Property Management – Granada Hills

GRANADA HILLS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ENCINO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

CHATSWORTH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

VAN NUYS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 

Smoke Free Property Management

Owners and property managers are always seeking more sustainable ways to manage their residential communities. One strategy that costs nothing to implement, lowers turnover costs and extends the life of systems and furnishings is conversion to smoke free. For the unconvinced, a local city may soon provide the incentive. Since 2006 municipalities across the country have been passing smoke-free ordinances. Some may set rigid timetables while others allow a percentage of smoking units, but they all have the same ultimate goal. To prohibit smoking indoors.

Luckily consumer acceptance of smoke free regulation is high. Non-smokers not only prefer living smoke-free indoors but surprisingly many smokers do too. A completely smoke free building takes time to achieve. The challenge can be to serve the needs of current smoking residents and their guests during a transition. Smokers may resent the inconvenience of designated smoking areas, but a covered and sheltered area with seating can be a good compromise. Existing tenants are generally grandfathered if an existing lease does not prohibit smoking, so be patient. A longer transition period gives everyone time to adjust. A few may even quit smoking.

A smoker’s health risks are well-known, but secondhand smoke is the major concern for doctors and government health officials. Multifamily buildings are meant to ‘breathe’, but the ventilation creates a natural conduit and smoke easily infiltrates adjoining units. As children are particularly susceptible to second hand smoke exposure, recent studies have focused on them. Even if a child’s own family does not smoke – if they live in multifamily housing and the neighbor does smoke – they risk exposure. Reuters Health reported on a very large study’s results in February:

“Living in a nonsmoking apartment is no guarantee against the dangers of secondhand smoke, warns a new study that measured a nicotine byproduct in the blood of more than 5,000 children across the U.S. Researchers found that among children in households where no one smokes — at least not inside — those who live in multi-unit complexes were exposed to an average of 45 percent more tobacco smoke than those who lived in detached houses.”

A series of studies have confirmed similar results. Unfortunately other people can also bring chemical residues as secondhand smoke to a home on clothing and their person. As these latest researchers publish more information and it reaches the public at large, there will certainly be an outcry from parents. The Surgeon General has long held that there is no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure for infants and children.

Going completely smoke free is the best way to prevent second hand smoke exposure, but if this is not yet possible, owners and property managers have some technological alternatives. They can mitigate risk by installing special air filters that are specifically designed to clean the air of smoke. These systems are reasonably priced and useful until managers can implement a full smoke free policy.

Beyond the improved health and safety of staff and residents, in a smoke free building managers can expect:
•    Paint on interior walls and ceilings to retain a good appearance longer.
•    Paint touch ups after minor repairs will be easier to match reducing staffing costs for repainting.
•    Drapes, blinds and carpeting will maintain a better appearance, need less frequent cleaning and have a longer life.
•    Air ventilation filters will need replacement less often.
•    Mechanical HVAC systems will need less frequent servicing.
•    The leasing office and interior spaces and hallways will smell better.
•    Unit bathroom and kitchen fans will need replacement less often.

On the public relations side, resident relationships frequently improve when there are fewer conflicts over migrating smoke and odors. Owners and Property Management should also receive fewer complaints about general air quality, ventilation and interior comfort. However, one major benefit of a smoke free property very often overlooked is the reduced risk of fire. A quick call to the insurance carrier can verify whether the property will qualify for a reduction in hazard insurance premiums.

by Kimberly Madrigal

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.

• Tenant placement
• Tenant screening (including: credit check, landlord and employment verification, social security trace report, California eviction check and criminal check)
• Regular property inspections
• Accounting and landlord bill payment
• Monthly financial reporting
• Maintenance service and supervision (we use only proven independent vendors)
• Collections
• Evictions
• We supply all the necessary forms to meet California’s Landlord/Tenant laws
• 24 hour emergency phone service
• Advertising to the broadest tenant base possible

Call or e-mail us today for more information. We’re ready to get started!

• Carnahan Property Management services Woodland Hills,West Hills, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Topanga, Encino, Northridge, Van Nuys,North Hills,Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Simi Valley, West Lake Village, Agoura,Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank. Call us at (818) 884-1500 and check if we can service your area.