How to Handle And Prevent Damage To Your Investment Property

Have you ever had a tenant damage your property? If not, You’re one of the lucky ones.

As a property investor, you may be wondering “How can I prevent tenant property damage in the future?” And, if it happens, how do I handle tenant damage to the property?

The best way to deal with tenant damage to your investment property is to prevent it before it happens.

But how do you do that?

Screening Tenants

First, choose your tenants very carefully. This is the most important thing you can do.

Always run a full tenant credit report, criminal background check, and eviction history report on all rental applications. It is also recommended to have a signed document from their current or previous landlord about their experience with the renter to not only get a referral but also to make sure they don’t still owe them money. This way you know what you’re getting yourself into.

 

Charge a Security Deposit

Security deposits protect you in several ways. Most obviously, they offer a cash reserve you can use to repair tenant damage to the property.

But they also serve as an indications of an applicant’s financial abilities. If your prospective tenant can’t afford a security deposit plus the first month’s rent (and possibly the last), they aren’t financially secure and could cause financial problems for you in the future.

Charge for Pets

The same logic applies to pet deposits. No matter how well trained a pet is, 9 times out of 1o there will be some sort of damage. Wether it is damaged carpet from animals dragging in mud, nail marks in wood floor or even just the strong smell of an animal residing there. These are things that will need to be fixed between tenets and could become costly to you.

 

Be Responsive to Property Repairs

When a renter calls you about a problem — a drippy faucet, a hole in a screen, or worse, a roof leak, make sure they know it is your highest priority and that you don’t want it to get worse for them. When they hear this each time they contact you, it encourages them to be better tenants because you are kind and taking care of their needs. 

 

Document When a Tenant Damages Property

Make sure you keep “before” pictures (such as the ones you use for advertising rental properties) and then take “after” pictures of the damage. This way you will have proof for the tenant at the end of their lease term in the event damage does occur resulting in charges.

 

Wow Thats A Lot!

This may sound like a lot of work that you as a property owner may just not have time for! We are here to help! Everything listed above we will handle for you! From maintenance issues to screening tenants and more! Check out our services here and call us today!

 

 

At All County Property Management Group, we help not only renters find their next home but also property investors looking for an experienced property management company to take over the hard work of property management. We offer up-to-date listings to suit a variety of needs and budgets. In addition, our dedicated leasing staff works with you every step of the way so you can feel confident in your home choice. Plus our team handles all property management needs from maintenance, leasing documents, marketing and more! For more information or to see our available listings in your area, check us out today.

Is Texas a Good Place to Purchase Investment Properties?

Investors are always on the lookout for states that offer outstanding rental property opportunities. They search for areas that ensure a profitable rental market that offers long-term cash flow. One state that has always offered this is Texas!

The state of Texas offers outstanding real estate investing opportunities. This is due to the fact that Texas is landlord-friendly, has a high demand for rental properties due to population growth, offers a thriving economy, housing prices are affordable, and Texas does not charge personal income tax.

Let’s talk in more details below!


1. Steady Population Growth with Increased Demand for Rental Properties
Investors are wise to buy in states with growing population numbers. In a state like Texas, there will always be a demand for rentals. Texas has one of the highest growing population in the nation. 

According to reports, 4.2 million people have moved to the state since the last census in 2010. So when the question is asked – Is Texas a good place to invest in rental real estate? It’s population growth clearly makes the answer to this question YES!


2. Offers a Booming Economy & Hot Job Market
For those who are looking for a great rental market, you won’t have to look any further than Texas. This is because it has an outstanding job market, brought about by its extraordinarily successful economy. 

How does this make real estate good in Texas? It creates a high demand for rental properties as new jobs with major companies are always moving to the area. Which means more housing will be needed for the employees also moving to the area. This in turn fills your rentals with tenants who have jobs with stable companies that may stay for years to come – less tenant turnover. 

3. Texas is a Landlord-Friendly State
A landlord-friendly state is another reason Texas is an ideal location for investors. This is the most basic element to look into when determining if a state is a good place to invest in rental properties. If you don’t have the law on your side when it comes to landlord/tenant issues, it may not be worth moving forward on a deal. Texas is known to be pro-landlord, and believes the landlord should have certain crucial rights over their property.

If you are new to the rental property industry one of the most troublesome issues that can come about when renting in a non landlord-friendly state, is having the state favor the tenant when it comes to evictions. For example, when a tenant clearly violates their lease agreement by not paying their rent, your goal would be to have the tenant leave a soon as possible before you get deeper into a financial hole. But when the state is not landlord-friendly, this can take months, and cost you a lot of money in legal fees.

4. Property Investors Don’t Pay Income Tax in Texas
Another aspect of Texas that makes investing in real estate there such a good idea is the fact that you won’t have to pay state income tax. For this reason, owning rental property in Texas can save you a significant amount of money.

What Area of Texas has a Profitable Rental Market?
Fort Worth Texas has become one of the most booming cities in Texas! Many new industries have recently moved to the area, not to mention the city is full of culture, history great attractions and much more. With new jobs and a growing city many people are relocating to Fort Worth. For this reason rental properties in Fort Worth have become increasingly desirable.


Get Started Building Great Wealth with All County Property Management by your side!
We hope that this article has answered your questions about owning rental real estate in Texas. As you can see, investing in real estate in Texas, especially within Fort Worth, TX, has its advantages. At All County Property Management Group, we help not only renters find their next home but also property investors looking for an experienced property management company to take over the hard work of property management. We offer up-to-date listings to suit a variety of needs and budgets. In addition, our dedicated leasing staff works with you every step of the way so you can feel confident in your home choice. Plus our team handles all property management needs from maintenance, leasing documents, marketing and more! For more information or to see our available listings in your area, check us out today.