Dear Maintenance Men:
I would like your thoughts on a landscape makeover I am planning. My rental property is ninety percent grass and very boring. I want to cut down on my water consumption and change the current “look” of the property. What do you recommend?
Robert

Dear Robert:

Section R315
Carbon monoxide alarms.
WAC 51-51-0315
(Effective Until July 1, 2013.)

R315.1 Carbon Monoxide Alarms. For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units and on each level of the dwelling and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Have you been considering whether or not to build mobile websites for apartments you manage?
You can’t afford to wait any longer.

A major survey of 1,500 renters published a few months ago by Apartment Finder revealed that 40% of apartment hunters used a mobile device for their last apartment search. What really stood out was that 85% of those who did not use a mobile device this time around said they would consider using a mobile device in their next search.
This means that 91% of all apartment shoppers are likely to use mobile devices during the next apartment leasing cycle.

My properties have electric baseboard and wall heaters, which many tenants don’t like because of high energy bills. Is there an inexpensive upgrade option?

PCPM’s Ultimate Disaster Vigilance

Establishing a Smoke-Free Policy in an apartment community is becoming a growing trend with landlords in Washington and across the country. Property owners find this kind of policy is good for business and a clear win-win, lowering costs and risks for an owner and providing a healthier, safer, greener environment for happier residents.

Does weatherization pencil out for me if my residents pay the energy bills? Are there rebates to help defray my cost?

The recent article in The Landlord Times Metro edition, High-Efficiency Clothes Washers Save Loads of Water, Sewer and Energy Cost mentioned “big benefits to you and your residents” by installing the high-efficiency front loading washers in your common area laundry rooms. Amid concerns about increasing energy, water and sewer cost, property owners are looking at ways to reduce their monthly utility costs. One avenue has been to install energy-efficient appliances.

As you prepare your budgets for 2013, consider including investments in training and skill-building for members of your onsite team. Nothing makes employees feel more valued than their supervisor demonstrating commitment to their professional development.

To encourage excellence and promote scholarship in the field of real estate property and asset management, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®) and the IREM® Foundation are sponsoring writing competitions for college and university students studying real estate as well as their professors.