Frequently Asked Questions

 Q: How do I know if I'm getting a good tenant?

A: There are four pieces of information that we gather in order to create a profile of all applicants for your property. These include written verification of employment, verbal landlord references (last two) if they are currently renting, Transunion credit reports and a spreadsheet analysis of debt to income ratios. Our recommendation to accept or not accept an applicant is based on this data.

Q: What happens if the tenant doesn't pay the rent?

A: We follow a strict procedure which includes legal notice of contract breach, personal contact with the tenant in an effort to work things out and ultimately a court hearing, judgment and eviction if necessary. If it becomes clear that the tenant is unable or unwilling to pay any more rent, we get them out of your home as quickly as the law permits so that we may find a new tenant and restore the income stream.

Q: Who collects the rent?

A: Highland Realty collects all rental payments from tenants. Your residual funds are disbursed on the 6th of each month or earlier, providing we have received prompt payment from the tenant.

Q: What happens to the tenant's security deposit?

A: All security deposits are placed in a separate escrow account where they remain until the tenant moves out. Deposits minus any damage noted are refunded within 30 days of the end of the tenancy as required by their lease.

Q: Who pays the recurring monthly bills?

A: If you desire, and at no extra charge to you, Highland Realty will make any or all recurring payments for you such as your HOA fee, lawn maintenance contract, pest control contract, etc. Your account can be set up in whatever fashion best suits your needs.

Q: Am I informed of all repairs you make on my property?

A: Our standard management agreement includes emergency service consent as well as authorization of non-emergency repairs up to $350. For repairs estimated to exceed this threshold, no work is initiated without your express approval. If your preference is to complete any or all repairs, we will check with you first.

Q: How do I know the repair people you hire will do quality work?

A: With few exceptions, the contractors we use are smaller, family owned firms that we have worked with for many years. We prefer these companies to the larger ones because of their dedication to customer service and attention to detail. In addition, the volume of work we provide them assures us of priority response and very competitive prices.

Q: What happens if there is an emergency?

A: All tenants go through orientation in our office before they are handed the keys to your home. We review the contents of our Tenant Handbook with them with particular attention devoted to the section regarding emergencies. Tenants are encouraged to take a proactive approach not only to emergencies but to routine maintenance items as well. They are also given a Property Condition Report, which among other things identifies the location of the main water shut-off valve, circuit breakers or fuses, gas meter, etc. Lastly, tenants are provided with our 24-hour emergency number in the event there is a problem that can't wait until the next business day.

Q: How often will you inspect my property?

A: At the beginning of each new tenancy, a Property Condition Report is completed which provides us and tenants with a detailed summary of the condition of your home. Based on the date the lease commences, our software is programmed to tell us to inspect your property every 6 months until the lease ends. Our property inspector completes a written report of the interior and exterior condition of the home at each interval and will also visit the property to address any questions the tenants may have about how things work, to inspect major repairs or as the occasion dictates. Reports are mailed to you as they are completed.

Q: I want to sell my property - can you list it for me?

A: As always, we at Highland Realty encourage you to keep your real estate investments but in the event you've made the decision to sell, Highland Realty offers professional sales assistance at a competitive rate. If you need or want to complete a 1031 Exchange, we can assist you with that as well. Please email or call us for further information. We hope you have found this information to be of assistance and look forward to the possibility of working with you. Feel free to call or email us with any questions.