With property prices dropping across the UK and the US following the pandemic, now is probably the best time to invest in multiple properties and build your portfolio if you are a landlord. However, as any multiple-property landlord will tell you, overseeing numerous rental properties is no walk in the park. If you aim to do it alone, you will need to be in charge of rental payments, ensuring that the property is in full working order and, of course, liaising with tenants. Ergo, property management may be the better way to go.

Property management is an essential service for landlords who own one or more rental properties. The primary goal of property management is to help landlords manage their properties, maintain good tenant relationships, and ensure that they maximize their profits while minimizing risks. So, if you need further convincing, read on, as here, five benefits of property management for landlords are explored.

Tenant Screening and Placement 

One of the toughest aspects of owning rental properties is finding reliable tenants. Property management companies can help landlords screen and select tenants who are qualified, responsible, and pay rent on time.

Property managers can also conduct background checks and credit checks and verify employment to ensure that prospective tenants are trustworthy. So, if you have had a bad experience with tenants, it may be worth heading to https://www.henri-taylorproperties.co.uk/ for some information about how they could oversee the process for you, what it costs, and what it entails. 

Property Maintenance and Repairs

Landlords are legally obligated to keep their rental properties in good condition. Property management companies can help landlords stay on top of routine maintenance and repairs, ensuring that their properties are well-maintained and in good condition. Property managers can also handle emergency repairs, which can save landlords time and money.

However, it is worth noting that, in emergency situations (such as a leak or electrical fault), the property maintenance team will be obligated to call out an emergency electrician, plumber, or other professional, which may be more expensive in the long run. Of course, compared to the cost of being sued, it will be a lot cheaper.

Rent Collection and Financial Management

Property management companies can help landlords collect rent on time, manage tenant accounts, and ensure that all rent-related documents are properly documented. They can also provide financial statements and reports, which can help landlords make informed decisions about their properties.

Legal Compliance

Landlords are required to comply with a wide range of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. Property management companies can help landlords stay up-to-date on changing rental laws and regulations and ensure that their rental properties are compliant. This can help landlords avoid legal disputes, fines, and penalties.

Time and Stress Management

Owning rental properties can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if landlords have to manage multiple properties or deal with difficult tenants. Property management companies can help landlords save time and reduce stress by handling routine tasks, such as rent collection and property maintenance, and dealing with tenant disputes and complaints.

Over 90% of Americans have access to clean drinking water using the public water systems that are regulated following federal guidelines.  But unfortunately, there are still structures that fail to meet water quality standards. In addition, problems inherent in private schemes can also affect the quality of tap water running in homes. Here’s how to tell if the water in your pipes is tainted or not.

Unusual Smell and Taste

One of the first things that you will notice about water coming from your faucet is its odd smell. Water may smell like rotten eggs, bleach, or sewage which making consumption difficult due to the stench. Unfortunately, this can indicate that sulfur bacteria are accumulating in the drains or there is a contaminated water source. Hydrogen sulfide gas formation that comes from the sink or faucet but not the water is likely due to the accumulation of hair, soap, and food particles in the drain that eventually gives off a sewage-like smell as they rot.  The good news is this does not mean that your water is contaminated although a smelly sink is not pleasant at all. What you can do is to clean the drains regularly with bleach or a commercial product. Periodic cleaning also prevents clogging of the sink and drains. 

On the other hand, it is possible for sulfur bacteria to accumulate in the water heater. The most likely reason is that the hot water has not been used for some time or the anode rod is corroded. To rectify this problem, flush out the water heater and replace the anode rod. It also pays to have your heating system checked by professionals at least once a year. 

Another reason for the weird smell is that there is contamination at the water source. Although the chances of municipal water being contaminated is low because it is regularly treated by chlorine, the same is not true of private wells which are likely harboring hydrogen sulfide bacteria. Furthermore, private wells are not regulated. 

Cloudy Appearance and Sediments in the Sink

Additionally, water that is bad may look foamy. A milky appearance can be attributed to air bubbles. However, the most common cause of water that is foaming is improperly installed plumbing. A simple fix is to change the aerator in the faucet. Doing so also improves water pressure. In other cases, treatment systems are unable to filter naturally occurring minerals that may give a cloudy, foamy look. If it persists, bacteria might be present and hence, your water must be tested.

Similarly, dirt or sediments that remain in the sink are signs that your water supply might be compromised. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorizes physical material as a drinking water contaminant. Chemicals such as nitrogen, pesticides, lead, or arsenic may get in the water distribution system or at the water source. Biological contaminants or microbes may also seep in your water from sewers and septic systems. If you suspect chemical or biological contamination, report the matter to the municipal authorities immediately.

A supply of clean drinking water is important for the health and wellbeing of the community. Vigilance in spotting the signs of a contaminated water supply can remedy the situation to avoid compromising the safety of consumers.

Guest Contributor: Alicia Rennoll

As a landlord in Missouri, it’s crucial to be aware of the Missouri Fair Housing Act and how it affects your rental practices. Housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability is strictly prohibited under the Missouri Fair Housing Act. Violating this act can lead to costly legal proceedings, penalties, and damage to your reputation as a landlord. To ensure compliance and avoid any potential legal issues, it’s essential to understand your obligations under the Missouri Fair Housing Act. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know as a landlord to comply with this law and provide fair housing to all tenants.

 

Who is Covered by the MFHA?

The Missouri Fair Housing Act protects a broad range of individuals from discrimination in the housing market. This includes people of all races, religions, nationalities, gender identities, and ages. It also includes those with disabilities and those who have children. Landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants based on any of these characteristics during the rental process, including advertising, screening, and leasing. The Act applies to a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, multi-unit buildings, apartments, and mobile homes. It’s important for landlords to understand the protected classes under the Missouri Fair Housing Act and ensure that their rental practices comply with the law.

 

What is Prohibited by the MFHA?

Under the MFHA, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants or potential tenants based on the protected classes mentioned earlier. This includes any action that makes housing unavailable or less available to members of a protected class. Examples of discrimination under the MFHA include: 

●      Refusing to rent to an individual based on their race, religion, or other protected characteristic

●      Setting different rental terms or conditions for members of a protected class

●      Denying reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

●      Advertising rental properties in a way that indicates a preference for or against members of a protected class

●      Harassing tenants or potential tenants based on their protected status

 

What are Landlords’ Responsibilities Under the MFHA?

As a landlord in Missouri, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the MFHA. Here are some of the key steps you can take to meet your obligations under the law:

 

1. Avoid Discrimination in Tenant Screening

When screening potential tenants, it’s important to treat all applicants equally and avoid making decisions based on protected characteristics. This includes conducting background checks and credit checks in a consistent manner and not excluding applicants based on factors like race, religion, or familial status.

 

2. Make Reasonable Accommodations for Tenants with Disabilities

Under the MFHA, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. This may include allowing tenants to make modifications to their units to accommodate their disabilities or allowing service animals on the property.

 

3. Advertise Rental Properties in a Non-Discriminatory Manner

When advertising your rental properties, it’s important to avoid language or images that suggest a preference for or against members of a protected class. For example, an advertisement that says “great for young professionals” could be seen as discriminatory against families with children.

 

4. Respond Promptly and Professionally to Tenant Concerns

If a tenant raises a concern related to discrimination or harassment, it’s important to respond promptly and professionally. Take any complaints seriously and investigate them thoroughly to ensure that you are in compliance with the MFHA.

 

5. Familiarize yourself and your staff with the Fair Housing Laws

Finally, it’s important to educate yourself and your staff on fair housing laws, including the MFHA. This may include attending training sessions or reading up on the latest developments in fair housing law to ensure that you are up to date on your responsibilities as a landlord.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the Missouri Fair Housing Act is critical for any landlord operating in the state. By complying with this law, landlords can provide equal opportunities to all tenants and avoid legal issues and penalties. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your rental practices are fair, consistent, and free from discrimination. This involves being aware of the protected classes under the act, providing reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, and avoiding any discriminatory practices during the rental process. Staying up-to-date with the Missouri landlord-tenant law and seeking legal advice when necessary can help you stay in compliance with the law and maintain a positive reputation as a landlord. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, landlords can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all tenants.

Guest Contributor: Amelia Brown

In today’s competitive market, plumbing businesses face challenges in standing out and attracting new customers. As a result, effective marketing strategies are essential to promote plumbing businesses and get more business. Plumbing marketing involves developing creative ways to reach potential customers and create a positive image of your business in their minds. Therefore, here are several plumbing marketing ideas to help you get more business and increase your revenue.

DEVELOP A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE

A professional website is an essential tool for plumbing businesses to promote their services and attract potential customers. A website serves as the first point of contact with potential customers, and it’s crucial to create a professional, user-friendly, and informative website that showcases your expertise and services. Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines, has clear contact information, and is mobile-friendly to attract more customers.

LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is an effective way for plumbing companies to connect with potential clients and interact with them personally. Promotions, discounts, and business news can be shared on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media platforms can also be used to communicate with clients, respond to their inquiries, and gather feedback. You may develop a devoted following and draw in new clients by regularly publishing and participating on social media.

CREATE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

Creating educational content, such as blog posts or videos, can be an effective plumbing marketing strategy. You can share tips on how to prevent plumbing issues, DIY fixes, or advice on when to call a professional plumber. Educational content helps to establish your expertise and builds trust with potential customers. By providing valuable information, you can attract more customers and position yourself as a trusted resource.

GO BACK TO BASICS

Marketing a plumbing business through traditional channels such as billboards, TV ads, print ads, and newspaper ads can be an effective way to reach potential customers. Billboards provide a great opportunity to showcase the business’s services and contact information to a large audience. Of course, you’ll need to insist on the best and most professional services that will help you make that happen, which is why turning to experts who can help you create an attractive billboard banner is crucial. TV ads can also be impactful, as they can be targeted to specific demographics and aired during prime viewing times. Print ads, such as flyers and brochures, can be distributed to local households and businesses to generate interest and brand recognition. Lastly, newspaper ads can be useful for reaching older demographics who may not be as active on digital platforms. By utilizing a combination of these advertising channels, a plumbing business can increase its visibility and attract new customers to its services.

OFFER PROMOTIONS

Offering promotions or discounts can be an effective way to incentivize potential customers to choose your plumbing business over competitors. You can offer promotions for new customers, seasonal discounts, or referral rewards. Promotions and discounts can help to attract new customers and retain existing ones. By offering incentives, you can increase your customer base and encourage customer loyalty. This is something not all business owners are going to love doing because most of us feel that this is a way to lose money instead of making it, but the truth is quite different, so don’t be afraid to start offering promotions today!

USE PAID ADVERTISING

Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other paid advertising ideas can be useful tools for reaching new clients and increasing sales. You may target particular places and demographics with paid advertising, ensuring that the proper people receive your message. Setting a budget and monitoring your results are essential steps in ensuring a profitable return on investment when using paid advertising, which may be expensive. You may reach more potential customers and boost your revenue by using sponsored advertising.

PARTNER WITH OTHER BUSINESSES

Partnering with other businesses can help you reach a wider audience and get more business. You can partner with home renovation companies, real estate agents, or property management companies. These partnerships can lead to referrals and help to establish your plumbing business as a trusted and reliable service provider. By partnering with other businesses, you can reach more potential customers and establish valuable relationships within your community.

Marketing is essential for plumbing businesses to get noticed and attract more business. By implementing plumbing marketing strategies like developing a professional website, using traditional marketing techniques such as billboards, TV ads, and printed ads, as well as leveraging social media, creating educational content, offering promotions, using paid advertising, and partnering with other businesses, you can increase your visibility, attract more customers, and grow your plumbing business. It’s important to track your results and adjust your marketing strategies as needed to ensure a positive return on investment. With a consistent marketing strategy, you can build a strong brand, attract new customers, and increase your revenue.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith