March 29, 2023

Best Single-Family Property Management Software for Modern PMs

Chief Customer Officer - Second Nature

Real estate and property management software is a booming industry with dozens of options for multifamily and single-family property management companies. Today we're going through the best software for single-family property managers, and tips from two experts on how to leverage those software best.

Our two experts, Kelli Segretto and Rhianna Campbell, have been through more than their share of tech rollouts. They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and they’re here to share with you what a good process for building a tech stack actually looks like.

For this article, they walked us through some of the best property management software for single-family homes. These apps and platforms can help with everything from:

Rent collection
Work orders
Credit card payments
Online rent payments
Tenant Screening
Lease management
Maintenance management
CRM

Let's jump right in with the top 17 software solutions for single-family property managers.

The first six in our list are software solutions specifically and exclusively designed for property managers.

1. RBP by SecondNature

Second Nature pioneered the property management industry’s first-ever fully managed Resident Benefits Package (RBP). The RBP includes critical services that more and more residents are asking for – and are willing to pay for. It's not just a package of services, though. The RBP is a tech platform that helps property managers boost retention by creating a better resident experience and incentivizes better resident behavior with support like resident rewards and credit building for on-time rent payments.

Campbell says that she looks for technology that can support both her team and the resident experience:

“One of the things I want my clients to think about is the property management software is not just for our benefit," Campbell says. "This is not just to make our lives easier and our jobs easier; it's to really be able to reposition our time so that we're focused on value creation.”

RBP by Second Nature generates value through:

Attracting and retaining residents
Boosting rental rates through improved resident experience
Giving PMCs a competitive advantage
Driving ancillary revenue opportunities
Incentivizing good resident habits like on-time rent payments, property care, etc.

The RBP supports PMCs by managing services like credit building, air filter delivery, maintenance requests, renter’s insurance programs, resident rewards, and more. The RBP by SecondNature provides services that residents and investors love, and that support you and your team.

2. Appfolio

Appfolio is another cloud-based property management software that helps automate tasks and workflows for PMCs. They support real estate and PM professionals in digitizing their business operations, and support every aspect of your workflow with management, training, marketing and leasing, maintenance, accounting, and communications. They're one of the most popular apps for single-family property managers, thanks to the easy-to-use platform, automation, and customizable dashboards and reporting.

3. Buildium

Buildium is another all-in-one property management software for both single-family homes and multifamily apartments. They provide management tools for accounting, leasing, maintenance, a mobile app, and integration services. Their platform includes tenant and owner portals and templates for leases, listings, reports, and more. We like their 14-day free trial that helps you really evaluate if the tech is a fit for your team, and get buy-in. Plus, their analytics are some of the best.

4. PropertyWare

PropertyWare is a rental property management software specifically designed for single-family properties. The software helps manage every aspect of a PMC workflow, from listing, leasing, managing payments, ordering and tracking maintenance, accounting, and more. Tenants and owners have a portal with 24/7 access that you can customize. Customers like that the system can easily scale and makes communication easy, but some of the downsides include that the reports aren't as customizable as other options and glitches sometimes take a while to get fixed.

5. PropertyBoss

PropertyBoss is a platform solution that supports property managers for student, multifamily, and single-family rentals. Manage phone calls, work orders, financial statements, and rent payments all in one place. They aim to help property managers automate and run services without needing to scale up their teams. It's fairly customizable with an excellent QuickBooks integration and other financial packages. It's not as intuitive or easy to learn as some of the other options, but great for robust support.

6. YardiBreeze

YardiBreeze is another cloud-based property management software for small to medium-sized owners or managers. They have solutions for both residential properties and commercial. On the residential side, their app allows you to manage all your properties on one device with tasks and activity calendars and tracking, workflow managmeent, leasing, rent collection, accounting, owner tools, maintenance, and more. It's one of the easiest to use of all the apps on our list, but it does require some workarounds for reports and can be difficult to organize.

7. Rent Manager

Rent Manager is another software built specifically for property managers. It's an operations platform solution that combines all the tools you need to run your property management business. Its features include accounting tools; operations support like communication, a call center, a mobile app, and an owner portal; reporting and automation; maintenance management; marketing and leasing; and software customization. Like PropertyBoss, the platform can be difficult to learn, and some features may go unused if your team doesn't keep up to date with training.

Now let's move into a group of apps that are focused on serving both property managers and landlords.

8. Innago

Innago is a free rental property management software for small to mid-sized landlords and property managers. The software helps with rent collection, leasing, and tenant management all on the cloud. Everything is collected in a straightforward dashboard tracking rent collection, managing late fees, invoice automation, online leasing and document storage, and more. The app has a very high rating among customers and is particularly easy to use with a slick and professional interface for residents.

9. TenantCloud

TenantCloud is a cloud-based property management software connecting property managers, owners, landlords, tenants, and service vendors. Its capabilities include posting listings, collecting rent online, and screening applicants. Overall, the interface is fairly intuitive, even from the back-end accounting and maintenance management. The software puts most of the responsibilities of property management in one place and streamlines workflows and communication. On the downside, some of the features, especially related to payments, aren't very customizable, and the software can be slow.

10. DoorLoop

DoorLoop is a property management system that provides services like a built-in CRM, tenant portal, owner portal, and rent collection. Like other platform solutions, you can handle most of your workflows and tasks within the app and use their tools to build reports, track payments, and communicate with tenants and owners. The UX is intuitive and user-friendly, with excellent integration capabilities. Some functionalities are still being built, but it is overall an excellent solution.

11. Hemlane

Hemlane is a platform solution for landlords and PMs that supports and automates the day-to-day tasks of managing rental properties. It includes a user-friendly tenant portal for online payments, plus tools for lease management, listings, tenant screening, applicant tracking, maintenance and repairs, and more. Their UX and user-friendly design stand out among competitors, but if you need really robust accounting tools or reporting, you may want to go with a different option.

12. Rentec Direct

Rentec Direct is a platform solution with full features for property managers and landlords managing properties. The web-based solution includes general ledger accounting and financial reporting that you can integrate with Quickbooks, and accept online payments from tenants through a tenant portal and app. The platform supports tenant and owner communication, listings, marketing, billing, tenant screening, and more. One unique feature is their US-based customer service team. The app is missing some advanced features that you can find with other solutions, but they are adding more regularly.

13. ManageCasa

ManageCasa is built for landlords, property managers, and community associations. The platform provides full-service owner and tenant portals, lease management, digital documents, accounting and reporting, online payments, and marketing tools. You can build a marketing website, manage listings and leasings, and automate workflows, all with the support of a 24/7 customer service team. Some of the reporting and banking tools are not as robust as other solutions, but the marketing and communication portals are a standout.

And, finally, let's look at a group of apps focused primarily on serving landlords, though some property managers may find the technology useful.

14. Avail

Availa is a landlord software that helps property owners or "DIY landlords" find and screen tenants, sign leases, and collect rent. It's focused on helping landlords be more hands-off and helps manage the onboarding of new tenants, leases, and even maintenance requests or work orders. The platform helps track payments and maintenance costs, too. A few cons are the app is sometimes slow, and the payment portal isn't as easy to use or customizable as some competitors.

15. Stessa

Stessa provides real estate investors with single-family and multi-family rentals an easy platform to track, manage, and communicate. Their tools focus on supporting rental applications, tenant screening, rent collection, banking, and accounting. One standout feature is the Stessa Tax Center, which helps guide landlords/owners through the complexities of filing their taxes. One downside is the single-entry accounting system, which doesn't allow for more robust accounting. But for basic tracking all in one place, it's an excellent tool.

16. Landlord Studio

Landlord Studio also helps DIY landlords with finding, screening, and placing tenants. Their portal includes online rent collection and tax reporting. Plus, they have a feature for responding to maintenance requests, prioritizing tasks, and easily communicating with tenants. It's very easy to use and relatively inexpensive for what it offers. However, their pricing structure can make it tougher to scale up with charging per unit, and some users find the features difficult to customize.

17. RentRedi

RentRedi is a mobile app for landlords to help manage their properties. Landlord features include listing, tenant screening, lease support, rent collection, rental property accounting, and renter's insurance. Their tenant features include a tenant app that supports different forms of rent payment, application tracking, credit building, and more. A few downsides include some glitchiness in the integrations with Zillow and Trulia, and a lack of transparency into all communication sent to tenants.

How to choose the right software for your single-family property management business

Now it's time to turn to our two property management experts for insight on how to pick the right software from the list above.

Meet the Experts: Rhianna Campbell and Kelli Segretto are two property management consultants who combine more than 35 years of property management experience.

Kelli Segretto is the founder of K Segretto Consulting and a 20-year veteran of property management.
Rhianna Campbell is a property management consultant and speaker with Proper Planning LLC, and former CEO with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

Campbell and Segretto walked us through the process of identifying the best software for your property management business.

Define the problem you want to solve with software

“Start with your issues list,” says Segretto. “Realize what your biggest need is first and choose technology that matches that need. Talk to your fellow PMs, join these mastermind groups, attend Triple Win LIVE events, network on Facebook, and talk to other people to find out what’s working for them.”

The biggest mistake PMs make when trying to build a useful tech stack is collecting as many programs as possible and trying to jump directly into a fully functional stack instead of identifying solutions and rolling them out strategically.

Instead, says Campbell: “I talk to every single employee and find out what their biggest challenges are,” says Campbell. “And then from there, you can really pull out some of the commonalities that everyone seems to be having.”

Below is an example of an issue list template Segretto uses in meetings with her clients.

Issues List Template from K Segretto Consulting

Vet potential PM software vendors

When vetting specific technologies, Segretto suggests asking for a sandbox instead of just a demo.

“Ask for a sandbox to where you can actually play with it, manipulate it, break it, find where those weaknesses are in that software before you commit to it,” Segretto says.

She also recommends seeking referrals to users who have used the software successfully and who have tried the software and decided against it. Being able to understand those different perspectives will help you see a complete picture of who the software is for, where it excels, and where it may come up short.

Get buy-in from your team & track performance

“I’ve seen hundreds of businesses launch technology across the nation and helped them implement. Ones that tend to fail are the ones that are not prepared,” says Segretto.

“What I mean by not prepared is they don’t have their team’s buy-in. They don’t even know what they really want the technology for. They just feel like they want it, and they want it right now. They’re not willing to dedicate a resource or a person that’s going to own it. Without that ownership, tech stacks fail.”

Getting buy-in from your team is critical for any implementation. The people who are using the tech need to believe in and understand it. Nothing guarantees failure more than just throwing a new service at someone.

“You’re prepping your team, you’re talking about it, and you’re giving those ‘why statements’ so that everyone is on board before you launch. All of that needs to happen in your pre-implementation,” says Segretto.

You also need to identify who on your team is the point person for the new tech rollout.

According to Segretto: “You have to pick a designated person who's going to be the owner of that technology. Then, as you implement, they're going to be the expert.”

Finally, monitor the tech’s performance. Campbell says you need to conduct regular reviews of your tech’s performance much the same way you would of your team’s performance.

“Being able to evaluate whether or not that technology is working is really important,” says Campbell. “I've seen a number of times where people buy into the tech and then don't use it. It’s important to have points in time where you check to see if you're really utilizing that software that you paid a lot of money for, and not just spending money on it every month.”

Final Thoughts

Tech is a good thing. Don’t let the length of this article about implementation scare you into thinking it’s more complex than it is. As long as you’re willing to manage your tech stack and make sure your team knows how to use it, you’re going to be in good shape.

You wouldn’t bring on a new employee for no reason, so don’t add tech for no reason. Tech is a tool, and its power is determined by the person who wields it. If you’re purposeful and thorough, you can vastly improve the efficiency of your business with the ever-growing field of PropTech companies in existence.

Learn more about how Second Nature is supporting property managers with leading tech solutions and services that residents pay and stay for.

Topics:

Operational Efficiency

Keep learning

10 Best Property Management Maintenance Software

In the property management world, tech solutions abound. There are so many different players on the market, but sometimes, that wealth can be tough to navigate. When it comes to property management maintenance software, single-family property managers have to identify, first, how they approach maintenance and, second, what tech solution will best support their team, workflows, and operational structure. It’s a daunting task! That’s why Second Nature builds integrated solutions to support residents in preventing issues from ever developing. These solutions reduce maintenance needs through preventive maintenance strategies and take work off the property manager’s plate. But no matter how much prevention you build in with tools like our Resident Benefits Package, you’re always going to need some maintenance management. So, today, we’re going to look at some of the best approaches you can take and the best software available to you for property management maintenance. Property management maintenance software solutions come in two basic categories: Platform Solutions: Property management operations platforms or accounting software that include maintenance support, among other full-service property management solutions. Dedicated Point Solutions: Property management software designed to tackle one specific problem – in this case, maintenance. We’ll explore solutions that fit into both of these categories and how to weigh the pros and cons of each. 1. Property Meld Property Meld is a leader in the small to medium-sized property management business space. It’s a maintenance point solution to optimize work order management, response time tracking, vendor and resident communication, scheduling, and analytics. Its built-in “Owner Hub” helps provide the right amount of transparency to your clients. Perhaps the best feature is the Insights Tool, which helps you track metrics like the median speed of repair, average resident satisfaction, vendor health score, total spend per unit, and more. Pros: The user interface is intuitive for PMs and residents Opening repair tickets takes just minutes Tracking repairs and resident satisfaction is easy and transparent Powerful analytics help you see your success at a glance Cons: If you’re looking for a full-service operations platform, Meld won’t be the solution for you. 2. Lula Lula is another dedicated point solution focused on property maintenance technology. They leverage a network of vetted contractors to make finding the best technicians easy. Lula’s team becomes an outsourced extension of your property management company, troubleshooting, coordinating, and managing maintenance tasks. They operate in over 30 markets in the US and boast results like 80% one-trip resolutions and a net promoter score of 80. Pros: They do the work to vet and provide the vendors You can bring your own vendors in if you want to Integrates with any software Customizable plans for self-service or full-service Cons: May not yet be available in your market Only focuses on maintenance 3. Buildium Buildium is a popular all-in-one solutions platform and property accounting software with excellent management features. The web-based solution and app provide support in accounting and invoicing, communications, leasing, and maintenance activities. Their portals provide tenant support, maintenance management, and templates to make every part of property management easier. Pros: A near-complete solution for property management Excellent tenant and owner portals and communication hubs Analytics and tracking to streamline operations and results A 14-day trial helps you evaluate if it’s a fit Customizable packages Cons: Lack of transparency for owners The listing process isn’t as comprehensive as some users want Can be pricey 4. Mezo Mezo is an AI-driven, cloud-based property maintenance management software. The aim of the app is to take work off your plate by automating maintenance ticket responses, resolutions, and insights. Mezo takes requests directly from residents and uses conversational AI to ask questions in real-time, identify problems, and diagnose the issue. It will support residents in resolving the issue on their own or integrate with your management system to get work orders quickly sent. Pros: Residents can get help immediately when they have issues and potentially resolve themselves with Mezo’s chatbot support Technicians arrive with Mezo’s analysis and diagnosis, allowing them to come prepared and resolve issues quicker Integrates with most PMS options Cons: Doesn’t integrate with all other PM tech solutions As a newer technology, still has some bugs and gaps 5. Lessen Lessen, formerly SMS Assist, is an enterprise-level solution providing tech-powered renovations and maintenance at scale. It’s an end-to-end platform for maintenance operations with a vetted vendor network and provides everything you need for maintenance or turning projects. PMs simply use the app to request projects, deploy Lessen network pros, track progress and checklists, check for quality control remotely, and process payments – all in one slick tech solution. Pros: Excellent, seamless tech that’s easy to use and deploy A fully vetted vendor network takes that work off your plate An established brand that has worked out the “kinks” in service Cons: More ideal for more enterprise companies who need scale (rather than smaller SFR PMs) 6. AppFolio AppFolio is a full-service rental property management platform solution that is very popular with single-family property management companies. The web-based app streamlines and automates every stage of real estate management, including management, training, marketing and leasing, maintenance, accounting, reporting, and communications. For maintenance, AppFolio includes workflow automation, work order managemen toolst, online maintenance request, mobile inspections, and more. Pros: Easy-to-use technology with great UX Fully mobile and automated Customizable dashboards and advanced reporting Cons: An expensive platform if all you need is a maintenance point solution Customer service is not always available for maintenance line 7. Rentvine Rentvine is a full-service property management platform that focuses on communication support between PMCs, residents, and clients. The platform streamlines application and tenant screening, inventory management, accounting with a manager’s ledger and client money tracked separately, marketing, leasing, and – of course – maintenance. The app tracks all your work orders from start to finish and supports communication between residents, property managers, and vendors throughout. Pros: Easy to use with excellent customer support Owner and tenant portals work seamlessly Excellent accounting process Cons: Has fewer features than some competitors but is continuously improving 8. DoorLoop DoorLoop is another full-service property management software that provides all the features a property manager needs to manage their portfolio. You can handle accounting, maintenance, listings, marketing, client success, and more, all from the app. For property management maintenance, their software helps manage work orders, handle vendor payments, and track the process from start to finish. Pros: Intuitive, streamlined UX that’s user-friendly Great customer service Excellent integrations Cons: Expensive if all you need is a maintenance point solution rather than a full platform Some functionalities are still being developed 9. FTMaintenance FTMaintenance is a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) point solution platform designed for maintenance managers, executives, and technicians. While it’s not specifically designed for property management, the software streamlines work order management, vendor payments, tracking, and more. For some PMs, this could be the added solution they need to focus simply on complex maintenance jobs. Pros: Robust work order tracking Excellent mobile app for vendors and maintenance managers Analytics and organization Cons: Not designed specifically for property managers, focused more on commercial properties Complex if you are not tech-savvy 10. Latchel Latchel is a property maintenance point solution that helps automate maintenance communication, scheduling, work orders, etc. Your residents message the Latchel team directly on the Latchel platform and get an immediate response to begin troubleshooting the issue. If the problem requires a maintenance visit, the Latchel team will deploy that and follow up with the resident. Pros: Fast response times Easy to use for maintenance communication Cons: Many reviews say the issues didn't get fixed correctly App is great for communication but sometimes requires the PM to step in and manage How Second Nature Helps with Property Management Maintenance When it comes to maintenance, at Second Nature, we’re always looking to empower the resident. Our Resident Benefits Package provides solutions that minimize maintenance needs and costs in the first place. From HVAC/air filter delivery to on-demand pest control to rental rewards, we aim to incentivize residents to care for their property and take work off the property manager’s plate. We also work closely with other property management software providers to ensure you have everything you need for success in your SFR property management business. Learn more about the Second Nature RBP and how it can bring ease to your work.

November 17, 2023

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Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Property Management

A big part of property management is prevention. Property managers anticipate issues, plan for problems, and execute solutions. For some, a key part of this prevention is to develop a property management preventive maintenance checklist. For multi-family property managers, a regular preventive maintenance check is standard–and easy. Their properties are often all contained to one apartment building or community, and it’s easy to do a walkthrough to ensure everything is as it should be. For single-family property managers, it gets a lot more complicated. With scattered-site properties, regular inspections are impractical and expensive. In fact, one of the best ways to approach prevention is to help equip residents to take preventive measures themselves. At Second Nature, that’s our approach: “How do we make it easy for residents to handle preventive care of the property?” In this article, we’ll explore both approaches to preventive maintenance: Doing inspections as a property manager – or finding solutions where residents support the process. Let’s dive in. What is Preventive Maintenance? Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach to keeping a property in good condition with the purpose of preventing unexpected failures and maximizing longevity. This type of maintenance encompasses a broad range of activities, from routine inspections (more common in multifamily) to air filter delivery services that keep HVAC systems running smoothly. By implementing preventive maintenance tactics, property managers aim to prolong the lifespan of property components, maintain property value, and provide a safe, functional, and appealing living environment for residents. What is a Preventive Maintenance Inspection – and Who Conducts It? A preventive maintenance inspection is a regularly scheduled, systematic evaluation of a property designed to identify and rectify any emerging issues before they escalate into serious problems. In other words, a preventive maintenance inspection is like a health check-up for a property. A well-documented inspection also provides a record of maintenance that can be valuable for insurance claims, move-outs, etc. Generally, SFR property managers find themselves in three different camps when it comes to property inspections: Those who visit sites only when an issue arises. Those who conduct scheduled annual preventive inspections, whether there are issues or not. Those who conduct biannual or seasonal preventive inspections, whether there are issues or not. But there’s also a fourth option: Those who rely on a partner who helps manage prevention for them. There is so much residents can do themselves to prevent larger issues from ever developing – they just need a little support. For example, if a resident is changing their air filter on time, the property manager is going to get fewer HVAC tickets, and the HVAC system is going to last longer. If you can provide scheduled air filter delivery, residents can stay on top of their filter changes. Whichever of the camps you fall into, we want to provide you with resources in this article to make preventive maintenance easier. If you’re the type of property manager who prioritizes regular preventive maintenance inspections, we have a checklist template for you below. If you’re the type of property manager who prefers to react when issues arise (often more cost-effective), we have some suggestions for how to help residents manage preventive measures on their own. What to Include in a Preventive Maintenance Checklist Let’s say you do prioritize regular inspections. Crafting a preventive maintenance checklist for property management is all about anticipating needs and averting potential issues before they arise. Building your checklist begins with a thorough assessment of the property's unique features and vulnerabilities. By understanding the life cycle of various components of a property across the seasons – from HVAC systems to appliances – you can prioritize tasks and schedule maintenance in a way that minimizes wear and tear. Your checklist will likely include the following categories: Structural Maintenance Electrical Systems Plumbing & Water Systems HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Appliances (if provided) Lawn & Outdoor Areas Pest Control Safety & Security Systems Interior Checks Miscellaneous (Garage, waste disposal, etc.) Sample Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Property Management Companies With input from OnSightPROS, we’ve built a preventive maintenance checklist template for single-family rental property management companies. Use this template as-is or tweak it to fit your property needs! If you want a downloadable and more in-depth template for all types of rental inspections, check out our original post on rental inspection checklists and Get the download here. Structural Maintenance Roofing: Inspect for leaks, damaged tiles, or shingles. Check gutters and downspouts. Foundation: Check for cracks, water damage, or shifting. Walls and ceilings: Look for cracks, dampness, and signs of mold. Electrical Systems Safety checks: Ensure that outlets, switches, and wiring are in good condition. Lighting: Regularly test all indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures. Inspect circuit breakers and panels. Plumbing & Water Systems Drains and pipes: Check for leaks or buildup. Water heater: Test hot water temperature and pressure relief valves and inspect for signs of wear. Faucets and fixtures: Ensure proper flow and check for leaks. HVAC Systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Filters: Ensure they are up to date. With Second Nature’s Air Filter Delivery, you’ll have the date stamped right on the filter itself. Ductwork: Check for mold or leaks. Seasonal checks: Ensure the heating system is ready for winter and cooling for summer. Appliances (if provided) Oven, range, microwave: Check for cleanliness and ensure they are working efficiently. Refrigerator: Check coils and inspect seals. Washer and dryer: Inspect hoses and ensure the resident is keeping lint and drainage clean. Lawn & Outdoor Areas Landscaping: Ensure that the landscaping is tidy and up to HOA standards, if applicable. Paths and driveways: Check for cracks or tripping hazards. Pools: Ensure safety measures are in place. Pest Control Notice any signs of pests With Second Nature’s On-Demand Pest Control, you can be sure residents can call a professional immediately if they ever have issues. We handle it for you. Safety & Security Systems Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure residents have kept up to date and they are installed properly. Fire extinguishers: Check expiration dates and ensure they're easily accessible. Emergency exits and paths: Ensure they're clear and well-marked. Interior Checks Floors: Look for damaged tiles, caulk problems, carpet wear, or wood floor issues. Windows and doors: Ensure they open and close smoothly, and check seals. Miscellaneous Garage and parking areas: Check for proper lighting, security, and cleanliness. Waste disposal: Ensure trash bins are clean and in good condition. The Importance of Preventive Maintenance Did you know that something as simple as getting air filters delivered on time can reduce HVAC costs by hundreds of dollars annually? More on that in a minute, but it’s clear that for property managers, preventive maintenance isn’t just about keeping the property in good shape—it's a strategic approach that yields all kinds of benefits. By prioritizing prevention, you can: Minimize costly repairs: Regular maintenance can prevent small maintenance issues from escalating into expensive emergencies. Extend asset longevity: Helping residents proactively care for components like HVAC systems extends their lifespan, saving money in the long run. Enhance resident satisfaction: Supporting a resident in maintaining their property means fewer complaints and issues, leading to higher retention rates. Ensure safety: Regular checks keep safety hazards at bay, reducing the risk of accidents and liability. Improve property value: Consistent upkeep maintains or even increases the property's market value. Stay compliant: Keeping up with building codes and safety regulations is non-negotiable, and preventive maintenance ensures compliance. By incorporating a preventive maintenance strategy, property managers not only safeguard the property's physical health but also its financial viability and desirability in the market. It's a proactive measure that resonates well with residents and investors alike. Best Tools to Support Preventive Maintenance Here’s the big question: How can property managers for single-family homes make preventive maintenance easier? Scattered-site properties don’t lend themselves to regular inspections. So, the best solution, as we mentioned above, is to help your residents do it themselves. Here are three of our favorite products to get that done. Second Nature We’ve built a Resident Benefits Package with proactive property management in mind. Each feature – from renter’s insurance to on-demand pest control to air filter delivery – aims to address ongoing needs and prevent common issues from escalating. Let’s take air filter delivery as an example. In the largest HVAC data study of its kind, filter delivery service reduced HVAC ticket requests by 38% Just by including a filter subscription for your residents, you can help them cut energy costs and ensure your HVAC system lasts for the long term. Learn more about all of the features of our Resident Benefits Package and how it delivers results for residents, property investors, and property management companies. RentCheck RentCheck is a property inspection app built to help residents do inspections on their own. The property manager can request and track routine inspections from the resident. You can set up any cadence you want and customize the self-guided inspection requirements. RentCheck will fully automate reminders and support residents in completing a video inspection that then gets sent to you as a shareable report. zInspector zInspector is another very popular rental inspection app in the SFR property management space. Like RentCheck, property managers use zInspector to schedule, customize, and receive inspections conducted by residents themselves. The app also includes a toolkit with an evolving set of property and task management tools. You can get 360 photos and virtual tours with a compatible 360 camera and printable, customizable inspection reports. FAQs Q: What are the benefits of preventive maintenance? Preventive maintenance offers a multitude of benefits, including: Cost Savings: It reduces the likelihood of incurring expensive emergency repairs and extends the life expectancy of property assets. Efficiency: Regular maintenance ensures that all systems and appliances are running at optimal performance, which can lower energy costs. Tenant Retention: A well-maintained property leads to higher tenant satisfaction, which can decrease turnover rates. Safety: It helps identify potential safety issues before they become hazardous, promoting a safer living environment. Value Preservation: Ongoing care maintains and can enhance the property's value over time. Compliance: Ensures that the property remains in compliance with the latest building codes and safety regulations. Overall, preventive maintenance is essential for maintaining a property's integrity, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and optimizing operational budgets. Q: What is included in basic preventive maintenance? Basic preventive maintenance for property management typically encompasses: Routine Inspections: Regularly checking the structural integrity of the property, including roofs, walls, and foundations. HVAC Maintenance: Ensuring heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are clean and functioning properly. Plumbing Checks: Looking for leaks, clogs, or wear in pipes and fixtures. Electrical System Audits: Inspecting electrical panels, wires, and safety systems to prevent malfunctions. Groundskeeping: Checking outdoor areas, including landscaping, gutters, and drainage systems. Appliance Upkeep: Servicing provided appliances to prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan. Safety Inspections: Verifying that all safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, is in working order. These tasks are designed to identify and address issues before they develop into more significant problems, helping to ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing to tenants. Q: What’s the ideal schedule for preventive maintenance? The ideal schedule for preventive maintenance can vary depending on the specific needs of a property, but a general guideline is as follows: Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly: Regular checks on a weekly to quarterly basis are more common for multifamily properties and apartment buildings, with quick checks on high-usage areas and equipment, such as communal spaces and gardening upkeep. Quarterly maintenance inspections could include more in-depth inspections of HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical systems, and seasonal preparations. Annually/Seasonally: A small number of SFR property managers will conduct seasonal or semi-annual inspections. A few more conduct annual inspections (unrelated to move-in or move-out, which always includes inspections). These are more in-depth inspections to keep an eye on potential issues.

November 15, 2023