Owners – Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take you to start managing my property?
We are usually ready to start managing your property within 24 hours of signing the contract with you.
How long does it usually take to find tenants?
It depends on various factors. For example, the location and the property type. We use various marketing platforms to expose your vacant rental unit to as many prospective tenants as possible.
To get an idea of how long it would take to fill your vacancy, please get in touch with us.
Why do you collect application fees from prospective tenants?
We collect application fees to help us in processing their rental applications. This fee is non-refundable.
How do you determine how much to rent a property for?
We use various tools and strategies to determine how much to rent your property for. This includes thorough market analysis. After collecting this data, we are able to advise our clients on how much rent they should ask.
We recommend an amount that is neither too high, nor too low. This ensures your property stays competitive in the market while not turning away any prospective tenants.
How do you collect rent?
We provide your tenants with various options when it comes to their rent payments. They can pay by mail, by bringing it to our office, or online via their tenant portal.
How do you make sure you rent to the right tenants?
We screen every prospective tenant that applies to our properties in order to ensure they’re the right fit. Our screening process is detailed. It includes checking their employment history, credit score, criminal background, and previous landlord references.
Do I need any additional insurance?
No. You may keep the one you have as long as you add Sterling Property Solutions as additionally insured in the liability portion of the agreement.
What do tenants need to do in order to move in?
To begin with, the tenant needs to pass our screening process. Next, they need to pay the first month’s rent as well as the security deposit (which is 1X the price of rent) in advance. Also, the tenant will need to read through the lease agreement and sign it if they agree with the terms.
Depending on your property, the tenant may also be required to pay extra fees.
What does a tenant need to do to get cleared from the lease agreement?
To get cleared from the lease agreement, the tenant needs to make sure they have paid all pending bills, including rent and utility bills. Second, they need to make sure that they return the property in its original condition.
How do you maintain client properties?
We understand how valuable your rental investment is to you. That’s why we conduct regular inspections to ensure it stays in the best condition. We also respond to tenant maintenance requests promptly so that minor issues don’t turn into expensive, long-term problems.
How do you organize utilities?
Most utilities will be transferred to the tenant when they move in. These usually include gas, electricity, and internet. In some cases, certain utilities may be your responsibility as the owner. For example, water or trash collection. These utilities will stay in your name, however, Sterling Property Solutions will be responsible for their payments. These payments will show up on your regular statements.
Is it a good idea to allow pets in my rental property?
This is your decision to make, however, we highly encourage you to consider allowing pets into your property. A large percentage of U.S. households own a pet, therefore, by allowing pets you increase your tenant pool. The larger tenant pool you have, the easier it is to fill vacancies.
If you are concerned about pet damage, Sterling Property Solutions has a foolproof pet policy. This ensures that your unit is protected against any damage that may arise from allowing pets in your rental.
Should I allow smokers in my rental property?
Again, this decision is solely yours to make. However, we advise you not to tolerate smoking inside your property. Typically we will impose an extra cleaning fee on a tenant should we find evidence that they are/were smoking in your rental unit.
What reports can I have access to?
Using your owner portal, you will be able to have access to a multitude of reports. These reports include regular statements on your income and expenses.
What is the tenant is unable to pay their rent when it’s due?
We take nonpayment of rent very seriously. We understand that rent is a crucial aspect of any successful rental investment. Should a tenant fail to pay rent on time, we’ll follow the terms of the lease to issue notices and carry out an eviction, if needed. You can count on us to solve the issue.
Who handles property maintenance?
This is your decision to make. If you leave your property maintenance to us, we will make sure to hire only the most reputable contractors and vendors available.
Will I lose control of my property by hiring you?
No, you won’t lose control of your property by hiring us. You will still retain control and be involved in any important decisions made about your property.