Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How much can I rent my home for?

  A: Give us a call or drop us an email and we will be glad to run a full market analysis for you. There are a number of factors that determine the optimum rent that you can charge, which are largely driven by the local market conditions such as supply & demand as well as current competition. However, there are many other factors that can influence the amount of rent that your home will yield including the interior and exterior condition, upgrades, amenities, location in the community, and even its curb appeal. We perform a thorough analysis and give you our professional opinion on how to obtain the best rent price possible. In some cases, we may recommend some improvements to the home based on a cost / benefit analysis.

• Q: Are you licensed?

  A: Yes, all of our property managers and leasing agents are licensed and abide by all Federal Fair Housing regulations and State of Oklahoma real estate law, reducing your risk as the property owner.

• Q: What type of properties do you manage?

  A: All types of quality residential housing.

• Q: Can you help if I want to buy additional investment properties?

  A: At Home Rental Management, LLC is a full service real estate brokerage. We are licensed to sell as well as lease and manage properties.

• Q: What if I already have a Realtor helping me with my investment purchases?

  A: That’s fine too! We can work as a team for you. We work with many sales agents representing investors and are happy to give our recommendation on whether a particular property would make a good rental investment or not. We can also provide a quick analysis of what the rental range may be before you even make an offer to purchase so that you know up front what your return on investment could be.

• Q: Can I offer my property for sale and for lease at the same time?

  A: Yes, you can have a dual listing on the property with it on both the sales and rental markets at the same time. Give us a call. We would be glad to explain how this works.

• Q: How soon can you start managing my property?

  A: Just as soon as the property analysis and management documents are completed. In most instances we will need to visit the home in person prior to beginning management services.

• Q: Can you take over management of a home that I currently have occupied by a tenant?

  A: Yes, we can take over your existing tenant and rental. Our proven processes make this transition smooth and seamless for both the property owner and the tenant.

• Q: How do you screen applicants?

  A: Quickly and thoroughly. We process each application with attention to the details, securing all possible information so that you, as the property owner, can make a confident and informed decision regarding application approval or denial.

• Q: How much of a security deposit do you charge the tenant?

  A: Single family homes in our area normally have a security deposit close to, or equal to, one month’s rent. Security deposits for multi-family properties vary by community, but are normally lower than what is charged for a single family home.

• Q: Who holds the tenant security deposit?

  A: Security deposit are held in an non-interest bearing FDIC insured escrow account in accordance with Oklahoma State law. This account is open to audit by the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission, ensuring that this money is safe with us.

• Q: How long of a lease do you sign?

  A: The standard lease term in our area is 12-months. In some instances a short-term lease may be offered, normally with a monthly premium fee. And in other instances, our owners and tenants choose to sign a longer term lease. At Home Rental Management handles each property and client personally to ensure that both the property owner and the tenant have their needs met in the best way possible for both.

• Q: Do I get to see the lease or sign it?

  A: As your property managers, you give us the authority to sign on your behalf. However if you would like to be involved in the signing process we can arrange that as well.

• Q: How and when do I get my rental income checks? Can you put the money directly into my account?

  A: Yes, your rent income will be deposited into your account via direct deposit or ACH payment by or before the 15th of each month. If you choose to opt out of direct deposit services, your paper check will be sent via the US Postal Service by or before the 15th of each month as well.

• Q: Do you accept Section 8 or Housing Vouchers?

  A: No, this market is not included in business model or our area of expertise

• Q: What happens when the tenant doesn’t pay rent on time?

  A: Communication is key! We will reach out to your tenant, if they have not already contacted us. Of course we also follow all formal and legal notification procedures so that you are in a position to require the tenant to vacate the property if need be. Our goal is to keep the tenant in your property and current on rent, so we work hard on your behalf to do so.

• Q: How is collection of late rent handled?

  A: Personally and professionally. We will always keep you informed should there ever be an issue with your tenant being able and/or willing to pay their rent.

• Q: Who pays for repairs at my rental home?

  A: The homeowner is responsible for all maintenance and repair costs of their rental property, with a few exception for certain amenities. Tenants are responsible for damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear, and for consumable items. Our qualified team will review each and every contractor invoice on your property for accuracy and to ensure that charges are distributed correctly.

• Q: What happens if my tenant needs after hours emergency maintenance?

  A: Our maintenance coordinator will evaluate the “emergency” situation to determine if it is something that must be scheduled immediately or if it can wait until normal business hours. We maintain good relationships with our vendors and can dispatch them after hours if necessary, to ensure that your property and tenant are taken care of in accordance with Landlord and Tenant Act as well as good-faith attention to your tenants’ needs.

• Q: How does At Home Rental Management, LLC choose contractors and vendors to work with?

  A: We maintain a vendor list with a number of licensed and insured contractors. Vendors who consistently perform professionally and provide good customer service at a good overall value are those who remain on our vendor list. While repair and maintenance costs must always be managed, we do not seek out "discount" contractors over those who focus on quality, professionalism and provide good value. Remember, our duty to you is to maximize your cash flow while protecting and preserving the value of your investment, and most times a discount service ends up costing more.

• Q: How often do you inspect the property?

  A: It’s critical for us to maintain visibility of your home in order to protect your investment. Quarterly at a minimum, and more often when we are in the area, we drive by your property to check landscaping and exterior condition of the home. We also do an interior evaluation of the home annually to check condition. As part of our personal service package, we may also schedule additional property walk-through inspections with the tenant if there is a concern or specific situation that needs to be followed up on.

• Q: What type of reports do I get and how often?

  A: You will receive monthly accounting reports as well as complete year end statements. You will also receive a copy of any vendor invoices paid each month.

• Q: What type of up-front costs are there to begin management of my property?

  A: All property owner must maintain a minimum reserve account with At Home Rental Management. A reserve account is basically a slush fund or petty cash type of account with funds necessary to handle repairs on your property between the time the rent has been sent to you, and the next month’s rent is received. The amount required will be based on several factors, with $300 being the minimum reserve amount.

• Q: Will I need to change my insurance coverage?

  A: You should obtain a Rental Dwelling Policy (RDP) for your investment property. We require current proof of Landlord insurance to be on record in our office for all the properties we manage, with At Home Rental Management, LLC named as additional insured. There are important differences between a RDP and Homeowners insurance. We advise all our property owners to consult directly with their insurance agent to be certain they are carrying adequate insurance coverage for their property and personal needs. Need a recommendation for good local insurance agents? Just give us a call.