Carlson & Associates is proud to offer Property Management services in Pittsburgh.
Property Management Fee:
- Monthly management service fee *
- Gross rental commission fee *
- NO management fee until rent is received
- NO monthly charge when the property is vacant
What the management fee covers:
Advertising
The first step in the rental process is letting renters know the property is available. Therefore, we utilize professional marketing channels including but not limited to online advertising websites (including www.casouthside.com/rentals), local and regional print advertising, placement of a "For Rent" sign on your property, co-op referral fees with other Realtors and Brokers and continuous updating of our tenant waiting list.
Tenant Screening
We want good tenants just as much as you do! We pride ourselves in the quality of tenants we are able to attract. We utilize a full service credit report as soon as an application is received. In addition, we verify given information from previous landlords as well as current employers. Criminal background checks are also performed. The property owner will have the final decision whether to accept or reject the selected tenant(s).
All application fees are covered by the applicant.
Rent Collection
Rents are typically due on the first of the month with a 4 day grace period. We collect rent and make sure checks are approved through our bank. Once approved we mail you the rent at the end of each contracted month. Late notices are sent on the 6th and if the tenant fails to make immediate arrangements for rent payment, eviction action is initiated. In case of an eviction, we manage every step of the process, including representing the owner in court and collections of non-payments.
Security Deposits
For additional protection, all the lease security deposits are always collected upon completion and acceptance of a rental application by a prospective tenant. Applicants with pets are required to pay an additional "non-refundable" pet deposit if approved by the owner. All deposits are held until they are either refunded to the tenant upon the successful check-out inspection or are forfeited to cover damages caused by lease violations.*
Property Inspections
Our main job is to protect your investment property. Before new tenants occupy the property we perform a pre-inspection to verify condition while meeting city & state codes. A "Move-In" report is generated and in some cases a camera will be used to record the visual inspection. During the rental period we make routine drive-by inspection tours and periodic interior inspections. A written notification will be sent to the tenant if a violation of the lease is noted. If a tenant has not shown good faith by meeting their maintenance or repair obligations per the lease, we begin proceedings to correct any violations at the tenants expense.
Tenant Customer Service & Issue Resolution
There is a strong relationship between rental property profitability and the retention of responsible tenants. We minimize tenant turnover, therefore reducing leasing and vacancy expenses by developing strong landlord-tenant relationships based on courteous responsiveness to tenant concerns and professional customer service. We will act in your best interest and try our best to save you money on future commission fees and loss or positive cash flow.
Bill Payment, Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting
At no extra cost, we will manage the payment of bills related to clients' properties out of their rental revenue and provide our clients a monthly income statement detailing their properties' performance for the month. Copies of all work orders and receipts are kept on file throughout the year. We scrutinize bills for accuracy and handle the resolution of billing discrepancies. We will be happy to provide duplicate copies of this information at the end of the year to help you with your tax preparations. In addition, we also provide a complete account summary at the end of the year which is specially designed to simplify the year-end tax preparation job for you and your accountant.
Maintenance & Repair Coordination
When maintenance or repair service is required, we will contact the appropriate professional. We hire contractors and handyman services to perform all necessary property maintenance and make recommendations to clients on making improvements to the properties when we feel doing so will enable them to raise their rents and increase the return on their investment. We will also coordinate post-tenancy cleaning services, landscaping, pest control, snow removal and winterizing services, if necessary.
Rate Schedule
Our fees are very competitive and are based on the services you request. Fees and charges will be addressed completely in the property management agreement. Services are usually computed as a percentage of the rent, a flat fee, or a combination of both. The client controls the level and type of services. Services range from a standard property management package or a combination of standard management and other services.
We would be happy to meet with you in person or discuss options over the phone to design a management package that fits your needs! Whether you have one property, a portfolio of investment properties or represent a Home-Owners Association, we will tailor management packages to work within your budget.
What the management fee does not cover:
- Homeowners and property insurance & association fees
- Cost of maintenance, repair, and compliance
- Mortgage payment & property taxes
- Legal fees
- Delinquent rent collection service: In a situation where the rent is overdue and the tenant does not show signs of cooperation, eviction action and garnishment of wages can be taken to retrieve these unpaid balances. Although we do our best to ensure rents are paid, we cannot guarantee payment from tenants. These costs and fees incurred through using these services are not included in the management fee.