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WHAT TO EXPECT

MORLEY FREDERICKS REAL ESTATE INC. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

  • What are the responsibilities of the property manager?

    • Collect the rent and pay all invoices.
    • Interface with governmental agencies regarding licensing, permits and compliance issues
    • Respond to calls from the tenant(s) and arrange for repairs. See that the repairs are done properly.
    • Send appropriate tenant notices for inspections, late/nonpayment of rent, rules violations etc.
    • Oversee evictions.
    • Gather bids for major repairs and obtain your approval for major expenses.
    • Gather W9s from contractors and distribute 1099s at year end
    • Inspect the property regularly
    • Provide you with an accounting of all money received and disbursed monthly or quarterly, and upon year end as well as keep a client trust account for any owner money. 
    • State law regulates property managers much as it does real estate agents and in California – a property manager must be a licensed Real Estate Broker.
    • Every responsibility of the property manager is agreed upon contractually. Property Management agreements must be in writing.
    • Residential properties with 16-units or more require an on-site manager. A building with 4-units do not require an on-site manager
    • Property Managers typically help set market rents, execute Lease Agreements, and provide & complete all required documentation and disclosures. Morley Fredericks is prepared to handle all paperwork required with a tenant – landlord relationship.
  • Approximately how much would it cost to have the property managed and maintained by a property manager?

    • Fees are influenced by size of property, amount of income generated, and duties performed
    • The typical charge is 6%-8% of the rents, with an established monthly minimum. This can vary based on property size, nature of the tenancies, rent levels, and if we manage multiple properties. 
    • Upon the turnover and re-renting of vacant units we charge a one-time flat fee upon that unit becoming occupied.
    • We do NOT charge any markup on the projects/repairs that we direct and oversee at your property. The management fee covers all management services except for leasing.
  • What variables do I need to consider when trying to choose a property manager?

    • Experience & resources – Morley Fredericks Real Estate Inc. has been managing income-producing properties and handling the purchase and sale of multi-family properties since 1998
    • Proximity – Morley Fredericks specializes in high-end / pride of ownership properties throughout San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and the rest of the Bay Area.
    • Accessibility – the size and structure of our company provide a high level of accessibility for Owners and Tenants, enabling us to provide each with excellent service
  • What should a Landlord address when preparing their property for rent?

    Residential properties with 16-units or more require an on-site manager. The on-site manager will be considered an employee and an Employer / Employee relationship will be formed. All Property

    Management agreements must be in writing.


    Safety. Are there items at the property that pose hazards? Examples include:

     ○ Non-conforming decks or rooms built illegally without proper points of egress in the

    case of fire or earthquake.

     Maintenance. Landlords should consider addressing any deferred maintenance they’re aware

    of before renting the home. Once the home is occupied, access to certain major systems may become more difficult. Examples include:

    ○ Drainage issues that could create flooding inside the dwelling.

    ○ Substandard sewer lines and plumbing issues.

    ○ Aging water heaters or furnaces, roof leaks.

    ○ The age of the appliances should be considered. If certain items are at or near the end of their useful life you should discuss the details with your property manager.

    ○ Leases can be prepared to include language that states that certain items are offered “without” warranty, like a clothes washer or a dryer. A Landlord might consider upgrading or removing certain appliances.

    Landscaping. Landlords will want their exterior yard space to be as clean and as appealing to potential tenants while also being designed in such a way as to be cost effective to maintain.

    Pools & Spas. These items, when offered, should comply with current code.

    ○ Leases should clearly define who is responsible for maintaining equipment and include additional insurance liability for the benefit of the Landlord & Property Manager.

    ● Insurance. Landlords should investigate obtaining Landlord insurance.

    ○ Landlords should require tenants to maintain their own tenant liability policy.

    ● General property condition/inventory. Landlords should have an accurate written assessment of the condition of the property before entering into a rental agreement.

    ○ Create a written record of the condition of each room, an inventory of personal property and appliances. Taking photos is highly recommended.

    ● Utilities. All utilities: gas, electric, water & sewer should remain active and in the name of the Landlord or Property Manager when a property is vacant. Trash service can be discontinued as long as the local municipality allows for this service to be deactivated.