duties, please consult the Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Landlord Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights as a Massachusetts Tenant

All tenants in Massachusetts have the legal right to live in a rental property that is kept in good condition and meets basic standards with respect to Massachusetts health and safety regulations.

If your landlord fails in his responsibilities to fix major problems, such as a broken heating system or a leaky roof, you have legal rights, including:

• Withholding rent until repairs are made.
• The right to “repair and deduct” – i.e., you can hire someone (such as an electrician or a plumber) to fix a serious defect in your rental unit (or buy what is needed to make the repair and do it yourself) and deduct the cost from your rent.

To read about your tenant rights in more detail, please click this link to the Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What Massachusetts Tenants Should Know Before Making Rent Deductions

Before deciding to withhold rent or take advantage of repair and deduct, make sure that the circumstances justify your taking the action. You need to know the following:

• What maintenance emergencies are more important than others.
• When a lack of maintenance qualifies for rent withholding or repair and deduct.
• The length of time you must give your landlord to fix the problem and what written notice to give him before you can take action.
• How much rent you may withhold or deduct, how often you can do so, and whether you need to pay the withheld amounts into an escrow account.
• What your protection is from landlord retaliation (e.g. terminating your lease, raising your rent, or locking you out of your apartment).

Remember to Check Local Boston Rules

Local housing ordinances for your particular Massachusetts town or city should be consulted for regulations covering tenant rights.

Find your local building or housing authority by contacting your mayor or city manager’s office or viewing your city or county website.

Find a Good Property Management Company in Boston

Premier Property Solutions can take all the worry about managing your Massachusetts rental property off your hands, including the handling of maintenance requests from your tenants.

We will take all the burden of maintenance off your shoulders ensuring that maintenance issues are taken care of efficiently and promptly and that you have happy tenants. Please contact us to see how we can make your life as a landlord a lot easier.

How to Spot a Good or Bad Property Manager - Before You Move In!

When choosing a rental home or apartment, there are several aspects of the property that you want to examine critically. 

Most important is that the management company does a great job caring for the property, handling any issues, and dealing with you professionally to ensure your rental period is enjoyable. 

In this post are important tips to find you a great property management company before you make the big commitment to move in.

What to Look for in a Good Property Manager

Finding a great property management company is not too difficult; ask for referrals from people you know and read online reviews. Look for positives and negatives and get information from a range of sources so you are sure it’s not biased.

Take your time to research your potential home in detail and identify any red flags. This will save you wasted time in the future if you learn about the bad habits of your property management team when you've already entered a lease agreement with them.

Finding an ethical property management company should always be your goal. This means you’ll have a certain level of trust that they will handle any problems and deal with you fairly throughout your lease term.

Learn our best questions to ask during your property screening...

Interview Questions When Meeting a Potential Property Manager

We hope the following questions will assist you on your search for the best property manager in Boston. Bring these questions with you to ensure a property screening.

• How long have you managed this property? Or, how long has your company managed properties in general? Look for a company with experience managing properties.

• What kinds of property do you manage? You want a management company that works specifically with the kind of home you want because different properties have different management needs. 

• What insurance do you carry as a management company? Expect a good property management company to carry general liability insurance that would cover anyone who is hurt on the property. Also, a legitimate property management company should have errors & omissions (E & O) insurance. E & O insurance covers the manager in the event of a claim of negligence, and can keep the community solvent. 

• How many property managers do you have, and how many units does each manage? Less than 50 to 60 units per manager is best to ensure the management company has the capacity to handle any repair issues and customer service for tenants. 

• Can I see a copy of your lease? Read over the blank lease, with an eye toward any issues that you might not have already discussed. Likewise, look for any phrasing that appears to conflict with what you've heard from the property manager. Actively ask questions!

• 

  How often do you have to evict someone? Hopefully, the answer here is very seldom. Good property managers don’t typically have to evict well-screened tenants.

• How do you screen tenants? A criminal background check is the most vital, but speaking to previous landlords is often telling as well, as is a credit and employment check. Fully employed, responsible adults make the best tenants and neighbors.

• How can I pay my rent? Can I drop it off at the office, even when closed? Is there a dropbox for checks? Can I pay it online via the company website? Having a number of options makes it easier for you overall, and the best property managers know that keeping their tenants happy is crucial.

• When is the rent due? Is there a late fee, and if so, when is that due? Understand your responsibilities, and what the management company expects, so that you comply with your lease.

• What do you do for routine maintenance of the property? Do you perform regular inspections? Pest control service? Lawn, landscaping or snow removal services? Know what is and is not included in your rent so you can estimate your overhead accurately.

• What is your repair process? How quickly can I expect a problem to be handled? Their answer to this should not be vague, and they should be able to commit to a certain timeframe, such as “Within 24 hours”.  

Watch Out for Red Flags of a Bad Property Manager

Drive by some of the properties the company manages; you can tell by looking at a complex whether you could expect a clean condominium in many cases. If they are not in good shape and well-cared for, that’s a definite red flag.  

Likewise, if talking to current tenants gleans less than glowing opinions of the management company, that’s another red flag.

In particular, if they talk about things not being fixed, noise at night, dirty common areas, trouble getting your security deposit back, and finding somewhere better to live when their lease is up - red flags!

How Can I Find the Best Property Manager in Boston?

Are you looking for the best property management company in the Boston area? Well, look no further, because you have found Premier Property Solutions.

 We manage properties all over the area, so no matter if you prefer close to the action at Fenway Park, or in the Back Bay area, we have you covered. 

Give us a call at 617.345.0045 and let’s find your new home, today!

Official Press Release

2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PREMIER ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Current Leader To Develop New Division

Boston based property management firm Premier Property Solutions, LLC announces a reorganization of leadership.  Effective April 15^th, Vice President Patrick Colbert will be assuming the role of President.  Current President Christopher Buono to move to Premier’s brokerage and develop services for the marketing and sale of condominiums.

Having lead his own management firm, Absolute Property Solutions, Inc., and previously merged with Premier in 2012, Patrick is primed for the new responsibility.  “My vision for Premier is to continue to provide the same level of professional service, to ensure that our clients are provided with the best property managers in the industry, maintain the value of their homes and to foster a high energy environment for our team members and employees,” says Colbert.

The management team is excited about the new development as well as Vice President Laura Cardoos’ recent returned from maternity leave.  All three leaders are confident Premier will remain at the forefront of the industry.

 

Premier strives to be a vertically integrated service provider that can effectively meet the various real estate needs of their clients. Buono’s new role will provide a level of familiarity, support, and a streamlined sale or rental experience for clients.

Premier Property Solutions, LLC specializes in personalized management solutions for condominiums, apartment buildings, and investment units.  Their modernized management approach offers physical plant and financial guidance to a large portfolio throughout Massachusetts.

###

For more information, please contact Christopher Buono or Patrick Colbert at 617.345.0045 or email them cb@premierpropertyma.com and pc@premierpropertyma.com. 

Host With The Most

Still looking for a spot to host your annual meeting....?

Look no further! Premier Property Solutions has conference rooms available for client use:

Premier Property Solutions, LLC is Boston's Premier Property Management Firm