A Guide to Selecting a Property Management Company for Landlords in Houston
With the increasing trend of investing in overseas real estate, more and more people are earning income by renting out their properties. However, there is a lot of tasks to be done before renting out a property, including listing it, conducting showings, interviewing tenants, drafting contracts, and more. Each step requires considerable effort. If you want to maximize your efficiency and earn the most from your rental property while finding reliable tenants, it’s important to choose a trustworthy property management company that offers services such as professional tenant screening, rental collection, utilities management, and property maintenance.
Managing rental properties remotely as an overseas landlord can be challenging. Dealing with time zone differences, conducting virtual tenant interviews, handling rent reminders, emergency tenant requests, and the risk of sudden vacancies are common issues. However, by working with a professional property management company, you can not only assist with tenant placement and screening but also coordinate property repairs and ensure rent payments are made on time.
So, how should overseas landlords choose a property management company? Here are four key criteria to consider before signing a contract to safeguard your interests:
1. Navigating Legal Compliance in Overseas Property Management
Compliance with local regulations is crucial when investing in real estate overseas for rental income. For instance, in Texas, the law requires landlords to return tenants’ security deposits within 30 days after they move out; otherwise, landlords may face fines up to three times the deposit amount. Therefore, when choosing a property management company to partner with, verify if they possess the necessary legal certifications and hold all tenant deposits in government-regulated escrow accounts to avoid potential legal disputes.
United Property Management (UPM) is a registered real estate brokerage firm with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), ensuring adherence to professional standards in property management. The company is overseen by experienced and licensed brokers, and they maintain escrow accounts to properly handle tenant deposits, returning them within 30 days as required by law to avoid any fines.
2. Utilize Professional Marketing for Tenant Acquisition Success
Many landlords are concerned about property vacancies and the associated financial losses. A professional property management team with local marketing and promotional resources can utilize various online and offline channels to increase your property’s exposure and attract high-quality tenants, reducing the risk of vacancies.
UPM is affiliated with UMRE Realty Group, a well-reputed and prominent player in the Houston real estate industry. Through UMRE Realty Group’s rental services, they can carefully select and screen tenants to ensure that your property attracts responsible occupants. Their conveniently located office facilitates easy access for both property owners and tenants, streamlining rent collection and other administrative tasks.
Moreover, they offer bilingual services to assist Asian and overseas landlords in understanding property management details. To mitigate vacancy risks, UPM notifies tenants well in advance of lease expiration, coordinating lease extensions or relisting if necessary.
3. Tenant Selection Made Easy: Ensuring Reliable Rental Income
In the United States, there is a wide range of tenants, and landlords often worry about renters who may default on rent payments and refuse to vacate the property. This can impact property conditions and investment returns, leading to legal battles and additional expenses. To avoid such troubles, it is advisable to let a property management company handle your real estate. Experienced management teams typically conduct background checks and credit assessments on potential tenants.
UPM has experienced property management personnel who remind tenants to pay rent as per the agreed-upon schedule each month. In cases of late payments, they impose appropriate late fees. If a tenant refuses to pay rent or violates the lease, UPM proactively initiates necessary eviction procedures to protect the landlord’s interests.
4. Effortless Maintenance: Keeping Your Overseas Property in Top Shape
For overseas investors, handling property maintenance requests can be challenging, especially when quick repairs are needed. An excellent property management company should promptly address and coordinate maintenance needs, providing comprehensive property care and repairs while minimizing information gaps caused by remote management.
United Property Management (UPM) has a professional management and maintenance team dedicated to providing comprehensive services. When tenants report maintenance issues, they respond within 24 hours on business days. With their extensive experience and partnerships with trusted maintenance professionals, they ensure cost-effective and timely repairs.
Additionally, they liaise with relevant experts to assess repair responsibilities and costs, facilitating smooth maintenance work. They closely monitor the progress of repairs to ensure issues are resolved properly.
Why United Property Management (UPM) Is Your Valued Partner in Overseas Property Management
UPM brings extensive experience in property management and has established an efficient and successful operational model. They provide professional management services to over 70 properties, with a record of zero evictions, and 50% of tenants staying for over a year. UPM is committed to serving Asian landlords, especially those from out-of-state or overseas, to help them effortlessly invest in Houston’s real estate market.
Furthermore, their Propertyware property management online system allows tenants to make rent payments and submit maintenance requests online while maintaining real-time communication with the property management team. Property owners can also use Propertyware to instantly monitor the status of their rental properties, making property management more convenient and efficient.
Strength of UPM
Collection & Bookkeeping
Tenants Relations
Maintenance
Owners Relations
For Houston property owners, UPM is here to assist you in maximizing your investment returns while reducing your workload. Even if you are located out-of-state or overseas, they ensure hassle-free management of your overseas properties. Contact UPM today to learn more about their services.
