Property Management Resource Center       RentList.net, Atlanta Home Rentals     

Things I will Never Do Again, As a Property Manager

Never move friends into your house before closing on it first. It can be very stressful if something falls through with the lenders.

Never take work as payment of rent, until the job is finished, even if it is your friend.

Never accept partial rent or arrears while a dispossessory is pending. The partial payment is deemed a waiver for the eviction and the case will be dismissed.

Don't renew the lease if the tenant is having trouble every month paying the rent. A bankruptcy could be right around the corner.

I will never again take a property for management without visiting the property and interviewing the owner.

Lately, I when asked if the rent is negotiable, I am not telling the prospect "No" as fast!

Never take certified funds from a tenant who is an employee of the place 
where the certified funds come from (they aren't so "certified" anymore)

Never accept a tenant who is in bankruptcy (and do very good background 
checks to find out) - they are exempt from legal liablity for violating the 
lease

Never go pick up late rent.  Have tenant bring in the rent.

Never reimburse the tenant for work done with getting a paid receipt showing they actually paid the vendor.

I will never wait on the rent past the 15th without filing the warrant.

Never forget again to get a copy of the covenants and have tenant sign off a having received a copy.

Never alow the tenant to paint any part of the exterior the existing color without being very specific as to what item they will be painting. (Tenant wanted to paint front door same color as trim & they painted front ALUMINUM door!)

Never take the property off the market without money no matter how sincere the story. Don't accept "I didn't bring my check book". 

I will never again refund the pet deposit before the move out inspection if the tenant's pet dies.

I will never again accept the story "this pet is just visiting". 

Never again take a property management listing while letting the property stay on the market For Sale.

I will never agree to let a tenant go back and repair his damage after the move out inspection has been done.

Never agree in the lease to stop the leaky basement

I will never re deposit a NSF check. Need certified funds!.

Never take a property outside my service area (even for an existing owner)

Never take a property with a swimming pool

Never move in a tenant without collecting the full secuirty deposit in certified funds

Never tell the tenant what the paint color is so he can touch up.(It's always wrong and it'is your fault)

Never, ever take a property sight unseen regardless of the client.

Always get the money from the owner first before beginning repairs.

Never allow a Resident to paint the interior of the house, for any reason or
any color!

Never allow a Resident to perform any "turn-key" in return for rent credit
or less security deposit.

Always enforce all clauses of the lease equally to all Residents.

I will never again in property management end a letter with the invitation "do not hesitate to call".