One of the most valuable services performed is checking tenants' backgrounds. Credit, employment, criminal, and financial status are reported through Credit Agencies. Also, staff members call current and past landlords and employers for verification of information.

To protect the owner's investment, Action Property Management arranges inspections of the property before and after the tenant moves in. In addition, inspections are made during tenancy as needed. Photos and a written report are arranged, plus each tenant completes a move-in report to insure a proper record of the property's condition.

To keep owner maintenance costs to a minimum, tenants are directed in the lease to pay for minor repairs. Also, Action Property Management provides insured handymen at reduced rates. In addition, licensed contractors are called to make repairs on major air conditioning, heating, electrical, and plumbing repairs.

Rent rates are negotiated to the highest possible level depending on market conditions, quality of the tenant, length of leases, type of property, and the time of year. Although a tenant may offer a certain rent rate, staff often must negotiate a higher rate due to the circumstances. Setting proper rental rates and maintaining a strong marketing effort has allowed us to exceed a 95% occupancy rate!

Leases and other documents used adhere to the Arizona Landlord-Tenant Act and clearly explain landlord rights and tenant responsibilities. Although complete background checks are made, occasionally tenant problems arise. Action Property Management has its own attorney who often provides free legal advice or services at a reduced fee.

Rents are sent to the property owner monthly unless an expense prevents mailing all funds. Since most property owners keep a $400 minimum reserve fund for expenses in the trust account, tenant deposits are sent to the owner to use until the tenant moves. Tenants who have not paid their rent by the 5th of the month are sent a late notice. Although evictions are rare, Action Property Management will normally arrange the removal of a tenant from the property in about 30 days should the rent not be paid in a timely manner.

Property owner checks and computer-generated statements are mailed prior to the end of every month. An annual end-of-year accounting is provided to each property owner for tax reporting. Property owners should check with their accountant to verify the tax advantages when owning rental property. Monthly rental sales tax reports are arranged for property owners, as most cities in Arizona require them to be submitted. In addition, other required reports are prepared for several government agencies.

Action Property Management offers full management services for 8% to 12% of monies collected from tenants' payable monthly. Most management companies fall in this same fee range depending on the type of property managed, market conditions and area. However, the difference in property management firms is often the quality of services. Action Property Management's company goal is to provide outstanding service so that any fees paid by the property owner are normally saved by avoiding longer vacancy times, excess repair costs, and tenants who have not been checked out completely.

Contrary to some management companies, no start up fee, Realtor referral fee, leasing commission, releasing commission, flat fee when the property is vacant, or a fee to arrange maintenance normally exists. If the property owner decides to sell their property, no sales commission is charged if the property owner uses another Realtor. In order to avoid any of these "extra" fees, the property owner is asked to keep the property under management on an annual basis. Should the property owner request "lease only" services or a shorter management time, several reasonable fee options are available. Contact Terry Kozell,  terry@actionpm.com for a free quote on full management or on an alternative service plan!

A Rental Analysis helps determine what the property will rent for on a long or short-term basis. The analysis normally consists of visiting the property features, evaluating the property and its neighborhood. Recommendations are provided regarding repairs, appearance, marketing ideas and a rent range. A free Rental Analysis can be arranged by contacting Terry Kozell,  terry@actionpm.com or calling our office 24 hours, 7 days a week at (480) 491-3600. Property owners are under no obligation to begin management services after a Rental Analysis is provided.

A Rental Analysis is not always necessary to begin management, however, it can often answer many questions. Normally, everything that is needed to begin managing an owner's property can be accomplished in an hour at the property site or at our office. After a rental analysis and/or discussion is completed, management can begin immediately once a management or listing agreement is signed. The property owner usually provides a reserve for our trust account when management begins. If the owner lives out of town or cannot meet at the property, we will arrange to take care of all paperwork through the mail or by fax.