For a landlord or investor, managing a property single-handedly can be an incredibly difficult job. From the never-ending list of tasks, starting from advertising the unit and screening applicants, performing maintenance, and being aware of the rental laws, there is always something that would need your immediate attention.

Property management companies help solve this problem. In Boston, things can get even more complicated with the city’s unique regulations combined with its ever-active rental market.

Read this guide as we aim to assist you in figuring out the importance of property management, how to make the selection, and the most important steps on why to ask before choosing one.

Why Property Management Is Essential for Landlords

For those who may not know, managing a rental property is no easy feat. From maintenance to ensuring all legal prerequisites are met, a landlord has a lot to keep track of and comply with.

As someone who manages multiple properties or is simply busy, it is all too easy to lose control of day-to-day processes. Good thing for landlords, there is no need to worry since there are companies that specialize in property management.

These companies will ensure that the operations of your rental property business will run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. For example, they will make certain to screen potential tenants while also adhering to the multifaceted rental laws and policies related to Boston.

It is especially common for most landlords to grapple with tenants who tend to pay rent late, struggle with uncooperative tenants, or face legal issues. Let a company take care of these issues so you can focus on other more important matters.

How to Choose the Best Property Management Company

When deciding how to improve the management of your rental property, it’s crucial to choose a property management company that aligns with your goals and expectations. This makes it important to list down your goals alongside the property manager’s past experience and range of services offered in order to come to the right conclusion.

Here’s a closer look at how to choose the best property management company for your asset:

Experience and Reputation

Always ensure a company has a good reputation and solid reviews on property management. Conduct a broad search online to check reviews, ask other landlords, and see if they have handled properties similar to yours in the past.

Having years of experience on the belt of a company is good as they will be able to tackle issues efficiently while still keeping reliability as their top priority. It would also be ideal to see if they focus on the Boston rental market, since having knowledge of the local trends and tenant needs will only make your property more appealing.

Knowledge of Local Laws

Boston has various laws surrounding rentals and leases. When choosing property managers in Boston, it’s important to find someone who understands the local rental market and regulations.

on from expensive disputes while ensuring that your tenants are given the security they need. Ask them how they ensure to remain updated on the Boston laws while being legally focused. This, in return, will allow a more precise decision to be made.

Communication and Transparency

A property manager is expected to focus and prioritize the needs of landlords, tenants, and the rental property. Seek a person with outstanding public relations ethics who is keen on ensuring that you are well updated on the status of your property.

From giving information, updating, sending reports on finances, and handling rent payments from new tenants, their openness builds trust. You will want to steer clear of hidden fees and a lack of honesty.

Range of Services

Factors like rental or marketing strategy might change depending on the property management company. With such variety, it is relevant to understand whether they cover tenant screening, maintenance issues, legal documentation, and marketing activities. Do they help with the collection of rents and emergency repairs?

Ultimately, it is useful for landlords in Boston to understand these factors when picking a property management company to ensure their needs are met excellently.

As a business owner, you can work from anywhere you’d like. However, if you want your business to grow, separate your business from your home, and employ a large team to help you, you will likely need a commercial office space for convenience. You’ll need to find the perfect space to grow your business, particularly for your industry. You’ll need a location that offers continuous demand from both residential and commercial clients in the long term. If you’re ready to take the plunge and choose the best property for your business, you will want to familiarize yourself with the smartest steps to take and what features to consider first.

Prepare Your Business

Before you choose the location for your business, you’ll want to ensure you’ve adequately prepared and earned qualifications. Many industries require professional licensing, especially if you own a business.

Plumbing

Plumbers are one of the many skilled trades that require licensing in most states. In Massachusetts, you’ll need to prepare for and take a plumbing exam to receive a license before taking on commercial work. In California, you need to provide proof of four years’ of experience in the plumbing field. Florida requires a certain credit score—660 or higher. Look up your state’s requirements to see what you need to do. If you own and operate a plumbing business where you oversee employees, you will likely need a master-level plumbing license, which usually has stricter requirements. Licensing is very important; cutting corners can cost you your business! You’ll also want to ascertain that the location you choose properly adheres to any zoning laws and regulations for commercial real estate. Once everything is secured and confirmed, you can proceed with finding an office that meets your business’s plumbing-related needs.

Hair Salon

If you’re looking to buy a property for your hair salon, you can’t just bring your favorite shears and get started. You will need a business license, and you’re going to need a cosmetology license in most states. North Carolina requires passing an exam and completing 1,500 hours in an educational program. In states like Michigan, a two-year apprenticeship can replace the required school hours. Similar to plumbing licenses, you’re going to need to research your state’s cosmetology license requirements to buy a legal and safe hair salon.

Coffee Shop

While a coffee shop is a fun business idea, you’ll need a lot of licensing to start one, as you’ll be handling people’s food. Business licenses, food service or handler licensing, and liquor licensing (if applicable) are typically the minimum requirements in most states. Some states, like North Carolina, may require a Certificate of Occupancy as well. A lot goes into opening any food service business, so preparation is crucial.

Plenty of Desk Space

As a business owner, you will likely get plenty of phone calls, emails, and paperwork for your work projects. You and any employees you hire will need plenty of room for office equipment and desk space to take on client concerns and new projects. Your office space should have room for public or private desks, copiers, fax machines, computers, and more. A cramped office space may be frustrating for you, your employees, and your customers.

Adequate Vehicle Parking

Many businesses often manage commercial vehicles to travel to each job. These vehicles will need a protected space on your property when not in use. Clients, employees, and affiliates will likely need a space to park as well. You’ll want a large parking lot as a start, but fencing or covered protection may be ideal during inclement weather. Take note of the parking space in any office you’re considering. Is there room for employee vehicles? Is there adequate security? Is there space for more large parking spots if there isn’t enough already?

Equipment Storage

Most businesses need a lot of equipment and tools to serve many clients, especially in construction or trade fields. These tools can take up valuable office space and often require frequent maintenance and storage. Look for a workshop or small warehouse where you can sufficiently store, clean, and maintain your equipment if applicable. Office space isn’t the only aspect to consider when choosing the right commercial real estate.

Phone and Internet Hookups

You will need to be able to connect your office phones and computers to the internet to take client calls and messages, especially for service-oriented businesses. Make sure there are accessible internet hookups in the space you’re looking at. You can always install internet access, but it can take extra time and money that you may not want to wait for. Before signing any lease or deed, make sure you get estimates about internet access.

Room for Growth

When you’re hunting for the perfect office, you don’t want to only consider the current size of your business. You’ll want to be able to grow sufficiently into the space. If the office only fits your current team, you may want to choose elsewhere. Your business may grow with continued success, and you’ll want to be able to expand without moving each time. Make sure the space is a comfortable size for your current and future business goals.

Foot Traffic

While some businesses don’t need to rely on foot traffic to get customers, it’s never a bad idea to consider the location of your office. If clients can easily see your signage and access your building, it may boost the amount of clients you receive. Your office’s location alone can be a great marketing tool. While you don’t want to choose an inadequate space just because it’s in a highly visible location, don’t be afraid to keep your storefront accessibility in mind.

Conclusion

Once you’ve confirmed a particular location’s adherence to zoning laws, there’s no wrong decision as long as it meets your business’s needs. If you need to sell an existing property before securing a new one, working with trusted land buyers can help you streamline the process and access funds for your next investment. Consider your team size, growth plans, budget, and needs out of a commercial space before choosing. You can rent a space for more flexibility and short-term needs, or you can purchase a space to invest in your business in the long term. By carefully evaluating your business’s goals and comparing it to your commercial real estate options, you can make the most informed decision that sets your business up for success.

Security deposits, as part of signing a rental agreement, are incredibly important for all parties involved, both the landlord and tenant. They protect the landlords financially in case of any damages, rent defaults, or costs incurred for cleaning the property.

For the tenants, security deposits are a form of law that binds them to care for the rental property and holds them accountable for their actions. However, there are instances where both parties can have conflicts with respect to the security deposit which leads to confusion.

By reading through this article you’ll be able to identify the common security deposit issues and ways to efficiently resolve them.

Purpose of Security Deposit in the Rental Agreement

To put it bluntly, the security deposit protects landlords as it covers possible expenses related to the rental unit, such as damage, outstanding amounts of rent, or occasions when tenants require a thorough cleaning. This will help ensure that the property is returned to the owner in the appropriate condition and that any potential losses suffered are reduced.

For tenants, security deposits become a settlement requirement which serves to create an obligation for rental clients not to damage property beyond certain limits as they will lose the money. It also gives them the satisfaction of knowing that money is put aside for some eventualities.

To put it simply, a security deposit serves as a protective measure for landlords and a legal obligation from tenants. Once paid, the landlord should also provide details about how the security deposit will be used and returned.

Common Security Deposit Problems

Disagreements between tenants and landlords can stem from any of several concerns related to the security deposit. Understanding each concern and setting rules for it can minimize the likelihood of disputes.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damage

A common issue surrounds distinguishing normal wear and tear and man-made damage. Normal wear and tear describes what is normally expected to occur in a building after several years of use. For instance, an age-old painting that has paint that has faded or a carpet that has suffered from constant usage.

Man-made damage on the other hand is the result of negligent handling or rough usage of the rented property like holes in the walls or even loss of fixtures. It is the duty of the landlord to provide an explanation with the lease of what could be considered normal wear and tear and man-made damage.

*Note: Bay Property Management Group Atlanta can assist landlords with documentation in case there is proven damage to the property.

Cleaning Disputes

Cleaning disputes arise when tenants are vacating homes. They may have left the house untidy and unclean to a landlord’s standard, so an amount is deducted from the security deposit.

To avoid this from happening, we recommend that landlords provide a cleaning checklist in anticipation of the moving-out process, as well as provide room-by-room specifications of where attention is needed to ensure job satisfaction. From this, there was no issue with cleaning appliances, scrubbing bathrooms, and sharpening vacuums for carpet cleaning.

Also, open communication and giving tenants the chance to resolve the issue before making any cuts can assist in settling such disputes amicably.

Late Rent Payments

Late rent payments may also limit the use of the security deposit. If a tenant remits the rent late, the landlords will be forced to use the security deposit without the tenant’s consent.

However, taking rent out of the security deposit can lead to more issues down the line, especially when it’s time to end the lease. So, it is very important that landlords should exercise caution and have clear policies on late payments.

Make sure to get every payment or lack thereof paid with its appropriate receipts to lessen issues regarding any late rent.

Solutions Landlords Can Implement

Addressing common security deposit issues proactively can help landlords and tenants maintain a positive relationship. Failing to de-escalate the issue can result in eviction and landlords relisting the real estate property on the market again.

Below are some effective methods to resolve the problems:

Detailed Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Combining and documenting move-in and move-out inspections provides a valuable tool in preventing allegations and disputes regarding the condition of the rental. A properly documented inspection must include a checklist form covering the specific rental unit’s walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures.

The checklist should be physically available during the move-in inspection by both tenant and landlord, and their representative should take photographs as evidence while they mark every item. This helps to ensure that any existing damages are recorded.

This approach enables the move-out inspection to evaluate the previous checklist, which facilitates a comparison between the condition of the building before the lease was signed and after its termination. Such discrepancy allows for the identification of damages, if any, that require the use of the security deposit for repairs.

Encourage Open and Clear Communication

To circumvent the majority of the security deposit problems, landlords and tenants should communicate in an open and transparent manner. From the outset, landlords should outline their communication strategy with the tenants and reassure them with lines that allow tenants to share their issues with ease.

This can be achieved by basic things such as regular calls, sharing contact details, and responding to tenants’ questions. Effective communication ensures the use of common sense on both sides of the relationship, thereby preventing any issues from arising in the first place.

If landlords could provide tenants with a thorough understanding of the norms of security deposit usage, including maintenance and cleaning duties for the apartments, tenants would be able to cooperate easily.

Track Record of All Payments

It is vital that both landlords and their tenants maintain accurate records of all transactions made. As mentioned before, records of rent, security deposits, and other deductions should be well-kept by the landlords.

One may use property management tools or simple spreadsheets to record this information. At a minimum, every record should include the date, amount, and reason for the transaction. To help build trust, providing tenants with receipts when they pay rent or a summary of their user accounts could help.

The written accounts of all the payments and progress made for a certain task will serve as proof and will come in handy to settle any disputes that may arise.

Importance of Understanding the Lease Agreement

For landlords and tenants, understanding the lease agreement is essential in minimizing disagreements when renting. The agreement specifies the duties of both parties as well as details about security deposits.

Set out clearly the circumstances where and where deductions cannot be made, in what circumstances the deposit may be returned, and how long it will take to return it. Tenants should always read the lease agreement well to know their rights and legal obligations to avoid nasty confrontations and disputes.

It’s also important for tenants to ask questions about the lease if any part is unclear, and afterward, they can keep a signed copy. Landlords ought to make the agreement encompassing every facet of the renting relationship simple and easy to understand.

Updating the lease agreement every now and then to the local requirements will also assist in minimizing renting conflicts and promoting positive renting relations between the two parties.

Conclusion

In order to avoid disputes, it is essential that landlords and tenants are on the same page regarding the purpose of the security deposit as well as its management. Being aware of the tenant’s ongoing issues such as cleaning requirements or repair jobs would greatly lessen misunderstandings while also preserving the relationship between the two parties.

Wording things correctly, recording communications, and performing appropriate due diligence all serve to alleviate issues “before they arise.” More specifically, they are beneficial to the management of the relationships between tenants and landlords as well as the disputes that stem from them.

Moving your enterprise is a major job that requires not just a plan but also a well-executed series of steps. Of course, one of the most crucial aspects of this whole affair is relocating to a suitable new space. Commercial real estate listing services have transformed the manner in which businesses seek and secure new spaces. These web-based platforms themselves are not difficult to use. Still, a good user experience is only half the equation for finding a good space; the other half is knowing your company’s needs and using that knowledge to inform your search and your choices. So before you dive into the search or start poking around in the platforms, I strongly recommend taking some time to flesh out the specific wishes and requirements that your company has for its new space.

Choose the right platform: ROFO.com is a platform that connects business owners with commercial real estate professionals and helps them find office and meeting room spaces.

Here are some of the reasons why ROFO.com might be a good source for finding your next business location:

• Connect with commercial real estate professionals: ROFO allows you to find brokers and agents in your area who specialize in commercial real estate. This can be helpful if you need assistance navigating the leasing process or finding properties that meet your specific needs.
• Browse listings by market activity: You can browse listings by zip code or region to see what kind of properties are available in your target market. This can give you a good sense of pricing trends and what types of spaces are in demand.
• Track market activity: ROFO allows you to keep track of new listings, pricing, and transactions. This information can be helpful when negotiating a lease with a landlord.
• Social features: ROFO has social features that allow you to share listings with others and get recommendations on agents or brokers.

Amenities: Make sure the property has the essential amenities needed for your business, like high-speed internet and adequate parking. Check the building security and any on-site amenities that might be beneficial, like a gym or cafe, ensuring that the SRO is an allusive ground for your potential workers if it comes to that. Zoning: Verify that the property conforms to your business type, as well as any local, state, or federal regulations. If you work in an industry with a dubious reputation, such as an adult services business or a licensed marijuana seller, make sure the property won’t be tormented by prying eyes or have a sheriff’s deputy camped out across the street.

Examine the activity in your target market: You can examine listings by area to understand the kinds of properties being marketed there. Listings can be filtered by price range, allowing you to see what’s available in your budget, and they can also be filtered by type of property: commercial spaces, offices, retail space, etc. If you have a potential site in mind, you can examine the property path activity for that site to see what the deal flow looks like. Is your potential site being leased or sold? If your potential site is listed as an active property, it’s a good indicator that the kinds of listings you care about in that area have momentum.

Property Type: Choose the correct property type (office, retail, industrial, etc.). Size: Enter your required minimum and maximum square footage. Price Range: Set the budget parameters. Amenities: Filter by specific requirements, like necessary parking, loading docks, and on-site services. Keywords: Use relevant keywords to find properties that match your specific needs (e.g., “high ceilings,” “creative office space”). Property Research: Once you’ve identified potential sites, conduct thorough research on each. Visit the Property: Schedule a North Face trip to each property to assess its condition, layout, and the surrounding area; review the site with a critical eye. Lease Agreements: Carefully examine all the required terms and provisions of the lease. Make sure you really understand what is and is not allowed. Pay close attention to rent, duration, and maintenance provisions. Consider your responsibilities if you have to move at the end of the lease.

Look into the landlord: An investigation into a landlord’s reputation and their way of dealing with tenants can go a long way toward ensuring that you don’t end up stuck in an unpleasant situation.

Be sure to understand your local market: You need to know your local market well enough to determine whether the proposed rental agreement makes sense.

Get a commercial real estate broker to help you: Find a local commercial real estate broker to assist you in the process.and in the negotiations. Your leverage is determined by how well you know the market, how desirable your business is, and how well-off you are financially.

Compromise may be necessary: You may have to yield on some terms while holding steadfast to the critical ones that matter most to you. If you must negotiate, do so with an aim to achieve a win-win outcome. This is a critical time for your company as you look to forge a long-term path for its future. Focusing on the above items will help ensure that the relocation is beneficial for both you and the landlord over the long term. It’s a lot to think about, and it could be helpful to work through the details with your legal and financial professionals.

By following these best practices and leveraging the power of commercial real estate listing sites, you can streamline your business relocation process and find the ideal space for your company to thrive. Remember to clearly define your needs, conduct thorough research, and negotiate effectively to secure the best possible outcome for your business.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

For decades, ROFO.com has been a resource you could trust for finding the perfect commercial location. If you were an entrepreneur of any stripe trying to establish a physical presence for your business, ROFO and its friendly, supportive interface were like a helpful neighbor leading you to the right storefront. But the business landscape keeps changing in ways that affect all of us, and at ROFO, we’re not standing still. Today, we are excited to announce the launch of:

ROFO Beyond Bricks: Strategies for Business Success.

Stretching Beyond the Material Frontiers

ROFO Beyond Bricks is a platform we have just launched at ROFO.com to provide insightful resources and guidance in the specialized area of helping companies like yours break into new markets and opportunities. It is all part of a strategy to go well beyond the standard of care we provide to clients in the classic real estate transaction. We want to help you with the insights and resources to break into new territories and serve your business well.

What Will You Find Waiting at ROFO Beyond Bricks?

ROFO Beyond Bricks will gather under one roof a smorgasbord of riches intended to yield your successful business. What follows is just a fraction of what you’ll find. First, there will be plenty of informative articles and guides. These will be insightful and often span the kinds of lengths that allow for depth without verbosity. They’ll toss around a wide variety of business topics as bait to hook your interest. Among the business-related subjects they’ll cover will be at least one marketing strategy surely destined to inspire you with its originality. The articles and guides will be so readable that the online experience will be virtually indistinguishable from experiencing a face-to-face conversation with the author. Then, too, you will find interviews with honest-to-goodness industry leaders and marketing-savvy entrepreneurs.

Why Use ROFO Beyond Bricks?

Our  newly re-launched platform offers unparalleled benefits for its participants: *

• Stay Informed: While the commercial real estate industry may not be the fastest to adopt new digital trends, it is crucial for professionals operating within the space to be aware of emerging technologies that promise to change the nature of business. This is about not just surviving but thriving in the digital age.
• Access Valuable Resources: ROFO Beyond Bricks will serve as a platform for offering not just advice but also the direct resources that entrepreneurs need to succeed.

Your Success is Our Success

At ROFO, we believe that your success is our success. That’s why we’ve launched ROFO Beyond Bricks. We want to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to build a business that thrives beyond both you and its physical location. Whether you’re looking for the ideal commercial space on ROFO.com or seeking expert counsel, ROFO Beyond Bricks is here to serve you. Pay us a visit today, and we’re sure you’ll find a bevy of resources that’ll do nothing but good for you and your entrepreneurial dreams!

Still Here for Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

We are still here to help with your commercial real estate needs. We still provide a focused and enhanced means of searching for your next commercial real estate space. Acquiring commercial space is not nearly as easy as booking a hotel room. Once you have the right space in mind, you must then locate the right landlord or sub-landlord who can meet your very particular and vital business, space, and location requirements. If you are like most businesses, you likely don’t do this often, which makes the search even more difficult when the time finally arrives. ROFO represents an alternative that works well with both soft and hard searches. Its engine returns results quickly and precisely, using the right criteria to pull in the appropriate properties and the right contacts.

These professionals are much like you, they are seeking to forge qualified connections.

• ROFO provides you with a simple, efficient portal into your local commercial real estate market.
• And even if you need office space, part time or otherwise? Or if your search is for an ideal new retail location?
• An industrial, manufacturing, or co-working space?
• Or perhaps what you need is a virtual office?

Whatever it is you’re after, ROFO is your surefire way to find the local residential market’s “it” space.

The Easy Way to find Commercial Real Estate

The Easy Way to find Commercial Real Estate