01
Collecting
Collecting rent can be done through our Epay system or by check. First Lock utilizes Buildium and their tenant portal for this purpose as it helps speed up the process, making it easier for the tenant and our property managers.
02
Unpaid
When rent payment is missed First Lock will send out notices to the tenant every 2 days. After day 10, we will notify the tenant with a Notice to Quit- essentially pay or vacate the unit.
03
Evictions
We have employed leading real estate attorneys in the area to assist us with the process of starting eviction proceedings. We will work with our attorneys to draft a notice to vacate.
MAINTENANCE
Preventative maintenance is a key to keeping your property in great shape and the tenants from needing repairs. First Lock utilizes many contractors within our network to perform routine maintenance to properties. We use our own contractors for a variety of reasons. The first being dependability- we work with contractors who have shown us they can competently complete tasks and treat our tenants and owner’s properties with respect. The second being having valid insurance and licenses in your state .Owners can utilize their own contractors in the event the property is vacant and they oversee all aspects of the work. If owners do want to use their own contractors, we strongly recommend the owner inform the contractor we will be reaching out to vet them and request proof of insurance in a timely manner as to not interrupt repairs and delay our processes.
For routine repairs or maintenance- we ask the tenant to use their personalized property portal to submit requests for repairs. If not an emergency, the property manager will start the repair request process by reaching out to one of First Locks’s contractors and update the tenant on the timeline given by our contractor through the portal.
Emergencies- First Lock has protocol in the event there is an emergency repair- for example flood or no heat. First Lock will notify the owner at the most practically convenient time. Some emergencies will require immediate action and First Lock will inform the owner as soon as possible of the situation and remedy.
VACATING PRACTICES
Once a tenant has vacated a property- First Lock will perform an inspection of the property and debrief the owner of the condition of the property and any repairs that may need to take place. It is a priority of any property manager to make sure this is done within the timeline given by state legislation to make sure the tenant is notified of the repairs and difference in balance of security deposit within 30 days of move out. Once the tenant is notified First Lock will schedule the necessary contractors to complete repairs in a timely manner.
