Managing a property makes it easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks and not focus on the big picture. Property managers face one of the most significant risks: “vacant property risk.” This is the risk that your properties will sit empty for too long, which could have a negative impact on your portfolio. Fortunately, there are several things you can do as a property manager to reduce your vacant property risk. Vacant Property Checks in San Francisco are one way to protect yourself from disaster. Here’s what you need to know about vacant property checks and how they can benefit you and your business.
What is a Vacant Property Check?
A vacant property check is routine practice property managers follow during any vacancy. The goal of a vacant property check is to ensure that a property stays in good condition while it’s empty. Vacant property checks include routine inspections, maintenance, and any other activities necessary to keep a property in its best condition despite being unoccupied. You can also perform a vacant property check for a tenant who is in a long-term absence, like a military deployment. A vacant property check can help you catch issues that might have gone unnoticed during the regular course of the inspection. It also ensures that you stay on top of maintenance issues, which can be difficult to catch when you don’t have regular check-ins.
Why Are Vacant Property Checks Important?
Vacant Property Checks in San Francisco are important for a few key reasons. First, they ensure that your property stays in good condition while it’s unoccupied. That’s especially important if you have a tenant who is out of town. Vacant property checks can also help you spot issues early. Inspections are a great way to catch small problems before they become big ones. Finally, vacant property checks are a good way to advertise to potential tenants. If your property is in good condition and looks well-kept, you can attract higher-quality tenants. On the other hand, a neglected property may scare away potential tenants. By performing a vacant property check, you’re showing your tenants that you care about the property and that you’re in control of landlord responsibilities.
How to Perform a Vacant Property Check in San Francisco
If the property is occupied:
- Inspect the property regularly.
- Check in with the tenant regularly.
- Keep maintenance up to date.
If the property is vacant:
- Prepare a detailed checklist.
- Check the exterior of the property.
- Inspect the interior of the property.
- Document any issues you find.
- Set up regular maintenance tasks.
And if the property is owner-occupied:
- Get a thorough walkthrough before the tenant moves out.
- Ask the tenant to leave the property in good condition.
Identifying Vulnerable Properties
When you perform a vacant property check, you can also identify “vulnerable properties” — properties that may risk falling into disrepair. These properties might be at risk if the tenant is out of town, if the property is vacant, or if the tenant is behind on rent. Vulnerable properties might have high carbon monoxide levels, low indoor air quality, or a lot of pests. These properties may also have safety hazards, like faulty smoke alarms or broken locks. There are several indicators that a property is vulnerable.
You can check for these indicators during a vacant property check.
- High carbon monoxide levels can indicate a lack of ventilation.
- Low indoor air quality can indicate a lack of cleaning.
- An abundance of pests can indicate a lack of pest control.
- Safety hazards can indicate a lack of maintenance and upkeep.
Other Important Steps During a Vacant Property Check
– Walk the exterior of the property. – Check the exterior and interior locks. – Check the windows, including the locks and weather stripping. – Check all of the utilities. – Check for pests and rodents. – Make sure the property has proper signage. – Make sure the property has a working smoke detector. – Document any issues and concerns. Having a checklist helps keep track of everything you need to do during a vacant property check. You can note which issues you need to address during your checklist. That way, you don’t forget about any problems you may find.
Conclusion
Vacant Property Checks in San Francisco are a crucial part of managing a property. They give you an opportunity to spot problems before they get out of hand, as well as keep the property in good condition while it’s unoccupied. Vacant property checks are an important way to reduce the risk of vacancies. They also help you attract higher-quality tenants. When you manage properties, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and not focus on the big picture. One of the biggest risks property managers face is what we call “vacant property risk.” This is the risk that your properties will sit empty for too long, which could have a negative impact on your portfolio. Fortunately, there are several things you can do as a property manager to reduce your vacant property risk. Vacant property checks are one way to protect yourself from disaster.
According to Ordinance 52-19, all vacant buildings in San Francisco must be registered with the city within 30 days of vacancy.
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