Maintenance FAQs

Answers to your frequently asked questions

• How much maintenance should I expect on my property?

  The answer to this question really depends on numerous factors. However, over the life of the property, maintenance costs can average between 8-12% of the rents. Obviously newer properties with higher grade materials (block fences, tile roofs, etc.) are going to have much lower maintenance costs, while older homes may have higher maintenance costs. And of course, the quality of the tenant plays a major role in keeping costs down.

• Do you get my approval before assigning maintenance work?

  Our maintenance supervisor and coordinators closely scrutinize all maintenance requests and takes great care to minimize your costs. In the event where the cost of a repair is expected to exceed the stated limit, you will be contacted for approval.

• Do you recommend a home warranty for my property?

  Home warranties cover the repair and/or replacement of major mechanical systems and appliances at your property for an annual premium ranging from $300-$400. This takes a lot of the unpredictability out of maintenance costs.

• I've heard that Ernst & Haas does interior inspections. Why?

  Interior inspections are one of the most valuable services we offer. We do a formal and comprehensive interior inspection of every home we manage at least once annually. During this process, our inspector checks to make sure that the residents are abiding by the lease and that there is no serious damage to the value of the property. He will check for such things as unauthorized residents and pets, maintenance issues, and hazardous conditions. Since implementing this inspection program in 2002, we've identified and eliminated several potentially dangerous situations that could have resulted in injury and even death – followed, of course, by lawsuits.

• How much insurance coverage do I need?

  We require that our clients have a minimum of $300,000 in property liability coverage. Anything less is just too risky.