Owners FAQ

Who is Swanzer Property Management?

Swanzer Property Management is a dedicated property management firm specializing in residential properties, offering comprehensive services to landlords and investors.

Is Swanzer Property Management licensed?

Yes, we are fully licensed and adhere to Ohio state and local regulations governing property management.

Why should I choose your company to manage my properties?

Our experienced team provides reliable, efficient, and professional property management services, ensuring your investments are well-maintained and profitable.

How long have you been managing investment properties?

We have been in the real estate business for over 30 years, and we have been managing investment rentals for over 10 years.

Do you personally own investment properties?

Yes, members of our executive team own and manage several investment properties, bringing personal insights and experiences to our management strategies.

Do you manage Associations like HOAs and COAs?

Yes, we provide management services for homeowners' associations (HOAs) and condominium owners' associations (COAs).

Do you digitally sign documents?

Absolutely, for convenience and efficiency, we utilize digital signatures for all our documents and contracts.

How many single-family properties do I need to own to work with your company?

We manage properties of all sizes, from single to large portfolios, offering tailored services to meet your needs.

What services are included in your Property Management Agreement?

Our services include tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, regular inspections, financial reporting, and legal compliance, among others.

What is the start-up fee for your services?

There is a one-time property onboarding fee of $250. This fee is used for an initial inspection and back office to ensure the property is code-compliant and aligned with our service standards.

Can you describe your fee structure?

Our fee structure is based on subscription plans, detailed on our website. For comprehensive information, please visit Swanzer Property Management Plans and Pricing.

What do you need from me to successfully manage my properties?

We need detailed property information, your goals and preferences for property management, and any specific instructions or requirements you may have.

Can I view my financial statements online?

Yes, we provide an online portal where you can access your financial statements and property reports 24/7.

Can you provide a rent estimate for my properties?

Certainly, we conduct a market analysis to provide you with an accurate rent estimate for your properties.

Will you inspect the properties I am considering buying?

While we don't provide property inspection services for potential purchases, we can offer guidance and advice based on our experience.

How often do you inspect my property?

We conduct regular inspections, typically on a semi-quarterly basis, to ensure the property is well-maintained and to address any issues promptly.

Lease and Regulations

Can we include Condo/Homeowners Association regulations in the lease?

Yes, we can incorporate any specific regulations or guidelines from your Condo or Homeowners Association into the lease agreement.

Do I need insurance on the property?

Yes, we require property owners to maintain a rental dwelling policy with appropriate coverage. We can provide recommendations if needed.

How long is your property management agreement?

Our standard agreement is for one year, but we offer flexible terms to meet your specific needs.

Do you have an early termination fee?

We do not impose an early termination fee, providing flexibility for property owners.

Can you pay bills for me that are related to the property?

Yes, we can manage and pay property-related bills, except for mortgage, insurance, and tax payments.

Do you work with Section 8 housing programs?

Yes, we work with Section 8 and other housing assistance programs, ensuring compliance with their requirements.

Can personal items be left on the property?

We advise against leaving personal items on the property, as we cannot take responsibility for them. However, specific arrangements can be discussed.

How much money should I set aside for expenses?

We recommend setting aside a reserve fund equivalent to three to six months of rent to cover unexpected expenses and maintenance.

Do you charge a leasing fee?

Depends on your management plan; our comprehensive Swanzer Fixed plan, cover all aspects of property management, including tenant placement.

How do you screen potential residents and what is your application procedure?

We conduct thorough background checks, including credit, rental history, employment verification, and criminal record checks.

What is your marketing strategy to locate tenants?

We use a multi-channel approach, including online listings, social media, and local advertising, to market your property effectively.

How do you qualify prospective tenants?

Prospective tenants must meet our criteria for income, creditworthiness, and rental history and pass a background check.

What is the average turnaround between tenants?

The average turnaround time is typically 2-4 weeks, depending on market conditions and property readiness.

Do you guarantee the time it will take to rent out my property?

While we can't guarantee a specific timeframe, we strive to minimize vacancy periods through effective marketing and tenant screening.

How do you handle evictions?

We handle the process legally and professionally, working with attorneys to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Do you provide a standard lease?

Yes, we provide a comprehensive lease agreement that can be customized to include any specific terms or conditions you require.

Are tenants responsible for utility bills at the property?

Typically, tenants are responsible for utility bills, but this can be adjusted based on the lease agreement and local practices.

Can my property remain smoke-free, and can this be included in the lease?

Absolutely, we support and enforce smoke-free policies in our lease agreements.

How much is the security deposit?

The security deposit is usually equivalent to one month's rent, subject to state laws and property-specific conditions.

Do you leave utilities on between tenants?

Yes, we keep utilities on between tenants to facilitate showings and maintenance and to protect the property.

In your experience, what percentage of rentals involve eviction, litigation, or other non-routine confrontation with the tenant?

Such instances are rare, with less than 5% of rentals experiencing these issues, thanks to our thorough screening process.

Do you routinely relay tenant complaints to the owner?

We handle most tenant issues internally, but significant complaints or patterns are communicated to the property owner for awareness and decision-making.

What types of repairs do you handle in-house? What do you outsource?

Our in-house team handles most routine maintenance and repairs, while specialized or large-scale tasks are outsourced to trusted vendors.

Do you charge a fee for repairs?

We do not charge additional fees for routine repairs conducted by our in-house team; external repairs are subject to vendor costs plus a management fee.

Do you require select vendors to be used?

While we have a preferred list of vendors based on quality and reliability, we are open to using vendors of your choice as well.

Is a maintenance reserve in my account required?

Yes, we require a maintenance reserve, typically $500, to ensure funds are available for immediate repairs and maintenance.

Will you complete the renovation work on my property?

We focus on maintaining rent-ready properties; however, we can coordinate and oversee renovation work as needed.

Can you handle common area maintenance management?

Yes, we manage common area maintenance, ensuring all shared spaces are well-maintained and meet community standards.

How do you handle maintenance issues?

We promptly address maintenance issues reported by tenants, with an emphasis on quick resolution to maintain property standards and tenant satisfaction.

What is your average response time to urgent and routine problems?

Urgent issues are addressed immediately, 24/7. Routine problems are typically resolved within one week.

How do you handle after-hours maintenance issues?

We have a 24-hour emergency line and on-call maintenance staff to address after-hours maintenance emergencies.

What is your hourly rate for repair calls?

Our in-house maintenance team's hourly rate is $85, and we provide a detailed breakdown of costs for transparency.

How often do you check and replace smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors are checked and replaced as needed during regular property inspections, typically on an annual basis.

What are the typical costs for maintenance and repair work?

Costs vary based on the nature of the repair; however, we strive to provide cost-effective solutions and transparent billing.

Who keeps the security deposit?

The security deposit is held in a trust account and is used to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of a tenancy, subject to legal requirements.