September 2011:New Texas Smoke Alarm Law & Bedbugs

By Michael Mengden Wednesday, August 31, 2011

New Texas Law Regarding Smoke Alarms A new law was passed this last legislative session regarding the number and placement of smoke alarms in rental properties in Texas. In short the law attempted to make the requirements consistent throughout the state. It requires at least ...

August 2011: The Impact of URLTA

By Michael Mengden Sunday, July 31, 2011

Over the years, courts have made many rulings based on the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, URLTA. When faced with a difficult case between Landlord and Tenant, a judge will often consult the fine points of this Act before rendering a decision. Important Landlord/Ten...

July 2011: Pest Control and Your Investment

By Michael Mengden Thursday, June 30, 2011

Pests can be a problem any time during the year and are a common occurrence in the property management industry. If you check the dictionary, there are varying definitions for pests - here are three common ones. An insect or other small animal that harms or destroys garden...

June 2011: Is It Time to Revisit Your Insurance?

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, May 31, 2011

There have been incredible weather events happening all other the world - earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, tornadoes throughout many states, and flooding along the Mississippi to name a few. Insurance is a necessity for investment property. You pay with the hope that you will ...

May 2011: Beware of Retaliation

By Michael Mengden Saturday, April 30, 2011

Fair Housing law defines retaliation as an act of harm by the owner, manager, or agent against a resident or applicant because that resident or applicant has asserted their fair housing rights. This important legislation protects the right of the applicant, resident, prospective...

April 2011: What IS a Rental Emergency? & Market Update

By Michael Mengden Thursday, March 31, 2011

What IS a Rental Emergency? It is important to understand what a rental emergency is. Depending on whose perspective it is, whether it can be owner, tenant, vendor, or property manager, it can mean different things when it happens. The definition from Wikipedia is An...

March 2011: Carbon Monoxide - the Silent Killer

By Michael Mengden Monday, February 28, 2011

Carbon monoxide is another area of risk management that has been creating new laws in many states. Currently, at least twenty-five (25) states have legislation on carbon monoxide detectors requirements. Please note that various states have different requirement in their laws. Fe...

February 2011: Rents - Do the Math

By Michael Mengden Monday, January 31, 2011

It is natural to want to obtain the highest rent possible when your property is vacant. A long vacancy can cause frustration, anxiety, and anger. However, holding out for more money can be more costly than you think. When this situation occurs, it is better to use a mathemati...

January 2011: Seven Proactive Ways to Avoid Risk

By Michael Mengden Friday, December 31, 2010

No investor wants to hear that there is a possible or definite lawsuit to defend. Although there are times you cannot avoid legal actions, most of the time, property owners can by being proactive. Here are seven positive steps to follow to reduce your risk. Never ignore nec...

December 2010: Planning for the New Year

By Michael Mengden Tuesday, November 30, 2010

As another year ends, many people take time to reflect on the past year. Generally, this leads to setting goals and making resolutions for the New Year. Our company is busy reviewing 2010 and planning on how we can improve our property management services to you, our clients. He...