Frequently Asked Questions
Real Property Management Diablo Valley values honesty and open communication. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that can help you stay informed and educated about our rental property management services in Contra Costa County and nearby areas. Feel free to go through our FAQs to learn more.
How long does it take to rent a property?
The process of leasing a property involves several factors such as the time of year, local inventory, the condition of the property, and the asking price. It is important to ensure that the property is in good condition and move-in ready to make a great first impression and attract preferred tenants. Our team can usually find a qualified applicant and fill vacancies within 30 days.
We value feedback from potential renters, and if we receive any while showing your property, we will bring it to your attention. If the asking price is not generating the desired response, we will discuss the condition of your property, and reducing the cost may be recommended as an option.
Does RPM Diablo Valley handle repairs?
For homes with tenants, maintenance requests can be submitted through our tenant portal or our 24-hour maintenance hotline. Our portal allows tenants to describe the issue and upload photos, if necessary. We strive to maintain transparency with the owners by notifying them of the request as soon as we receive it. Tenants can also track the status of their request online.
When we receive a repair request, we evaluate it to determine if it requires immediate dispatch or if we can proactively troubleshoot the issue with the tenant. Our team is trained on how to troubleshoot many common repair requests. If the issue requires fixing, we assign the work order to one of our preferred vendors who are third-party vendors or independent contractors. We ensure that the repair cost is reasonable and that the work is completed satisfactorily. Our management agreement permits us to approve any repair under $300 without having to trouble our clients. For larger repairs over $300, we require owner approval, so we will contact the client in those cases. However, emergency maintenance and habitability issues are exceptions to the $300 approval rule. If we need to act quickly to safeguard people or property, we will do so to protect our owners’ best interests.
How do rent payments work?
Does the tenant pay you, and then you pay me?
Tenants pay their monthly rent to RPM Diablo Valley, which is then deposited into our trust account. More than 80% of our tenants pay their rent electronically. Once the funds have cleared the bank, we directly deposit the rent from the current month into a bank account of your choice, minus our fee and any other expenses. We make owner payments on a weekly basis.
Should I accept pets in my rental property?
According to statistics, more than half of all renters own pets. Being open to pets can attract a larger pool of prospective tenants, which may result in higher rental demand and increased rental prices. We charge an additional amount per pet per month, which can contribute to your rental income if you’re looking to maximize your earnings. However, if you prefer to play it safe, it’s okay to decline pets. If you are willing to consider pets, we always say, “pet considered.” This means we may approve the right pet, but not all pets.
Please note that Emotional Support Animals are subject to California state law requirements, which we will gladly provide more information about upon request.
How much will my property rent for?
Rental rates for your property are determined by the local rental market, similar to how sales prices are determined by the real estate market. Three factors contribute to the monthly rent you can receive.
- Availability and rental rates of comparable properties
- The features and benefits of your property
- The marketing exposure for your vacancy
Once we receive the necessary information about your rental property, we will conduct a thorough market analysis to determine the ideal starting price. Afterwards, we will continuously monitor all vacancies under our management on a weekly basis, and make any necessary adjustments to pricing and marketing strategies to ensure that it gets rented out as quickly as possible.
How do you advertise properties?
To ensure the success of our property rental business and keep our clients happy, we need to generate as many qualified leads as possible. We do this by marketing our rental properties on over 20 top rental websites. We also pre-screen prospective renters by asking them about the number of adults and minors who will be living with them and if they have any pets. We also inquire about their current employment status. Our software helps us follow up with interested parties and gather feedback.
It’s important that we answer every call during our business hours to ensure that we don’t miss any potential renters. We also schedule weekend showings by appointment to accommodate those who cannot make it during the week.
How do you deal with problematic tenants?
Our strict tenant screening process usually helps to prevent such issues. However, if any problem arises, we take prompt and aggressive action. The eviction process begins with a 3-day notice to pay or quit. Nuisance issues are dealt with similarly, with a single warning given before a notice is posted. We collaborate with a local attorney when an unlawful detainer is filed with the court.
What is your tenant screening process?
All individuals interested in renting our properties must go through a comprehensive screening process. Anyone who is over 18 years of age must fill out an application. This process includes a nationwide background check and eviction database screening to examine criminal backgrounds and the sex offender registry. Additionally, we will review their credit report, verify their employment, and check their pay stubs and tax returns to ensure that they meet our financial requirements. Lastly, we’ll contact their previous two landlords to obtain references and review their rental history.
Contact Real Property Management Diablo Valley
Our property management strategy is guaranteed to save you money at every stage. We make it easy to protect your investment, minimize costs, and maximize your income—without interrupting your daily life.
Don’t see an answer you’re seeking? Contact us online or at 925-658-5755 today!