May 2023 Property Management Newsletter

We are about to approach our busy season! May through August have always been a popular time on the Monterey Peninsula for long-term renters and short term renters/guests alike. Long-term renters often find it most convenient to move themselves and their families during the summer months when school is no longer in session. Short term renters flock to the peninsula from warmer climates for some reprieve to stay in one of the many historic Inn’s, vacation rentals, or one of your 30-day furnished rentals we manage.

Did you Know?

This is also a time when a heavy military presence cycles through the peninsula. In the event that you do not know this, military personnel are assigned a “BAH” or in other words, a Basic Allowance for Housing. It is a non-taxable allowance provided to military service members to offset the cost of housing when they are not living in government-provided housing. The amount of BAH varies based on the service member’s pay grade, dependency status, and location. This is a factor we consider when screening applicants, as military folks have an additional layer of income with the BAH that assists in the qualification of military members.

In the News:

The City of Monterey passed a Rental Registry Ordinance quite recently. About 60% of the people who live in the city of Monterey are renters. Due to the available and affordable housing shortage, the city feels creating a Rental Registry, through purchased software, where owners will have to annually register certain information about their properties, in the spirit of transparency. The legislation is generally a precursor to stricter rent control measures. Annually, owners would have to pay the city hundreds of dollars in fees to “register” so the city can cover the cost of purchasing and maintaining this software.

Last year, the city of Salinas voted and implemented a rental registry system. This theme is becoming more and more common in California cities. The general school of thought is by requiring owners to provide certain information to the city about the rental property, the city can keep a closer eye on how and when people raise rental prices, and when there is turn over and why. Ordinances like this can also have unintended consequences. Because people have to pay more money to the city to rent a property, cash flow becomes even tighter.

A rental registry ordinance and software can be a useful tool for a city in California to regulate rental properties and ensure that they are in compliance with local laws and regulations. However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some pros and cons of implementing a rental registry ordinance and software:

Pros:

1. Better enforcement of rental regulations: A rental registry can help the city keep track of rental properties, ensure that they are up to code, and enforce regulations on things like safety, health, and building codes.
2. Improved communication: A rental registry can provide a central database for renters, landlords, and city officials to communicate about issues related to rental properties.
3. Improved data collection: A rental registry can provide data on rental properties and landlords, which can be used to better understand and address housing issues in the city.
4. Increased accountability: A rental registry can hold landlords accountable for the condition of their properties, and ensure that they are meeting their obligations to tenants.

Cons:

1. Costs: Implementing and maintaining a rental registry and software can be costly for the city, and these costs may be passed on to landlords and tenants through fees and fines.
2. Privacy concerns: Some landlords and tenants may be concerned about privacy issues related to the collection and storage of data on rental properties and landlords.
3. Administrative burden: A rental registry can be time-consuming and require additional staff and resources to manage, which can be a burden for the city.
4. Compliance issues: Some landlords may be resistant to complying with a rental registry ordinance and software, which can lead to legal challenges and other complications.

Tips for Tenants for Spring:

Spring cleaning is a great way to refresh the unit you rent and get it ready for the warmer months. Here are some tips to help tenants clean their rental property efficiently:

1. Start with decluttering: Take the time to go through all your possessions and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition and dispose of anything that’s broken or beyond repair.
2. Deep clean the floors: Vacuum or sweep the floors, and then mop them thoroughly. If you have carpets, consider renting a steam cleaner to give them a deep clean.
3. Clean the windows: Windows can accumulate a lot of dirt and grime over the winter months, so make sure to clean them thoroughly with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
4. Wipe down surfaces: Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, tables, and shelves. Use a cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth to ensure that all surfaces are cleaned properly.
5. Clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly: These are two areas that can easily become dirty and germy. Clean the sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs with a disinfectant cleaner, and wipe down all surfaces and appliances.
6. Don’t forget the outdoor areas: If you have an outdoor space, such as a balcony or patio, take some time to clean it up too. Sweep the floors, wipe down any furniture, and consider adding some potted plants to brighten up the space.
7. Consider hiring a professional: If you don’t have the time or energy to do a deep clean yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do it for you. They will have the expertise and equipment to get your rental property looking its best.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your rental property is clean, fresh, and ready for the spring and summer months. Not only will it look and feel better, but it can also help to maintain the value of your rental property.