Balanced Property Management = People + Property

Balanced Property Managment

Balanced property management has two main aspects: people and property, which are equally important

This video explains the imbalances on both ends of the spectrum between landlords and property managers

Episode 6 – Balanced Property Management = People + Property

Landlord Tips a Game-Changer: Reduce Stress and Hassle, Increase Profits

Short, sharp landlord tips.

TRANSCRIPT. 

Managing a rental involves these two main facets.

I often notice imbalances on both ends of the spectrum from landlords and property managers, but the priority should always be people’s homes and investments.

Property Managers often focus on the people, which is great; people are important.

However, if property managers focus solely on people and neglect the property, things can go awry. When a property is not properly maintained, the landlord’s assets may lose value—a situation that happens far more often than it should.

I recently listened to a podcast where a prominent property investor described property managers as people managers.

He said they don’t look at the property from the landlord’s perspective, and the more I thought about that, the more I realised he was right. 

Big property management companies can get stuck in the people process, and sometimes landlords suffer the consequences of a property going backwards instead of their asset growing in value.

We just took over a new management and encountered neglect and a ton of deferred maintenance, which we are sorting out. Stuff like this should not happen.

Conversely, while many landlords understandably prioritise their property, as it’s their asset, things can go terribly wrong if they neglect to treat their tenants well.

It’s equally important for landlords to focus on people, fostering stronger tenant relationships through greater care and consideration.

So remember, people and property are both critical; they are two sides of the same coin, and in the rental business, we need to look after both.”

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Prompt Repairs = Better Returns – Landlord Tips a Game-Change

Landlords Better Returns

Landlord Maintenance: Smart landlords know that responding promptly to maintenance issues isn’t just about the repair. It will protect their investment and boost their bottom line.                                                       

This video explores why quickly fixing repairs helps you make more money.

Episode 5 – Prompt Repairs = Better Returns

Landlord Tips a Game-Changer: Reduce Stress and Hassle, Increase Profits

Short, sharp landlord tips.

TRANSCRIPT. 

Smart landlords know that responding promptly to maintenance issues isn’t just about the repair. It will protect their investment and boost their bottom line.

Better Returns Landlords – Here’s why:

1️⃣ Financial Benefits

 🟢 Prevents minor issues from becoming costly repairs
🟢 Maintains or increases your property value
🟢 Reduces emergency repair costs
🟢 Helps justify annual market rent reviews

2️⃣ Tenant Satisfaction

🟢 Tenants stay longer
🟢 Positive reviews and referrals
🟢 Fewer complaints and disputes
🟢 Better landlord-tenant relationships

3️⃣ Protect Your Investment

🟢 Full compliance with Health and Safety and Healthy Homes Standards 
🟢 Avoid costly Tenancy Tribunal proceedings

The Pain of Delayed Repairs

It is pretty much the opposite 

🟢 More expensive emergency repairs
🟢 Property value decline
🟢 Higher vacancy rates
🟢 Potential legal costs 
🟢 Higher turnover rates
🟢 Difficulty attracting quality tenants
🟢 Increased complaints

If you’d like to know more about deferred maintenance and “The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing,” check it out here.

Remember: Prompt maintenance isn’t just an expense. It’s an investment in your property’s future.

I hope that helps. We’ll catch you next time.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Showing Tenant Appreciation Pays Off – Landlord Tips a Game-Changer

Showing Appreciation to Tenants Pays Off

Showing tenant appreciation and communicating it isn’t just nice—it’s smart business.

This video discusses three major benefits and ways to show appreciation.

Episode 4 – Expressing Appreciation to Tenants Pays Off.

Landlord Tips a Game-Changer: Reduce Stress and Hassle, Increase Profits

Short, sharp landlord tips.

TRANSCRIPT.

Showing appreciation to your tenants and communicating it isn’t just nice—it’s smart business.

From first-hand experience looking after rentals for over two decades, I found that when tenants feel valued, your investment thrives. It’s just that easy.

There are three Major Benefits, You’ll generally find.

Tenants Stay Longer:

🟢 Less turnover costs. (advertising, cleaning, repairs)

🟢 And stable rental income

Property Cared For:

🟢 Appreciated tenants tend to treat the property with more respect.

🟢 More likely to report maintenance issues early.

🟢 And keep the property cleaner and better maintained.

Better Rapport:

🟢 You’ll have better communication, which will help resolve any rental issues more easily.

🟢 Tenants are more understanding when inconvenienced by maintenance or repairs.

Okay, so how do you show appreciation to tenants?

🟢 In-person – thank them for being great tenants at the property or on the phone.

🟢 Email – After a routine inspection, email them to thank them for looking after the property so well.

🟢 Thank you cards & small gifts, i.e. prezzy cards. (Christmas time is great for this)

Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated.

Also, check out this blog: Tenants are Customers.

Have you ever walked into a shop and been ignored and waiting patiently to be served, but it ain’t happening, so what do you do? I have walked out of a shop and never gone back.

The beauty about this is when you do express genuine appreciation, it gets contagious, and you won’t stop with your tenants.

You’ll find this easy once it’s a habit, but you do need to be authentic and mean what you say.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Respecting Tenant Privacy: 5 Key Tips to Make Life Easier for Landlords

Respecting Tenant Privacy

Respecting tenant privacy is crucial. It ensures legal compliance, builds trust, and creates a positive home environment. Respecting privacy leads to happier tenants, longer leases, and a smoother landlord-tenant relationship.

1.    Before entering the property

Give the proper notice, such as 24-hour notice for repairs and at least 48 hours for routine inspections.

Follow up with written notice by email or text. This will back you up in case of a dispute because it will include the day and time you’ll be entering the property. It’s also great for tenants to refer to check when you are coming.

2.    Respect the tenant’s personal space 

Keep in mind that it’s the tenant’s home, so aim to make repairs as convenient for them as possible. For instance, avoid scheduling tradespeople early in the morning if the tenant works night shifts. Respect the tenant's personal space

Try to limit the number of visits by coordinating multiple trades (like plumbers, builders, or painters) to work simultaneously. If you’re gathering quotes from different contractors, separate visits may be needed, but keep these to a minimum when possible.

3.    Maintain professional boundaries

Being professional with tenants means keeping the relationship respectful and business-focused. Avoid becoming too personally involved or overstepping into their private lives.

4.    Confidentiality of Tenant Information

Confidentiality of Tenant InformationKeep any personal or sensitive information about your tenants private. Do not share personal details such as their contact information, rental history, or personal circumstances without permission. 

5.    Privacy Act

Keep any personal or sensitive information about your tenants private. Do not share personal details such as their contact information, rental history, or personal circumstances without permission. 

Check out privacy at Tenancy Services.

So remember, when landlords prioritise tenant privacy, they create a comfortable home environment that fosters greater tenant satisfaction, longer lease terms, and more harmonious landlord-tenant relationships.

Happy tenants stay longer, which makes your rental more profitable.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do. 

Also, check out  8 Proven Tactics to Make Landlord-Tenant Relationships Easier.

 

Heat Pump Servicing a No-Brainer – Landlord Tips a Game-Changer

Landlords No-Brainer Annual Heat Pump Service.

Heat Pump Servicing isn’t just a good idea – it’s necessary.

This video discusses why scheduling yearly heat pump maintenance makes perfect sense.

Episode 3 – Heat Pump Servicing a No-Brainer

Landlord Tips a Game-Changer: Reduce Stress and Hassle, Increase Profits

Short, sharp landlord tips.

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TRANSCRIPT.

Protecting your rental investment while keeping tenants comfortable should be a top priority. That’s why annual heat pump servicing isn’t just a good idea – it’s necessary.

Here’s why scheduling yearly maintenance makes perfect sense:

Regular servicing extends your heat pump’s lifespan. These units typically cost between $2,000-$6,000, so protecting that investment is crucial.

Cleaning filters and coils means your heat pump operates at peak efficiency. This can reduce power bills by up to 25% – a massive benefit for your tenants.

Professional servicing catches those minor issues before they become major repairs.

It’s smart financially, as it’s much cheaper to fix a minor problem during routine maintenance than to replace a failed unit in the middle of winter.

If a heat pump is used often for cooling, you can have a problem with mould building up inside the unit. If this is a problem, the service provider will do a strip clean.

Tenants benefit, too. They’ll enjoy:

🟢 More reliable heating and cooling
🟢 Better air quality 
🟢 Lower power bills

Keeping heat pumps in top-notch condition with a 12-month service is beneficial for your property, great for your tenants, and saves you money.

Don’t wait for problems to develop.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Rent Reviews Made Easier – Landlord Tips a Game Changer

Rent reviews made easier.

Landlord Tips a Game-Changer: Reduce Stress and Hassle, Increase Profits

Short, sharp landlord tips.

This video discusses two tips to get better results when implementing rent reviews. 

Episode 2 – Soften the Blow

TRANSCRIPT.

Tip 1: for a 12-month rent review, you want to look at what the market’s doing around 12 weeks before the year’s up. That way, if the market has moved, you’ve got plenty of time to prepare a 60-day notice, so at the 12-month mark, the actual increase would start.

If you wait until the year ends before giving notice, the rent increase will not take effect for 14 or 15 months from the last rent review or when the tenancy started because, legally, you have to give a minimum of 60 days’ notice.

Tip 2: When I prepare a rent increase notice, I won’t send it until I speak with the tenants.

Over the years, I have found that tenants appreciate a call. It prepares them and reduces the shock of just giving formal notice.

It’s an opportunity to have a candid conversation with low-income earners. If the rent increment is high, some tenants may be unable to afford it.

I can discuss affordability with tenants and then negotiate a smaller increase with the landlord’s approval.

Remember, retaining great tenants is the key to long-term rental success.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Bricks & Cobwebs – Landlord Tips a Game Changer

Clean and tidy rental properties gets results

I’m always harping on about presenting clean and tidy rental properties; why? Because clean and tidy rental properties get results.

This video talks about dark brick cladding and how white on black shows.

Episode 1 – Bricks & Cobwebs

TRANSCRIPT.

I’m always harping on about presenting clean and tidy properties; why? Because clean and tidy gets results.

In this case, we had taken on a new rental, a newly built home. 

I got ready to advertise the property. I noticed around the entrance to the front door there were cobwebs and dust,  so I put a broom in the car and, the next time I was there, gave it a good brush down and swept; great problem solved, I thought looking nice & tidy.

The next time I visited the property, I noticed cobwebs had returned. It dawned on me that the cobwebs stood out because the brick cladding was black and white on black shows.

So I talked to the landlord and suggested we get the house exterior sprayed for spiders, including fences because they were also black.

It made a huge difference and still looks great 18 months later

The new tenants also commented because the spraying happened just after they moved in, and they noticed the difference..

There wasn’t a huge cost but boy did it make a difference.

So remember, dark-coloured bricks or other cladding look great, but they do show cobwebs, and there is a solution.

I hope that helps. We’ll catch you next time.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Simple Steps to Master Landlord Tenant Communication – The Communication Trifecta

Mastering Landlord-Tenant Communication: The Communication Trifecta

Mastering Landlord-tenant communication is essential for property managers and landlords to manage rental properties effectively. 

This video discusses three critical communication aspects that make life easier and obtain happy and content tenants.

1️⃣ Setting Expectations from the Start.

Begin with a solid foundation when new tenants move in:

🟢 Have a good process for inducting new tenants
🟢 Clearly outline policies and procedures.
🟢 Explain maintenance request processes
🟢 Discuss rent payment due dates

Setting clear expectations early’ll avoid misunderstandings and create a smoother landlord-tenant relationship.

2️⃣ Being Accessible and Responsive.

Accessibility is crucial. Here’s how to stay connected:

🟢 Establish office hours for non-emergency calls.
🟢 Set up an emergency contact system.
🟢 Respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours..
🟢 Keep tenants informed about the status of their requests.

Remember, prompt responses show that you value your tenants and take their concerns seriously.

3️⃣ Use Multiple Communication Channels.

Diversify your communication methods to ensure messages are received:

🟢 Use email for formal notices and detailed information. 
🟢 Make phone calls for urgent matters or complex discussions
🟢 Send text messages for quick updates or reminders. Some tenants prefer using Messenger.

By offering various communication options, you cater to different preferences and increase the likelihood of reaching your tenants effectively.

Remember by Implementing these communication strategies will help you build trust, reduce conflicts, and maintain positive relationships with your tenants. Clear communication is the foundation for successful property management.

Happy tenants stay longer, which makes your rental more profitable.

8 Proven Tactics to Make Landlord -Tenant Relationships Easier

8 Proven Tactics to Enhance Landlord-Tenant Relationships

Landlord-tenant relationships benefit everyone. If tenants are happy, of course, they’ll stay longer.

Check out the video, which has eight points on fostering great working relationships.

 

1️⃣ 1.    Clear Communication

🟢 Setting expectations from the start.
🟢Being accessible and responsive.
🟢 Use multiple communication channels (email, phone, text)

2️⃣ Respect Privacy

🟢 Give proper notice before entering the property.
🟢 Respect the tenant’s personal space

3️⃣ Prompt Repairs & Maintenance

🟢Address issues quickly.
🟢 Follow up to ensure satisfaction.

 4️⃣ Be Fair and Consistent

🟢 Treat all tenants equally.
🟢 Be transparent about policies and procedures.

5️⃣ Show Appreciation

🟢 Recognise good tenants (e.g., property care).
🟢 Consider small gestures (e.g., gift card, minor upgrades)

6️⃣ Professionalism

🟢 Remain calm and courteous, even in difficult situations.
🟢 Keep emotions in check

7️⃣ Regular Inspections

 🟢 Routine checks are another way to affirm your tenants.
🟢 If tenants are at home, it’s an excellent opportunity for face-to-face interaction and rapport building.

8️⃣  Be Proactive

🟢 Anticipate and address potential issues before they become problems.

🟢 Stay updated on local laws and regulations.

Remember, good communication is the key to successful rental.

Happy tenants stay longer, which makes your rental more profitable.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

 

Landlords, Are You Ready for the 2025 Healthy Homes Deadline?

Urgent: Landlords, Are You Ready

Landlords, Are You Ready?

Check out this short video; time is ticking.

TRANSCRIPT

So we’ve got Compliancy for Healthy Homes for All Rental Properties in New Zealand, July 1 2025. Now, of course, for new tenancies in place, you’ve got 120 days for new tenancies from the start date of that tenancy.

You need to be fully compliant within 120 days of that tenancy starting. 

July 2025 concerns existing tenants in place of the tenancy before July 1, 2019, when the Healthy Home Amendment became law.

So if you’ve got a long-term tenant in your property, which would be by next year, if they came in, say, June 2019, it will be at least six years.

So, at the moment, they’ve been in that property for five or so years. If you have long-term tenants, you must be fully compliant with Healthy Homes by July 1 2025.

Some people, I think, are going to get caught because they’re long-term tenants. Everything’s fine. And the next minute is going to come up, come upon you.

So what I recommend is that you do a report. Now, you can do it yourself or get one done. Getting one done with a third party is an excellent idea because it’s independent.

If you ever get challenged, you have the report and photos.  If you’re going to do it yourself, as long as you do it properly and understand what meets and what doesn’t, particularly with draughts and things like that, you’ve got to go around and measure.

Otherwise, you’re not necessarily going to be compliant.

So get that done because trade is going to be busy. You don’t know what’s needed.

It’s better to know what you need to do. Plan it for those long-term tenants. So, on July 1, 2025, you will be compliant.

Remember, don’t delay. Get your report done now.

I hope that helps. We’ll catch you next time.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.

Healthy homes standards – Tenancy Services

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/healthy-homes-standards-what-a-landlord-needs-to-know/