Owner FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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Are you licensed?
Yes, we are licensed brokers and agents with the Department of Real Estate. We are also members of the Apartment Owners Association and hold Property Management Certifications through the California Association of Realtors. We are also members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. -
How soon can you start managing my property?
We are available to start as soon as a management agreement is signed. -
What happens after I sign the contract?
Right away you will begin working with Richard, our New Accounts Specialist. If your property is vacant or soon to become vacant, at your direction we will begin advertising the property and providing recommendations to get the space fully ready for move in. If your property is tenant occupied, we will collect a copy of the current rental agreement and applications that you may have. After this, we will conduct an inspection to check for safety and habitability items. We will also prepare a new rental agreement for the tenants to sign off on with updated disclosures that best protect you. -
How do I get my house ready to rent?
If the home is vacant, we recommend clearing out all personal items and having the home professionally cleaned. If the home is occupied, we are happy to provide a list of needed repairs, obtain estimates for any work needed, and coordinate access for those vendors to make the home move-in ready. We simply need to know the expected move-in date to properly advertise your home. -
What kind of insurance will I need?
If this is your first time renting your property, you will need to notify your insurance provider. Our agreement requires you to maintain insurance on the property, as well as liability coverage with a minimum of $1,000,000. We also require that we be listed as an additional insurer. If you are having a hard time finding insurance, please reach out! We have insurance brokers who we can recommend you to. -
How much will my property rent for?
We are happy to go over comparable properties and how much they have leased for that are near your property. Ultimately, you decide the price that you are comfortable with us advertising the home. -
How long will my property take to lease out?
Our goal is always lease the property is under 30 days. Advertising the property on multiple platforms, using professional pictures and pricing the property correctly all make a big difference in leasing out the space. We provide updates after each showing on the feedback we receive and would expect to conduct 3 to 4 showings per week for a typical rental property. -
How do you screen the applicants?
We conduct an extensive screening on all tenants including credit report, background report, income and rental verification as well as social media accounts and online searches. Once we have a qualified applicant that meets our minimum standard of 680+ credit and 2.5x income for rent,, we send over their documents to the owner to give final approval. -
How long of a lease do you sign?
We recommend a one-year lease to begin. This gives the tenants time to settle into the property and for you to get a feel of how they will be as tenants. After the first year, we will present any tenancy or lease term you prefer. -
What is your screening criteria?
We require applicant(s) gross income to be at least 2.5 times the monthly rent amount and to have a 680 credit score or higher. We require a copy of a valid form of identification and proof of income (paystubs, or 6 months bank statements and/or tax returns). An applicant must provide 5 years of residential history and contact information for rental references. Each occupant over 18 must fill out an application regardless. -
Can you put the money directly into my account?
Yes. We just need you to provide us with a copy of a voided check. -
When do I get my money each month?
Our goal is to send over your funds by the 14th of every month. If you need your funds sooner please let us know. ACH is the quickest way to receive your funds. -
How is rent collection handled?
Over 85% of our tenants pay rent online. The remaining either mail it or drop it off to our office in Downtown Huntington Beach. -
What type of reports do I get and how often?
You will receive a monthly statement and yearly income statements. Both detail all income and expenses that we have handled related to your property. -
Do you require a cash reserve?
We do require a cash reserve of at least $250.00. -
Who does the repairs on the homes Sail Properties manages? Can I use my contractor for repairs?
We can use whatever vendor you prefer! We have vendors that we have worked with for years and give us discounts due to the large amount of business we provide them. They are their own separate companies and entities and we do not receive any kickbacks or perks from the vendors. All vendors we recommend to you are licensed and insured so they may cost more than someone you may know and prefer to use. If you have a favorite electrician, plumber or whoever, we are glad to note that in your file and coordinate access with your vendor to make repairs. -
What do your vendors charge?
Most of our vendors provide free estimates and provide discounted pricing due to the volume of business we share with them. We always work with vendors that offer the best service for the best price. We pride ourselves on the relationships we have established with our vendors. -
Will I get called in the middle of the night with emergencies?
You will not! We answer all calls 24/7. We will contact you the next morning. -
How is the property protected if the tenant causes damage?
We have a very thorough screening process that can help prevent the majority of tenant-related damages. However, things can happen. All tenants are required to have renter’s insurance that also includes liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000. -
Can I reach you after hours?
Yes, we answer the phone 24/7. -
Do you sell real estate too?
Yes, we do! We have a great track record of selling properties for top dollar quickly. We offer the same personalized care you receive on the property management side. -
What type of properties do you manage?
We manage single-family homes, condos, townhomes, duplexes, and multi-unit spaces. -
Will I be able to increase the rent every year?
We will present any increase in rent that you prefer, as long as it follows state and local laws. We make recommendations before presenting to the tenants and after the second year usually recommend between 5% and 7% increases. -
Can I visit the property while occupied?
You definitely can. It is your property. However, we would recommend against this while the property is tenant occupied. We ask the owners choose not to visit the property. An owner visiting a property that is tenant occupied can break down the buffer between you as the landlord and the tenant. This can inhibit our ability to effectively manage your property. We are happy to provide pictures of any specific items and do property inspections as needed.