As winter sets in, protecting your rental property is essential for maintaining its value and ensuring tenant satisfaction. Whether you own rental properties in Sacramento, Roseville, Concord, or Fairfield, preparing for colder weather can prevent costly repairs and enhance tenant retention.

At Real Property Management Select, we specialize in helping landlords like you protect their investments through proactive property management. Here’s our comprehensive guide to winterizing your rental property.

1. Inspect and Maintain HVAC Systems

Ensure your property’s heating system is ready for winter with these steps:

• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to confirm it’s running efficiently.
• Replace air filters to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
• Clean air vents to optimize airflow and heating.

2. Inspect Roofs and Clear Gutters

Prevent leaks and water damage by:

• Checking for missing shingles, cracks, or leaks on the roof.
• Clearing gutters of leaves and debris to prevent blockages.
• Ensuring downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

3. Weatherproof Doors and Windows

Drafts can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable tenants.

• Apply weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors.
• Inspect window seals and fix gaps to minimize heat loss.

4. Service the Water Heater

Avoid mid-winter water heater problems by:

• Inspecting for leaks and fixing them promptly.
• Flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup for better efficiency.
• Setting the temperature to 120-140°F for safety and energy savings.

5. Ensure Safety Equipment is Functional

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential, especially when heaters are running.

• Replace batteries and test all detectors regularly.
• Ensure detectors meet safety standards and are up to date.

6. Maintain the Exterior and Landscaping

Winter storms can wreak havoc on a property’s exterior.

• Trim tree branches and shrubs that could fall or damage the property.
• Clear walkways of snow and ice to avoid slips and liability risks.

7. Prepare for Emergencies

Always have a plan in place for unexpected issues.

• Create an emergency contact list of reliable contractors.
• Share emergency procedures with tenants to ensure they know how to respond.

Why Choose Real Property Management Select?

Our team serves Sacramento, Roseville, Concord, Fairfield, and nearby areas, offering professional property management services tailored to your needs. From regular maintenance to tenant placement, we ensure your property is in the best hands.

With decades of experience, we help property owners maximize their rental income and minimize stress. Partner with us to keep your properties winter-ready and thriving.

Contact Real Property Management Select Today!

Take the stress out of winter maintenance. Call or email us to learn more about our comprehensive property management services in Sacramento and beyond.

At Real Property Management Select, proudly serving Sacramento, Roseville, Concord, and Fairfield, we are dedicated to helping property owners and landlords stay ahead of regulatory changes that shape California’s housing market. The passage of Proposition 34 marks a significant milestone in ensuring accountability, transparency, and ethical practices within the housing sector. This measure is not only a win for tenants but also for landlords striving to provide high-quality, trustworthy rental experiences.  

 

Understanding Proposition 34

Proposition 34, passed by California voters in the November 2024 election, focuses on bringing greater oversight and accountability to the housing market. Its primary aim is to ensure that funds earmarked for public benefit, particularly housing and healthcare initiatives, are utilized effectively. By eliminating mismanagement of public dollars, Prop 34 fosters a more equitable environment where trust and efficiency take center stage.  

In the past, lack of oversight allowed for instances of financial misuse, where public funds were diverted toward unrelated projects, creating inefficiencies and undermining public trust. Prop 34 addresses this by instituting rigorous financial oversight, ensuring that every dollar benefits the communities and purposes for which it was intended.  

 

What Does Prop 34 Mean for Landlords and Property Owners?

1. Improved Trust in the Market

The increased accountability introduced by Prop 34 reassures tenants and investors alike. For landlords, this translates to a more stable rental market, where tenant concerns are addressed proactively, and confidence in the housing sector is restored.  

2. Clearer Compliance Guidelines

The proposition introduces transparent guidelines for the use of funds and housing practices, making it easier for landlords to navigate compliance requirements. Staying on the right side of the law protects property owners from potential fines or reputational damage.  

3. Encouragement for Ethical Practices

With tighter regulations and oversight, Prop 34 promotes fairness and ethical management across the housing sector. Landlords who already prioritize ethical practices stand to benefit, as the overall standard of competition improves.  

4. Strengthening Local Economies  

Accountability in housing initiatives ensures that funds are funneled back into communities. For example, investments in affordable housing projects create opportunities for landlords to expand their portfolios, while also addressing housing shortages in areas like Sacramento, Fairfield, Roseville, and Concord.  

 

Challenges to Be Aware Of

While Prop 34 creates opportunities, landlords must also prepare for the changes it brings. Increased oversight may lead to additional reporting requirements and closer scrutiny of financial practices. It’s essential to work with knowledgeable property management experts who can help you navigate these adjustments seamlessly.  

At Real Property Management Select, we offer tailored guidance to ensure your rental properties remain compliant while maximizing profitability.  

 

How Prop 34 Supports Sacramento and Surrounding Areas

Sacramento and its neighboring cities, such as Concord and Roseville, have faced unique housing challenges, from affordability crises to fluctuating renter demand. By ensuring that funds are used as intended, Prop 34 supports local development projects, potentially increasing the availability of affordable housing and boosting market stability.  

This is especially significant in areas like Sacramento, where public infrastructure and housing initiatives often overlap. For property owners, this creates opportunities to invest in a growing market while contributing to the overall well-being of the community.  

 

Why Stay Informed About Housing Legislation?

For landlords, understanding new regulations like Prop 34 is critical to success in California’s competitive housing market. Legislative changes can impact everything from tenant relationships to property values and investment opportunities.  

At Real Property Management Select, we pride ourselves on being a trusted resource for property owners across Sacramento, Roseville, Concord, and Fairfield. We stay ahead of the latest regulations so you can focus on running your business confidently.  

If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your rental property portfolio while staying compliant with California’s evolving laws, Real Property Management Select is here to help.

As Californians prepare to vote on various propositions in the 2024 election, one measure that is drawing significant attention is Proposition 33, which aims to overturn more than 100 state housing laws and weaken the strongest statewide rent stability law in the nation. This would open the door to permanent price controls, even on single-family homes and condominiums. At first glance, the idea of expanding rent control may seem like a straightforward solution to California’s housing crisis. However, a closer look reveals several reasons why voting no on Proposition 33 is the right decision.

 

1. Rent Control Does Not Solve the Housing Crisis

One of the main arguments in favor of Proposition 33 is that rent control will protect tenants from rising rents. While this may sound appealing, rent control does little to address the root cause of California’s housing crisis: the lack of affordable housing supply.

Restricting how much landlords can charge might provide temporary relief for some tenants, but it discourages investment in new housing and leads to a long-term decrease in available rental units. Landlords may convert rental properties into condos or other types of housing that are not subject to rent control, exacerbating the shortage of affordable rentals. If we truly want to solve California’s housing crisis, we need to focus on building more housing, not adding restrictive policies that deter investment.

 

2. Reduces Incentives for New Construction

Rent control has historically led to reduced incentives for developers to build new rental housing. Under Proposition 33, local governments would have more freedom to impose or expand rent control, potentially making it more difficult for developers to justify the high costs of construction. 

California already has some of the highest construction costs in the country, and rent control would only add another layer of uncertainty. With less financial incentive to build, developers may turn to other states or choose to build fewer housing units, further restricting California’s already limited housing supply. In the long term, this will hurt renters, as fewer rental units mean more competition for available housing and potentially higher rents for those units that are not under rent control.

 

3. Negative Impact on Small Landlords

While large corporate landlords often have the financial means to absorb the costs of rent control, small, “mom-and-pop” landlords may not be able to do so. Many smaller landlords depend on rental income to pay their mortgages, maintain properties, and cover expenses. If they are unable to raise rents to keep up with inflation, property taxes, or maintenance costs, these landlords may be forced to sell their properties or neglect maintenance.

This could lead to a decline in the quality of housing stock, as landlords struggle to keep up with repairs and upkeep, potentially harming tenants in the process. Proposition 33 could disproportionately hurt small landlords who play an essential role in providing housing to Californians.

 

4. Rent Control Favors Existing Tenants at the Expense of New Renters

Proposition 33’s rent control policies may provide some protections to existing tenants, but it can have unintended consequences for new renters. When rent control is implemented, landlords are less likely to make units available to new tenants and may favor tenants who they perceive as less risky. This can lead to housing discrimination, where landlords avoid renting to people who they believe might not be long-term tenants.

Furthermore, rent control creates an imbalance in the market, where long-term tenants benefit from below-market rates, while new renters face higher rents for the few available units. This dynamic exacerbates the housing crisis by making it even more difficult for new renters—especially younger individuals and those moving to California for work—to find affordable housing.

While Proposition 33 may seem like a quick fix for California’s housing affordability problems, it ultimately creates more problems than it solves. By discouraging new construction, reducing incentives for landlords to maintain properties, and distorting the rental market, rent control will only worsen the state’s housing crisis in the long term.

The real solution to California’s housing challenges lies in increasing the supply of affordable housing, encouraging responsible development, and offering targeted assistance to those who need it most. For these reasons, voting no on Proposition 33 is the right choice for a better future in California and your real estate investment.

As we continue to explore the potential consequences of Proposition 33, it’s essential to understand exactly how this measure will affect property owners across California. Whether you own a single-family home, a multi-family apartment building, or you’re an investor in the state’s rental housing market, the passage of Prop 33 would significantly alter your ability to manage and profit from your properties.

In this post, we’ll break down the key ways Prop 33 could hurt property owners and why voting NO this November is critical to preserving the balance in California’s housing market.

 

1. Expansion of Rent Control to All Properties

Currently, under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, single-family homes and properties built after 1995 are exempt from rent control. If Prop 33 passes, rent control could be expanded to include these properties, removing a vital safeguard that allows property owners to adjust rent based on market conditions.

– How this impacts you: If you own a single-family home, you could be subject to strict rent control regulations, limiting your ability to raise rent to meet the rising costs of maintenance, property taxes, and general upkeep.

 

2. The End of Vacancy Decontrol

Under the current law, when a tenant moves out, landlords have the freedom to set the rent for new tenants at market rates. This process, called vacancy decontrol, is one of the most important protections for property owners, allowing them to adjust rents to keep pace with inflation and market demand.

Proposition 33 would eliminate vacancy decontrol, locking property owners into low rent rates indefinitely, regardless of tenant turnover. This means that even when a long-term tenant moves out, you won’t be able to reset the rent to match  market rates, even if your costs have increased significantly over time.

– How this impacts you: You lose the ability to respond to market fluctuations, making it harder to cover property expenses and invest in property improvements. Over time, this could lead to financial strain and a lack of funds for essential maintenance.

 

3. Reduced Property Values

One of the unintended consequences of expanding rent control is the impact it has on property values. Historically, properties subject to rent control tend to see a reduction in their overall market value due to the limitations on income potential. If Prop 33 passes and rent control is expanded, we can expect to see a sharp decline in the value of rental properties throughout the state.

– How this impacts you: If you’re a real estate investor or a property owner looking to sell your property, lower property values will reduce your ability to profit from your investment. For property owners who depend on rental income for retirement or long-term financial security, this reduction in value could be devastating.

 

4. Discouraging New Housing Development

At a time when California is facing a severe housing crisis, the expansion of rent control would further discourage the development of new housing units. Property developers and investors would be far less likely to build new rental properties if they know they’ll be subject to price controls that limit their return on investment.

– How this impacts you: Fewer new housing developments mean fewer opportunities for real estate investment and fewer rental units available on the market. This could lead to increased competition among tenants for existing units, further destabilizing the housing market.

 

5. Increased Maintenance and Compliance Costs

While rent control keeps rents artificially low, property owners are still responsible for the costs associated with property maintenance, repairs, and ensuring that buildings meet all local codes and regulations. With Prop 33 in place, you may find yourself unable to raise rents to cover the rising costs of these necessary services, leading to financial strain and a reduced ability to keep properties in good condition.

– How this impacts you: Without the ability to adjust rents, property owners could struggle to cover the rising costs of repairs, utilities, and property management, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and a decrease in the quality of rental housing.

 

Why Property Owners Should Vote NO on Prop 33

For property owners across California, Proposition 33 represents a significant threat to rental income, property values, and investment potential. By removing the protections offered by the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, Prop 33 would create a more restrictive and less profitable environment for landlords, while doing little to solve California’s ongoing housing crisis.

If you’re a real estate investor, a landlord, or someone who depends on rental income, voting NO on Prop 33 is essential to protecting your ability to manage your property effectively and maintain its long-term value.

 

Stay Informed and Protect Your Investments

As a property owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about the potential changes that could affect your investments. Visit our blog for more information on Proposition 33, how it will impact rental property owners, and what you can do to protect your assets. Together, we can preserve the rental housing market in California and ensure that property owners maintain the ability to manage their investments effectively.

 

On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the team at Real Property Management Select had the pleasure of attending the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Residential Property Management Expo 2024 at the Citrus Heights Community Center. This event, hosted by NARPM’s Sacramento chapter, brought together property management professionals from across the region to network, learn, and stay up to date on the latest industry trends.

The day was packed with valuable insights and opportunities, including:

– 9 Educational Seminars: These seminars covered a wide range of topics important to property managers, from legal updates and best practices to innovative approaches in the property management field.

– Top Industry Speakers: Experts, including attorneys and officials, shared their knowledge on how to handle the ever-changing landscape of property management. These presentations gave us fresh ideas and actionable strategies we can use to improve our service.

– 40+ Exhibitors: The exhibit hall featured over 40 companies offering the latest tools, technology, and services designed to streamline property management operations and improve efficiency.

– Networking with over 200 Professionals: One of the best parts of the expo was the chance to network with over 200 industry professionals. We had meaningful conversations with peers and experts, gaining insights that will help us stay ahead in this competitive field.

At Real Property Management Select, we believe in constant learning and growth. Attending the NARPM Expo allows us to bring back valuable knowledge and apply it to the way we manage properties and interact with our clients. Whether it’s improving communication, adopting new tools, or staying updated on legal requirements, these experiences help us deliver stress-free property management.

The Expo reinforced our commitment to offering top-notch service by providing us with the resources and connections to keep improving. As the property management industry evolves, we stay at the forefront, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest trends and innovations.

We’re excited to implement what we’ve learned from the NARPM Expo to continue delivering exceptional property management services. Stay tuned for updates on how these new strategies will enhance your experience with Real Property Management Select!

At Real Property Management Select, we take pride in providing stress-free property management services. We handle everything from tenant screening and maintenance to legal compliance and financial reporting, allowing our clients to rest easy knowing their investment is in good hands. With the insights gained at the NARPM Expo, we’re more equipped than ever to deliver the best service possible.

If you’re looking for a property management team that stays ahead of the curve and is dedicated to your success, look no further.

 

Follow us for more updates, or contact us to learn how we can help manage your properties!