We’re living in a mobile world where there seems to be an app for just about everything and property management is no exception.

There are apps out there which offer end-to-end management, creating online applications and vetting tenants, arranging rental contracts, automating payments and boasting seamless communications. With claims of saving time and money, using an app seems an attractive way to manage your rental.

However, there is a lot more to property management than meets the eye. While software can streamline the paperwork somewhat, there are still many core tasks in the property management process that physically need doing and require the background knowledge to ensure they are done properly.

Does your property meet safety standards?

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure their property meets the health and safety laws. For instance, in NSW, all residential strata buildings must be fitted with window safety devices so that the maximum window opening can be limited to less than 12.5cm. When it comes to fire safety regulations, rental properties must also have least one smoke alarm installed in a hallway outside a bedroom or other suitable location in each storey of a rented home. Smoke alarms (including heat alarms) must be working, and they cannot be removed or disabled.

Apps can advise you of all the standards your property needs to meet, but your property still needs physically checking to make sure it ticks all the safety standard boxes, and if it doesn’t, it can be a costly affair if things go wrong.

Carry out inspections

Inspections are important as you do need to monitor the state of the property. Tenants don’t always report maintenance issues which may potentially be expensive if they are not addressed in a timely way. But a landlord can’t just wander in and check their property when suits; tenants have the right to privacy, so a landlord, agent or anybody else acting on their behalf can only enter the property if the correct notice is provided.

It’s also important to inspect a property before a tenant moves in and after a tenant moves out. Taking photos of what the property looks like before a tenant moves in and having the tenant sign off on the state of the property can help avoid any future differences of opinion when a tenant moves out.

Essential maintenance

The biggest complaint about landlords from tenants is maintenance. Legally the property has to be safe to live in, so the property must meet safety gas and electrical standards. But there is more to maintenance than meeting safety standards. Blocked drains and faulty electrical appliances need should be repaired promptly and professionally; a botch job will cost you in the long run.

Good communications

How many times have you sent a text message and the person receiving it has totally misunderstood what you meant? The same principle can be applied to communications via an app. While apps claim to offer seamless communications between tenants and landlords, in some cases, traditional communications are essential, particularly when it comes to handling disputes. Meeting with a tenant or a simple conversation on the phone can very quickly resolve issues and any misunderstandings, and avoid full blown disputes.

We believe in making life easy for our landlords and tenants, which is why we have dedicated portals on our website giving just as much flexibility and convenience of an app.

Landlords can view statements, financial reporting, ongoing maintenance, upcoming events, inspection reports and more. Plus, we have additional information such as frequently asked landlord questions, and we provide insightful information and top tips to help you on your property investment journey.

Our tenant portal includes statements, maintenance requests, receipts, and helpful information such as explaining the leases, how to connect utilities, and comprehensive resources to guide tenants through the rental process.

We like to think we do more than manage properties – we help make your life easier so you can realise your dreams through property. If you want some more information about our property management services, our experienced team would love to help.

Simply give us a ring on 02 4956 9777, send us an email to mail@newcastlepropertymanagement.com.au or pop into our Cardiff office for a chat. We also make great coffee – something else an app can’t do!

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