Property Management Blog

Why We Charge a Maintenance Coordination Fee (And Why It Saves You Money)

As a property owner, you want to understand every line item on your statement. That's smart business. One question we hear occasionally is about our 10% maintenance coordination fee, and it's worth explaining not just what it is, but why it exists and ...

The Rent-Ready Partnership: Setting Your Richmond Property Up for Success

When you transition your property from owner-occupied to tenant rental, or from one tenant to the next, you're making a critical decision: deliver it in peak condition now, or pay significantly more at every future turnover.After managing properties throughout Richmond, we...

The Virginia Smoke Alarm Gray Area: Why § 55.1-1220 Creates Legal Confusion

In Part 1, we covered why professional property managers install bedroom smoke alarms regardless of legal requirements—insurance carriers expect them, fire safety science proves they work, and the cost-benefit analysis is obvious.Now we're diving into the legal question...

Why Every Bedroom Needs a Smoke Alarm: The Insurance and Liability Reality

When a tenant is injured in a fire, insurance adjusters ask three critical questions:Did the property meet industry standards?What would a reasonable property manager have installed?Were all reasonable precautions taken?The answers to these questions can mean the difference betwe...

Understanding Wear and Tear vs. Damages: A Guide for Property Owners

As a property owner, one of the most common sources of confusion when managing a rental property is distinguishing between normal wear and tear and tenant-caused damages. Though somewhat subjective and ambiguous, understanding the difference is essential for maintaining good tena...

What's Next? Your Journey as a Professionally Managed Investor

You didn't plan to become a landlord. Maybe you relocated for work, inherited a property, or couldn't sell in a difficult market. But you made a smart early decision: you hired a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations.Now you're wondering—what happ...

Why First Impressions Matter in Richmond | 9 Proven Ways to Maximize ROI

Good tenants skip poorly prepared properties. It’s that simple. When a resident with options walks into a home with torn blinds, scuffed walls, peeling caulk, old odors, or signs of corner-cutting, they don’t negotiate—they move on to the next, better-kept prope...

Top 7 Costly Mistakes Virginia Rental Property Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Managing a rental property in Richmond and the surrounding counties can be rewarding, but even experienced landlords often fall into costly traps. Missteps in notices, deposits, and compliance don’t just lead to frustration—they can trigger lawsuits, fines, and lost i...

Proactive Property Maintenance: Protecting Assets, Preserving Income, and Preventing Vacancies

In the world of property management, few topics cause more tension between owners and managers than maintenance. On the surface, maintenance looks like an unavoidable cost. Yet, many landlords understandably want to minimize expenses, especially when margins feel tight. But what ...

Virginia Smoke & CO Alarm Rules for Rental Homes (2025 Guide)

Bottom line: Working smoke alarms are not optional in Virginia rentals. Locations are set by building code; annual certification is required under the VRLTA; tenants have day-to-day maintenance duties; and CO alarms are required in specific situations (but are a prudent add even ...