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Showing posts from January, 2022

Covid-19 Rental Assistance

Cleveland Housing Network and Step Forwrd received funds in Apr 2020 as part of the initial stimulus package to provide financial assistance to tenants impacted by COVID.  If a tenant contracted COVID and was forced to take time off from work due to recovery or if the place where a tenant worked either closed or reduced hours due to COVID mandates by local or state governments, this was an opportunity to have rent covered. There was an application process and landlord verification.  In June 2021, CHN began offering to pay the past due amount AND up to 3 future months (up to 6 months total) as a means to ensure the tenant was not evicted. CHN and Step Forward have received additional funding in subsequent stimulus package(s). When approached by a tenant moving in about vouchers, rental assistance, and up front payments from social service agencies, I highly scrutinize those programs.  A subject for another post, but it's been my experience these types of programs do not pr...

City of Cleveland Lead Based Paint certification

The City of Cleveland has already begun the rollout of the lead based paint certification.  Here is the link from their website.  It includes a map showing deadlines for the respective zip codes. https://www.clevelandohio.gov/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/BuildingHousing/LeadCertification This is a multi step process.  An assessment, testing, remediation, and finally certification. The certification is only good for 2 years.  So this process will have to be repeated.  There is a 20 year program out there.  It is a lengthier process and clearly the cost of it is higher than the 2 year process, but the cost and time of doing it every 2 years isn't there either. There are also larger implications.  Cleveland Housing Court is now mandating owners filing evictions show proof of compliance / certification if the filing is after that zip code's deadline.  It is unknown if the City will go after owners for not complying.  I am also hea...

D & K Property Management Services: a la cart services available

We offer an array of services for our owners.  Many of our services can be done a la cart. Management collect rent pursue arrears regular communication with tenants & owners coordinate maintenance, inspections, 3rd party contractors sliding scale fee based on # of units; as owner buys more units, rate goes down posting 3 day and 30 day notices landlord representation in court for 1 st cause evictions (possession) and 2 nd cause (financial), if pursued monthly financials for owners yearly financial summary for owners by mid Jan rent proceed distributions of current month funds by the 10th semi annual walk thrus of individual units water leak detection walk thrus ability to pay bills from rental proceeds (only for those signed to a 12 month full service contract) for a nominal fee.   Lease Admin occupy vacant units (advertise, show, screen prospects, lease signing, initial funds collection) fee is 1 st full month rent nominal charge for r...

Rental Trends part 1 (Great Resignation impact)

I am seeing an increase in the number of people who need to move "now".  Never mind the application, never mind viewing the property / unit, they'll take it as is!  I believe many are running from a potential eviction.  But, owners are getting smarter too; many owners are now avoiding the eviction process completely and are waiting things out to simply not renew.  We continue to maintain our standards, policies, and procedures.  We do continue to thoroughly vet prospects. As a % of my mgmt portfolio, I'm seeing a higher number of tenants paying late and paying late multiple months in a row.  I don't believe this is a reflection of the moritorium that ended 7/31/21.  I believe it's more of a reflection of tenants quitting their jobs and not finding / seeking immediate employment.  Some tenants have just up and left, others wait for the eviction to be filed. Cleveland Housing Network is still providing funds for those impacted by Covid.  They a...

Condo assoc and HOA management services

Are residents delinquent in their fees? Are you getting value from your landscaper, cleaner, & other contractors? Are you needing assistance with enforcing your bylaws? Call or text Karen Bostwick at 440-590-5925. D & K Property Management Services is a licensed real estate brokerage in the state of Ohio.  Located in Parma close to I480, we serve Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, & Portage Counties. With a 17 year accounting background, we're poised to serve the needs of the association.  We have proven methods for collections.  We provide thorough financial records monthly, quarterly, and yearly.  We can provide assistance / guidance with respect to reserves and capital expenditures. We offer competitive rates; our mgmt fee is a sliding scale based on volume.  And we do NOT nickle & dime the residents or COA/HOA other than what is in the bylaws.. Call or text Karen at 440-590-5925 or email KarenMBostwick@yahoo.com