OWNERS NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2020

Julie Martinez • March 24, 2020
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” -Johann Von Goethe
                                                               
OWNERS NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2020

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS – The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced it will be cracking down on emotional support animals and has put forth its proposed new rules in response to air travelers that misrepresent their pets as service animals. Many air travelers dishonestly state that their pets are emotional support animals in order to avoid fees they would otherwise have to pay to have their pets accompany them while flying. There have been numerous instances of these “emotional support” animals urinating and defecating in airport terminals and in the cabin. Airline workers and passengers have also been bitten or injured by “Emotional Support” animals. The DOT seeks to alter the definition of “service animal” to a dog that has been specially trained to perform tasks aimed at assisting a person with a disability and put some teeth into the penalties for those that make false claims about their animal.

Unfortunately, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) appears to be softening its rules with respect to animals that individuals claim to be support or assistance animals. 
Renters with pets will often claim that their animal is a support or assistance animal to avoid paying pet deposits. Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers are prohibited from charging animal deposits for service, support, or assistance animals and must allow all breeds of dogs. This is referred to as making a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act.
When we receive applications from prospective renters, a very small percentage of them state they have an animal or that they plan to acquire one. We routinely discover unauthorized animals while performing periodic inspections or maintenance on properties. Once an animal is discovered, renters will often claim that their animal is a support or assistance animal to avoid unauthorized pet fees or paying an animal deposit. 

HUD’s most recent guidance relating to a person making a request to have an animal as a reasonable accommodation states, “A resident may request a reasonable accommodation either before or after acquiring the assistance animal. An accommodation also may be requested after a housing provider seeks to terminate the resident’s lease or tenancy because of the animal’s presence, although such timing may create an inference against good faith on the person seeking a reasonable accommodation. However, under the Fair Housing Act, the housing provider must consider the reasonable accommodation request even if the resident made the request after bringing the animal into the housing.” Further, the request for a reasonable accommodation may be oral or written and can be made by others on behalf of the individual, like another person legally residing in the property or an authorized representative. My takeaway from HUD’s position is that housing providers should consider going easy on residents that falsely claim to have no animals on their application and subsequently bring animals into a property in violation of their lease contract. Landlords can successfully evict a renter that has brought an unauthorized animal into the property, but if the renter claims his or her rights have been violated under the Fair Housing Act, a court victory will be enormously expensive.

David Gerke
Broker

By Julie Martinez January 31, 2025
Responding to emergency maintenance requests is a vital aspect of property management. Whether it's a sudden plumbing issue or an electrical malfunction, these situations demand swift and precise action to protect the property and ensure tenant safety. Handling Emergency Maintenance Requests. Establishing a 24/7 Maintenance Hotline A dedicated 24/7 maintenance hotline allows tenants to report emergencies anytime. This proactive measure ensures property management teams can immediately address urgent issues like burst pipes or electrical failures, minimizing damage and inconvenience. Collaborating with Trusted Vendors/ Contractors At Hunter Rentals, we’ve forged strong partnerships with reliable contractors and service providers, including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists. These trusted professionals are ready to respond at short notice, ensuring repairs are handled efficiently while maintaining property standards and minimizing downtime. Prioritizing Repairs Based on Urgency Prioritizing repairs by assessing the severity of an issue is vital in case of an emergency. For example, a flooding emergency would take precedence over a minor appliance malfunction. This systematic approach ensures critical problems are resolved quickly, reducing potential risks. Implementing Preventative Maintenance Plans Preventative maintenance is key to reducing emergencies. We conduct regular inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate. For example, checking for signs of water leaks or faulty wiring can prevent larger problems, protecting the property. Using Technology to Streamline Repairs Modern property management involves using software systems to track maintenance requests and organize repairs. These tools ensure that no request is overlooked. By assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and maintaining detailed records of completed work, we uphold high service standards while resolving issues efficiently. Communicating Transparently with Tenants Clear communication is key during emergency maintenance situations. We keep tenants informed about repair timelines and updates. This transparent approach helps build trust, encourages cooperation, and reassures tenants that their concerns are being promptly addressed. Documentation At Hunter Rentals, we keep detailed records of emergency maintenance requests, including the nature of the issue, urgency, and actions taken. These records help identify recurring problems, monitor trends, and serve as valuable references for future planning. In legal matters, detailed documentation protects both tenants and property owners by providing an accurate repair history. Follow-Up We always follow up with tenants after repairs to confirm their satisfaction and ensure the problem has been fully resolved. This extra step demonstrates our commitment to excellence, fosters trust, and reinforces tenant loyalty. Prompt action in emergencies not only safeguards the property but also enhances tenant satisfaction. For more information about property management in Killeen, TX, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales, at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX 76549, United States, or call (254) 634-3311. You can also browse at www.hunterrentals.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
By Julie Martinez January 31, 2025
B uilding a successful rental property portfolio requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a clear understanding of the real estate market. By focusing on sound investment practices and staying informed about market trends, investors can create a portfolio that generates consistent income and long-term growth. Here are key strategies to expand and manage a rental property portfolio effectively: Setting Clear Investment Goals Investors should define their financial objectives, preferred property types, and target markets before acquiring new property assets. Determine whether your focus is on long-term appreciation, short-term cash flow, or a balanced combination of both. Clear goals will serve as a roadmap to guide your investment strategy. Diversifying Property Types and Locations Investors can expand their portfolio by including a mix of property types such as single-family homes, 2-to-4 units, or commercial multifamily apartments. Additionally, investing in diverse geographic locations can reduce reliance on a single market’s performance. Diversification provides stability and mitigates risks, especially during economic fluctuations. Exploring Financing Options Understanding and leveraging various financing options is essential for portfolio growth. Mortgages, lines of credit, and partnerships can help fund new acquisitions without exhausting your capital. Carefully choose financing methods that align with your cash flow and budget goals to maintain financial flexibility and minimize risk. Focusing on High-Growth Markets Investing in high-growth markets can maximize rental income and property value appreciation. Look for neighborhoods experiencing population growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. These areas typically attract tenants and ensure consistent demand. Conduct thorough research to identify markets that align with your long-term profitability goals. Cash Flow Monitoring Managing cash flow is critical for sustaining a healthy rental portfolio. Regularly review the income and expenses of each property, including maintenance costs, property taxes, and operational fees. To optimize cash flow, consider adjusting rent to market rates, minimizing unnecessary expenses, or implementing cost-effective property management solutions. Comprehensive Market Research Investors must stay informed about real estate market trends to make strategic investment decisions. Analyze local rental rates, neighborhood developments, and tenant preferences. This knowledge can help one position properties competitively and anticipate shifts in demand, ensuring the rental portfolio remains resilient. Leverage Property Management Services As the rental portfolio grows, managing multiple properties can become overwhelming. Hiring a property management company can ensure high standards across all properties. Professional property management takes care of services like tenant screening, rent collection, and property maintenance; ensuring that tenants remain satisfied and properties stay in top condition. Prioritize Property Maintenance and Upgrades Regular maintenance and upgrades keep properties in excellent condition and enhance their appeal and valuation. Investors should consider modernizing properties with energy-efficient solutions or installing updated appliances to attract quality tenants and potentially increase rental income. Well-maintained properties contribute to tenant retention and overall portfolio stability. For more information about expanding your rental property portfolio, visit Hunter Rentals & Sales, at 1503 W Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen, TX 76549, United States, or call (254) 634-3311. You can also browse at  www.hunterrentals.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
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