Bedbugs. Just the word makes me squirm. They are a major nuisance to property managers. Although bedbugs are not a “public health issue,” as they do not transmit diseases, they are undesirable and a hassle to get rid of. The odorous, bloodsucking insects are normally transmitted through luggage or clothing and can spread to other apartments through holes in the wall for electrical or plumbing. A phone call from a tenant complaining of bedbugs can become a widespread problem if not dealt with efficiently and thoroughly.
To that end, here are some tips to identity, treat, and help prevent bedbug infestation. It is important to pass this information along to tenants as well.
Identifying bedbugs is usually not difficult. The bugs are oval, flat, reddish brown and about a ¼ inch long. Typically the first signs of bedbugs are the appearance of red, itchy welts on the skins caused by bedbug bites. If a tenant complains of this issue, it is a good idea to investigate further.
To confirm bedbugs, it is always best to try and find an actual bug to compare to pictures online. This can be tricky, however. During the day bedbugs hide, and are very good at keeping out of sight. They hide almost anywhere, but often leave signs such as dark reddish-brown spots on linens and mattresses from bug fecal matter. If there are any such stains along with bites, start treating the problem immediately.
Treating Bedbugs
Cleaning and disinfecting linens and mattresses, especially in hot water (at least 140˚ Fahrenheit) can help reduce bedbugs and keep them from spreading. All clothes must also be washed at this temperature. Clothes that cannot be washed can also be put in the freezer in a plastic bag for three days. A thorough cleaning of the entire affected apartment is also recommended. These measures may not kill off the entire population of bedbugs, though.
If the problem persists or the infestation was severe to begin with, it is best to hire a pest control company. Make sure you hire a company that specializes in bedbug removal. Tenants will have to be out of their unit for 4-8 hours during treatment, so be sure to coordinate with them in advance to ensure a thorough and efficient process with the pest control company.
Preventing Bedbugs
Unfortunately, because of the ubiquity of bedbugs, it is difficult to completely prevent infestation. Since tenants can pick up bugs even on public transportation (from brushing into someone already infested, for instance), there is a degree of contingency that is unavoidable. However, there are proactive ways of reducing the risk of infestation and ways to prevent the problem from getting out of control.
As a property manager, you should develop explicit protocols for reporting bedbug problems. This includes educating tenants on identifying bedbugs and ensuring an easy way to report infestations. This helps to pinpoint bedbug problems early, before they have the chance to reproduce or spread to other units. If units are furnished, use metal bed frames when possible. In common areas, use vinyl or metal furniture instead of cloth upholstery and be sure to vacuum carpets frequently. Finally, carry out routine inspections of common areas and units to identify infestations early.
Over the past few years, the real estate market has been tough on property managers. Economic recovery has been slow, putting downward pressure on prices and leaving apartment and office space unoccupied. Looking forward to 2013, however, experts are optimistic that the market will gradually improve.
The Impact of Job Creation
Recent job creation will bring down vacancy rates in the office, retail, and commercial real estate sectors. Although this may or may not affect you directly, the increased occupancy levels of office and retail space will allow property managers to charge higher rents. Additionally, job creation should bring an influx of renters, as new hires and candidates for those jobs will likely be looking for housing near work.
Strategies for 2013
2013 is looking like an ideal time to get into the single- or multi-family housing market. Various studies show large capital investments within the next year in these sectors. In addition, according to Bev Thorne, CMO at Century 21 Real Estate, we should expect to see demand in the residential real estate sector finally increase in a sustainable manner in 2013. With the market potentially on the verge of an upswing, investing while prices are still relatively low now could be an effective strategy. The benefits of holding on to your properties, in anticipation of property value increases in the future, is also something to consider.
Going Commercial
The overall trends in real estate appear to be the most promising in the commercial sectors rather than residential, especially in the high-tech and green industries. If you’ve been thinking about expanding into the commercial sector, this may be the time to do it. Studies suggest that major urban centers have the greatest potential for growth and point to these 5 cities as having the strongest markets: San Francisco, New York City, San Jose, Austin, and Houston. Following close behind were Boston, Seattle, and Washington D.C.. This growth in commercial real estate could indirectly impact the residential sector. As new office space is occupied, built, or re-purposed from abandoned buildings, new residential markets emerge in their proximity. Keep an eye out in these cities for new opportunities for investment.
In every business, it’s important to know exactly what is expected of you. Being a property manager is no different. As a property manager, your responsibilities are numerous and often time consuming, but property management software makes it easy to tackle your tasks. Some of your responsibilities are legal obligations and must be performed to keep your units safe and habitable. Even the services that aren’t mandatory, however, will keep your residents happy, boost your reputation, and ensure your units remain occupied.
Obligations for Property Managers
As a property manager, your responsibilities begin before your first resident moves in. You’re expected to perform inspections on the entire property for potential hazards to the health and safety of your residents. If you find an issue, you’re obligated to fix it. You’re also required to provide maintenance services in the event of an emergency. Plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical are just a few of the maintenance areas that are typically your responsibility as a property manager.
Property management goes beyond providing a plumber when your residents are having trouble with their toilets, however. As a property manager, you’re also in charge of looking out for your residents and their interests.
Other Services Property Managers Perform
Being a property manager means more than taking care of maintenance requests. You’re expected to screen your applicants in a fair and legal way, ensuring that both current and future residents are taken care of. A leasing agreement that protects both you and your residents is one of the most important things you can provide, even though it might seem like just a few sheets of paper. A good leasing agreement defines the terms both parties will be living by, including financial obligations like monthly rent, security, damage, and deposits.
Even with the most comprehensive contract, however, you’re also expected to be a responsive property manager. There is no substitute for customer service.
Being a Responsive Property Manager
Even if you’re managing your property from a distance, it’s important to be responsive to your residents. AppFolio’s property management software can help you take care of business from anywhere. You’ll be able to answer questions from residents, respond to maintenance requests faster, and review rental applications all from your office, even if your “office” is on the beach. There’s no reason not to have your finger on the pulse of your property.
