The right property manager handles day-to-day property operations, tenant issues and unexpected problems that may arise. Finding the right property manager is about asking the right questions to determine if he can handle anything thrown his way. Property managers can act as managers who live on-site, or they can be part-time managers. Ask the right questions to find the right property manager for you. What Type of Property Manager Do You Need? For a small rental property, a general property manager is probably best. A general manager handles rent payments, basic tenant issues and schedules maintenance when necessary. Depending on the type of rental, a general manager may also schedule landscaping and housekeeping services. If you need a property manager for an apartment building, an on-site manager handles issues that may occur after hours such as a tenant being locked out, emergency maintenance or even domestic dispute issues that require someone to contact law enforcement. The Right Questions Ask who the potential manager has worked for to give you some insight into her abilities and familiarity with the job. Ask for a list of references that you can contact. If the property manager won’t provide you with any, seek someone else. The right manager will have experience with properties similar to yours. The right property manager needs to know what you expect from him. Ask what he does for his other clients. Ask how he handles stressful situations, like evictions. He should provide you details of steps he will take. By asking the right questions, finding the right property manager can be a smooth process. The Right Price Some property managers who live on-site, may be compensated in free rent and utilities. If you hire a property management company, expect to pay 50 percent of the first month’s rent for a new tenant and an additional 10 percent for each month the tenant rents the property. Hourly wages are also an option for managers who are handling large properties or tasks.

By Megan Coogle

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.