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Showing posts from 2009

RECO Case Studies

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I know this is hard to read if you need a better copy please contact me and I can send you a clean copy.

Do you own rental property in Boulder Colorado?

The City of Boulder is propsing some changes to the rental licensing program that could cost you $1,000 - $2,000 per unit. Please take a look at the propsed program below. Draft Energy Efficiency Proposal and Compliance Options This document outlines potential options for an energy efficiency code for existing rental housing. The code is proposed to be a local amendment (Appendix B) of the International Property Maintenance Code. Background In order to increase the energy efficiency of Boulder’s rental housing stock, the city is proposing to initiate both education programs for tenants and regulatory requirements for property owners. Education and Occupant Behavior While there are limited ways in which energy conservation education and occupant behavior can be addressed through codes, the following summary outlines how these issues are being addressed through other city and collaborative community efforts. (See document XXX for more information – refers to open house document still bei

Warranty of Habitability

If you own rental property in the state of Colorado you need to make sure you’re aware of the new warrant of habitability statute that was past in 2008. As the end of 2009 approaches I still talk with property owners that are not aware of this rule. A complete copy of the House Bill is listed below for your review. HOUSE BILL 08-1356 SECTION 1. 13-40-111 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read: 13-40-111. Issuance and return of summons. (1) Upon filing the complaint as provided in section 13-40-110, the clerk of the court or the attorney for the plaintiff shall issue a summons. The summons shall command the defendant to appear before the court at a place named in such summons and at a time and on a day which shall be not less than five business days nor more than ten calendar days from the day of issuing the same to answer the complaint of plaintiff. The summons shall also contain a statement addressed to the defendant stating: "If you fail to file with the cou

Do you have goverment contracts or participate in Section 8?

Did you know if you have a federal contract with the government you are required to use the E-Verify system. The E-Verify system is used to establish work eligibility for your employees. This rule went into effect September 8, 2009. If your not using the system to screen employees contact us and we can add it to your current screening package. Property owners who participate in the Section 8 program may also be required to participate in the E-Verify program. If you operate a company with employees you should add this additional screening to your current package. Contact us for more details about the E-Verify program.

Changes in Section 8

Do you provide Section 8 rentals? If so you should be aware of recent changes in the Endless Lease provision. As a property owner you may now exercise the right to non-renew your Section 8 renters lease when it expires. If you need more information about the Endless Lease provision and other changes follow the link below. http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/pih/files/96-23PIHN.doc

Management 101 - Frozen Pipes

If you look outside you may have noticed the leaves on the trees starting to change colors and a chill in the air. Yes winter is around the corner and that means the possibility of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can create extensive and expensive damage to a property. As the temperature drops water expands as it freezes in the pipe. When the pipe begins to warm up and the ice melts it often reveals small cracks or breaks in the pipes. The first sign of a frozen pipe will be an interruption of water flow. If residents report such interruption during freezing weather, you or your Community Manager should immediately check for the possibility of frozen pipes. If you suspect freezing temperatures may hit your area we recommend taking some preventive measures on your rental properties. First remind your renters to leave cabinet doors open to expose pipes to higher temperatures. Make sure they close windows to the outside and to keep the temperature in the rental above 62 degrees. If the unit is

2009 Economic Conference

If your involved in property management and didn't make it to the 2009 Economic Conference you really missed out on some valuable information. If you want to see what you missed out on visit http://www.erentalservicesinc.com/news.html to read about the general vacancy and rent overview for Colorado and what to expect for the future.

Management 101

RSI will be posting a series of blogs designed to address issues that face property owners. Each of the blog posts will talk about a specific issue such as frozen pipes, crime and many other. Make sure you follow this blog to stay in the loop.

Still using your dogs name as your password?

Do you currently use the www.erentalservicesinc.com website to conduct background checks? If so I’m sure you are aware of the danger and potential risks associated with placing sensitive information online. With this in mind, Rental Services, Inc. would like to make a few suggestions when using the RSI website and the internet in general. • Do not send sensitive or personal information by email. (i.e. Rental Applications) • When you get ready to login to a secure site make sure it starts with https and not http. • Don’t download anything unless you are sure it’s safe. • Never click on pop-ups. • When you’re in a secure site don’t open up another browser windows to a different site. • Don’t use the same password for all of your different accounts. • Make sure your password has numbers and a mix of upper and lower case letters. • Change your password every 90 days. • Make sure to log out and close your browser when you’re done. Using the RSI website places the safety of your applicant’s

Avoid fraud; don't hire a criminal. By Al Lewis, Denver Post columnist

Dear Friends, Each month I try to talk about an issue that pertains to the Multi-Housing Industry. As I read different articles and publications I thought the following article was really important to any type of company that has employees. As many of you know Rental Services has expanded its services to include pre-employment screening. I think the following article demonstrates the importance of pre-screening employees. Avoid fraud; don't hire a criminal By Al Lewis Denver Post columnist Wherever there is a big pot of money, somebody is trying to steal from it. The folks at Alliance Commercial Partners know this now. The Lakewood-based commercial real estate firm has money flying everywhere. Since its 1996 founding, the firm has acquired or developed 72 properties across the nation valued around $775 million. Earlier this month, Alliance sold Writer Square in downtown Denver for $30.3 million. In managing all that real estate, the firm is constantly wiring funds to leasing agents