Magazine Articles

Plumbing seems simple enough, but it can often be a mystery to the inexperienced consumer.  I’ve compiled a sort list of common myths, legends and sage advice.  Hopefully, they can assist you the next time you run into a plumbing problem or help you to avoid one altogether.

Doing repairs on rental properties and interacting with tenants adds a whole new component to maintenance. Vendors who recognize the intricate skill and experience required to get the job done are an asset to rental property owners. If you master these five areas and consistently perform them well you will make yourself more marketable.

The economics of solar water heating just got a huge shot in the arm!  While the payback for apartment systems was already a reasonable three to six years, rebate reservations were not moving fast enough for the California Energy Commission.  Therefore, they increased the rebate by 39% (29% for low income housing), effectively lowering the…

As the California Legislature reconvenes, Californians will hear two decidedly different messages from both politicians and political pundits about the “state of the state.”  Governor Brown will surely tout the “California comeback” and argue that the state is in much better fiscal health than just a couple of years ago.  On the other hand,

The tax code is ever-changing, and for all landlords, 2015 has proven to be one of the most difficult and downright thorny years to date. The IRS implemented Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, on January 1st, 2014, which sent property owners into a tailspin and the phones at every accounting firm ringing.

Housing inspectors are seeking legal action against the owners of three apartment buildings in the Mission District [of San Francisco] for blocking fire escapes and having alarm systems that don’t work.

The FREE “Million Dollar” Trade Show and Landlording Conference! Thursday, May 14th at the Long Beach Convention Center – Hall C  Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 14th for AOA’s “Million Dollar Trade Show and Landlording Conference” in Long Beach. You will meet just about every contractor and vendor you will ever need… it’s called…

Successful landlords use various strategies to collect rent on time. Here are 12 different strategies.

Interacting with the people who make our industry go is one of the most rewarding and interesting aspects of my job as Publisher of the Rental Housing Journal.  From the top executives at large management companies and apartment association leadership, to on-sites and leasing agents, to independent rental owners and industry suppliers, I’ve gleaned a…

Q:  How much can I legally charge a tenant as a screening fee?