E2 Visa Property Management Investment: What should I know before investing?

Property managers provide comprehensive real estate services for managing and maintaining one or multiple real estate properties. In general, their job is to ensure the profitability of owners’ investment properties. On a day-to-day basis, they handle various tasks that typically include the following:

Following landlord-tenant laws and regulations

Property managers possess extensive knowledge of state and national landlord-tenant laws and assist property owners in avoiding potential legal issues by ensuring that their properties comply with all local laws and regulations. For example, some states limit how much landlords can charge their tenants for security deposits. Property managers aware of this regulation will ensure tenants are charged the correct amount. Property managers must also follow the Fair Housing Act (prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, or sex) and Tenant Privacy Rights.

Marketing properties to find tenants

To keep properties rented and rental revenue going, landlords and owners hire property managers to assist them in marketing their property rentals for new tenants. Property managers take photographs of the properties and advertise on various listing platforms, online directory pages, and local newspapers. Some also provide the option of virtual property tours, which became a preferred method of viewing due to safety concerns about the ongoing pandemic. Once property managers generate much interest in a property, they can afford to be selective in choosing qualified tenants.

Screening and managing tenants

More than one tenant will often apply for a property, compelling property managers to implement a thorough and strict screening process to guarantee that the chosen tenant is financially capable and trustworthy. The screening process is a multi-step endeavor that usually includes verifying the applicants’ identity, performing background and credit checks, and asking for proof of insurance as an added layer of protection. Once tenants have been screened and onboarded, property managers oversee tenant communication and handle complaints and lease compliance issues.

Setting, collecting and depositing rent

One of the main responsibilities of property managers is to collect rent regularly from each tenant, keep records of rental payments received, provide receipts to tenants, and enforce late payment policies. Some property managers use online platforms or payment applications to collect rent and transfer money to property owners conveniently. Aside from collecting rent, property managers may also adjust rental fees after surveying comparable properties in the area and setting the best rental value to match current market conditions.

Maintaining the property

Property managers are responsible for rental property maintenance, which involves responding to tenant repair requests and providing cleaning and preventive maintenance programs such as regular gutter cleaning, trash removal, lawn care, HVAC inspections, and other in-person upkeep. 

Landlords and property owners benefit greatly from hiring property as these service providers have a vast network of professional, licensed contractors whom they can contact to provide repair, maintenance, and cleaning services at a discounted rate. If a property manager regularly maintains and repairs the property, the happier the tenants will be, and the more appealing the property will be to prospective tenants.

Performing regular inspections

Rental inspections are necessary to determine whether the property needs repairs or renovations. Property managers commonly conduct three types of inspections—periodic, move-in, and move-out. Periodic inspections are performed to identify potential problems in the property, minimize owner expenses, ensure tenants’ safety, and maximize their willingness to prolong their lease. 

Move-in inspections are conducted to inspect the units before occupancy by the tenants using written and visual means to document the property’s original condition. Lastly, move-out inspections are performed at the end of a tenant’s lease and when the tenant is moving out of the rental unit, helping property managers identify what needs to be fixed and deducting from the tenants’ security deposits for damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear.

Coordinating turnovers

In addition to move-out inspections, property managers perform other responsibilities when a tenant moves out, including preparing a closing statement with a refund of all or part of the security deposit. They also contract third-party service providers, such as handymen for maintenance issues and repairs and professional cleaners for deep-rental cleaning. They also hire contractors for home improvements, such as repainting the walls or performing renovation to improve the rental units’ appeal and market it at the maximum rental rate. Aside from maximizing rental appeal, property managers also ensure tenant safety and security by testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and door and window locks.

Dealing with defaulters

Defaulters are tenants who fail to make rent payments or those who fail to comply with reasonable written rules and regulations. Property managers are in charge of evicting tenants who break their leases, notifying them of the eviction process as required by law, and filing the appropriate documents in court to obtain an eviction order. Property managers may also evict tenants on an expedited basis, particularly those who caused excessive damage to the property or those engaged in criminal activity, such as selling drugs or using the rental property for prostitution and gambling.

Providing accounting services

Financial management of a rental property is an important aspect of property management services, and landlords who prefer to hire property management companies greatly benefit from this service. The accounting services provided by property management companies consist of determining the right rental rates, calculating added costs, depreciation, and taxes, and identifying profit margins to help property owners accomplish their goals. Property managers also make mortgage and other payments on the properties, maintain detailed records and provide annual reports to property owners.

Each rental property has unique needs, and property managers’ responsibilities may vary based on the type of property being managed and the contract terms with the property owner. Some landlords only want a property manager to market their properties or screen tenants. In contrast, others want them to be more hands-on and manage all aspects of the rental property, including inspections and accounting. While the number of responsibilities depends on what is stipulated in the contract, what is outlined above provides general insight into the basic tasks of a property manager.