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A helpful guide from Blue Door Residential Property Management & The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway This is part two of our series on the winter maintenance checklist focusing on the exterior of the home and the property. As the colder temps have arrived, now is the time to work through your winter checklist to ensure your investment property stays in tip-top condition. Winter is one of the hardest seasons on our properties in Maryland because of the freezing and thawing that occurs all winter long. This guide will focus on t…

If you're considering renting out your property, here are a few key steps you can take to prepare your home for tenants. 1. Clean and declutter: Before you start showing your home to potential tenants, it's important to give it a deep clean and remove any clutter. This will help your home look its best and make it more appealing to potential tenants. Having an open clean environment will allow potential tenants to see themselves in the home. 2. Paint and deep clean the floors: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look and feel of your r…

Having a pool on a rental property can be a great amenity for tenants, but it also comes with additional responsibilities for landlords. Here are 8 things a landlord should keep in mind when renting a house with a pool: 1. Safety Regulations: Make sure the pool and surrounding area comply with all local and state safety regulations. This includes having a fence around the pool, having proper pool signs, and having adequate pool lighting. 2. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is importantl for keeping the pool safe and functioning properly. This …

Finding the right property management company for your rental can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure that your property is well-managed and your tenants are satisfied. Here are some tips to help you find the right property management company for your rental: 1. Determine your needs: Before you start looking for a property management company, take some time to determine what your specific needs are. This will help you narrow down your search and find a company that offers the services you need. Making a list of the things you woul…

A helpful guide from Blue Door Residential Property Management & The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway Finding a great tenant after screening is only the first step in filling your vacancy. Here’s a quick checklist to help get your property ready for the tenant’s move-in period. 1. Check For Health and Safety Issues Check that the HVAC and heating systems are in full working order. Ensure the radiators or furnace are producing heat and if there is a heat pump that it is working properly to ensure no issues in the winter. Look for…

A lot of investors ask what’s the best way to figure out how much they can rent their property for. Determining the right rental value for your property can be challenging. Setting the rent too high can discourage potential tenants, while setting it too low can result in lost income. Here are the top 7 ways to estimate what your property can rent for: 1. Compare with Similar Properties: One of the easiest ways to determine the rent value of your property is to look at comparable properties in the same area. Check the rents of properties with si…

Turning a property into a rental is a great way to earn passive income and to build an investment portfolio. Unfortunately, there are a lot of headaches that can come with this type of investment if you aren’t careful about how those properties are managed. Here are some common mistakes we see property owners making and how to avoid this. Not properly screening tenants In a market that has a lack of inventory for homes and rentals available, property owners could find themselves inundated with applications. It can be easy to start guessing who …

As a property manager or landlord, it's important to keep updated on the latest legal developments that may impact your rental properties. In this blog, we'll discuss two recent bills that have been passed, affecting housing discrimination in relation to service dogs and introducing new pet protection measures. HB 608/SB 535 – Housing Discrimination - Service Dogs Effective on October 1, 2023, Maryland has implemented a significant change aimed at preventing housing discrimination against tenants who rely on service dogs. Under HB 608/SB 535, …

Fall is a critical time for rental property maintenance as the weather can take a toll on your properties. Here are some important tasks to add to your fall maintenance checklist to protect your investment. Check for leaks and damage: Inspect the roof, gutters, and windows for any signs of leaks or damage caused by the summer weather. Repairing these issues promptly can prevent costly damage to the interior of your property. Clean gutters: Clearing leaves, twigs, and debris from gutters helps to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage …

The Old Line State offers a vibrant rental market, but being a landlord in Maryland comes with a set of responsibilities you need to understand. Navigating the legal landscape and keeping your tenants happy can feel overwhelming, but fear not! This blog will equip you with the knowledge to confidently manage your Maryland rental property. 1. Providing a Habitable Dwelling: This is the cornerstone of your duties. Maryland law requires you to provide a rental unit that is clean, safe, and in good repair. This includes functioning plumbing and ele…