Winter Rental Property Maintenance Tips

Winter can be harsh on rental properties, and proper maintenance is essential to ensure the safety, comfort, and longevity of the property. Here are some winter rental property maintenance tips:

  1. Inspect Heating Systems:
    • Ensure that the heating system is in good working condition. Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of the furnace or heating system before winter starts.
    • Replace air filters regularly to maintain efficiency.
  2. Check Insulation:
    • Inspect the insulation in the attic, walls, and basement. Adequate insulation helps retain heat and can lower energy bills.
    • Seal any gaps or cracks in windows and doors to prevent drafts.
  3. Winterize Plumbing:
    • Protect pipes from freezing by insulating them or using heat tape in vulnerable areas.
    • Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in case of emergencies.
    • Instruct tenants on how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do in case of freezing.
  4. Clear Gutters and Downspouts:
    • Remove leaves, debris, and ice from gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water damage.
    • Ensure proper drainage to avoid potential roof leaks.
  5. Roof Inspection:
    • Inspect the roof for any damage, loose shingles, or potential leaks.
    • Clean off any accumulated snow to prevent excessive weight on the roof.
  6. Exterior Maintenance:
    • Trim tree branches that could pose a threat to the property during winter storms.
    • Check for and repair any damaged siding, seals, or exterior surfaces.
  7. Snow Removal Plan:
    • Establish a snow removal plan for driveways, sidewalks, and common areas.
    • Provide tenants with snow shovels or arrange for a snow removal service if applicable.
  8. Emergency Preparedness:
    • Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
    • Provide tenants with emergency contact information, including a 24/7 maintenance hotline.
  9. Winter Lawn Care:
    • Winterize the lawn by fertilizing and aerating it before the first frost.
    • Remove any outdoor furniture and store it in a secure location.
  10. Communicate with Tenants:
    • Provide clear guidelines to tenants on their responsibilities for winter maintenance.
    • Encourage them to report any maintenance issues promptly.
  11. Regular Property Inspections:
    • Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
    • Monitor the property for signs of wear and tear due to winter weather.
  12. Insurance Review:
    • Review the property’s insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects against winter-related risks.

By proactively addressing these aspects of winter maintenance, you can help keep your rental property in good condition and provide a safe and comfortable living environment for your tenants.

Rental Property Maintenance

Don’t Neglect Your Rental Property Roof During The Winter

One of the most important things to do during the winter months in the PDX area is to keep a close eye on the roof of your rental property because it’s not uncommon for us to get a mix of rain and snow.

Here are some essential tips that you can use to stay on top of roof maintenance for your rental property.

Proper roof maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and integrity of your property. Here are some roof maintenance tips to help you keep your roof in good condition:

Regular Inspections:

Conduct regular visual inspections of the roof, ideally at least twice a year. Look for signs of damage, missing or loose shingles, and any other issues.

Clean Gutters:

Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup, ice dams, and potential roof damage.

Trim Overhanging Branches:

Trim back any tree branches that overhang the roof. This helps prevent debris accumulation, reduces the risk of damage during storms, and minimizes the growth of moss or algae.

Remove Debris:

Regularly remove leaves, branches, and other debris from the roof surface. Accumulated debris can trap moisture and contribute to the deterioration of roofing materials.

Check Flashing:

Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for signs of damage or deterioration. Flashing is crucial for preventing water leaks in vulnerable areas.

Look for Signs of Leaks:

Check the attic for signs of water stains, mold, or mildew, which may indicate a leak in the roof. Address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage.

Inspect Seals and Caulking:

Check the seals around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. Replace any damaged or deteriorating seals, and reapply caulking as needed

Address Moss and Algae:

If you notice moss or algae growth on the roof, clean it off to prevent damage to shingles. Use a mild solution of water and bleach or a commercially available roof cleaning product.

Check for Rust:

Inspect metal components, such as flashing and vents, for signs of rust. Replace any rusted components to prevent further deterioration.

Prevent Ice Dams:

Ensure proper attic insulation and ventilation to prevent the formation of ice dams. Ice dams can lead to water backup and damage to the roof structure.

Inspect Shingles:

Check for damaged, curled, or missing shingles. Replace any compromised shingles promptly to maintain the roof’s protective barrier.

Schedule Professional Inspections:

Hire a professional roofing contractor for a comprehensive inspection at least once every few years. Professionals can identify potential issues that may not be apparent during routine inspections.

Maintain Warranty Records:

Keep records of your roof’s warranty and maintenance history. Some warranties may require regular inspections and maintenance to remain valid.

Address Storm Damage Promptly:

After severe weather events, inspect the roof for any damage caused by wind, hail, or falling debris. Address storm damage promptly to prevent further issues.

Regular maintenance is key to preserving the integrity of your roof and avoiding costly repairs. If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof or need major repairs, it’s advisable to consult with a professional roofing contractor.

Contact 4 Rent Local

At 4 Rent Local we specialize in local property management for the Portland Oregon area. Our team saves owners hundreds of hours per year and the hassle of managing their properties themselves.

To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (503) 447-7788 or click here to connect with us online.

 

4 Rent Local

 

Senate Bill 611: Changes to Maximum Allowable Annual Rent Increases

2023 has been a tough year for Oregon tenants as rents continue to increase statewide. In a move to curb rising rental costs and protect the rights of tenants, Governor Kotek has signed Senate Bill 611.

This bill introduces significant changes to how the maximum allowable annual rent increase percentage is calculated for residential tenancies in the state.

In this article, we will break down SB 611 and provide more information so that housing providers and tenants both know how it will affect Oregon’s rental market.

Understanding SB 611

Under SB 611, the maximum allowable annual rent increase percentage is calculated based on two criteria. The landlord must adhere to the lesser of the following:

Ten percent; or Seven percent plus the September annual 12-month average change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Customers.

This calculation ensures that landlords cannot impose exorbitant rent increases on tenants and provides a fair and reasonable approach to balancing the interests of both parties.

tenant screening questions

There Will Be Limitations on Rent Increases

SB 611 also introduces limitations on how often a landlord can increase the rent during a tenancy. Apart from week-to-week tenancies, landlords are now prohibited from increasing the rent more than once within any 12 months. This provision aims to provide stability and predictability for tenants, ensuring that they are not subjected to frequent and potentially unaffordable rent hikes.

Effective Immediately

It is essential to note that SB 611 took effect immediately upon Governor Kotek’s signature. As such, it applies to all notices of rent increase delivered on or after July 6, 2023. Landlords and tenants should familiarize themselves with the new legislation and ensure compliance with its provisions.

In addition to the changes introduced by SB 611, it is worth noting that the bill seeks to address the issue of affordable housing and the challenges faced by renters in the current market. By implementing stricter regulations on rent increases, the aim is to create a more stable and affordable rental market for tenants across the state.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 611 brings significant changes to the calculation of the maximum allowable annual rent increase percentage for residential tenancies in the state.

By introducing limitations on rent increases and providing a fair calculation method, the bill aims to protect tenants from excessive rental costs while ensuring landlords can still maintain their investments. Housing providers and tenants must familiarize themselves with the new legislation and seek legal guidance when needed. With the implementation of SB 611, the state takes a step towards creating a more stable and affordable rental market for all parties involved.

While SB 611 outlines the key changes to maximum allowable annual rent increases, housing providers and tenants must seek legal advice for specific situations. Consulting a legal professional, or property manager, can help clarify any uncertainties and ensure that both parties understand their rights and obligations under the new legislation.

Thankfully, working with a licensed property manager like 4 Rent Local can help because, a property manager stays on top of the changing rental market, including the latest laws, so owners can rest easy and enjoy passive income.

To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (503) 447-7788 or click here to connect with us online.

 

Request A Quote - 4 Rent Local

Rent Portland Homes Professionals - 4 RENT LOCAL

 

 

housing

Does A Housing Downturn Help Real Estate Investors?

As the United States enters a recession, the U.S. housing market is officially in a downturn that could potentially last for 12 months or longer.

The big question that most investors want to know is if a housing market downturn will help the rental market, or hurt it.

Thankfully, whenever the housing market faces a downturn, real estate investors can look for opportunities where economists expect defeat because real estate investors typically benefit the most when home prices fall.

Fewer People Buying, More People Selling

The housing market has been a nonstop boom for the last five to 10 years, especially in Portland Oregon, where home prices have gone through the roof, and in many cases, it’s made it next to impossible for people who earn under $100,000 a year to buy homes.

When it comes to investors, with fewer people buying, and more people selling, this means more properties are available than ever on the market for them to choose from.

Opportunities like this don’t come around very often, the last time that we saw market conditions like this was after the 2008 “Great Recession” when home prices tanked and stayed at record lows for several years.

The current recession is only just beginning, and even though some economists are saying that it’s not going to last very long, it’s likely that we could see this recession last for 12 months or longer.

housing

Is A Housing Crash Coming?

Housing recession usually stems from “speculations.” What does speculation entail? This activity occurs when investors buy houses to make huge profits from them when they make a sale in the future. Speculation creates high demand, invariably skyrocketing the prices of homes. 

With more speculators joining in on the party, an ultimate crash is imminent. When there’s a downturn in the economy, those who took mortgages and loans will find it difficult to clear their debts as interest rates increase. Most investors will seek to sell their properties for lower rates to stay afloat, giving room for lower prices.  

Although a housing recession can negatively impact a country regardless of its economic prowess, it’s vital to understand that these events are usually short-term, meaning that economic recovery is achievable within a short period. Nonetheless, select occurrences can make this recession form last for long periods.

More

Ultimately, many economists have said that the state of the 2022 housing market is a lot different than what we saw in 2008 because the lending fundamentals are different than back then.

With the market built on stronger fundamentals, it’s likely that the current housing market downturn may not last for as long, or have as great an impact on the economy as some have predicted.

While investors wait for the housing market downturn to end, there’s still going to be a fair number of deals out there including multifamily and single-family homes for sale in Portland, and the greater PDX area.

Also, A Great Opportunity for First Time Investors

Besides being a great opportunity for longtime real estate investors, the current real estate market is also presenting ample opportunities for new real estate investors who are moving from stocks to real estate

Rental real estate presents a “steady Oasis” in any recession because of the simple fact that rental properties continue to earn passive monthly cash flow while most other well-known investments are tanking.

Once they add rental properties to their investment portfolios, some new real estate investors may choose to manage their rental properties themselves, getting first-hand experience in working with tenants, plus overall property management.

Yes, rental properties can be managed by any DIY investor, but the reality is that for passive income, it’s always a better decision for an investor to choose an experienced property manager like rent Portland Homes – Professionals.

When investors choose property managers to manage their rental they could have peace of mind in knowing that all aspects of property management will be handled from start to finish including property marketing, tenant selection, rent collection, maintenance, customer service and so much more.

Besides the ease and convenience of working with a property management company, another benefit is that owners can live anywhere in the United States while having confidence that their rental property is effectively being cared for and maintained by a company property manager.

New investors can take heart that rental real estate will continue to be a steady source of cash flow for them for years to come including good real estate markets, and bad.

What’s also most important to know about the state of the rental market is that with homes still out of reach for many buyers nationwide, rental real estate will continue to be in high demand in the years to come.

Why? People will always need a place to live and search for rental properties in Portland or surrounding areas nationwide.

Contact Rent Portland Homes – Professionals

At Rent Portland Homes – Professionals/4RentLocal.com, we specialize in property management for Beaverton, Portland, and surrounding areas.

Founded by Fred Marlow, our company has decades of combined property management experience in the PDX area. This means that regardless of if you are a new or inexperienced investor, you can have Peace of Mind in knowing that the best property management team in Portland is managing your rental property.

For a property management quote, or to learn more about the services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling or clicking here to connect with us online.

Rent Portland Homes Professionals - 4 RENT LOCAL