I was born in Cincinnati, raised in England, and then returned to Cincy, where I graduated summa cum laude from NKU with a degree in Business. Before joining EquityTeam, I built a strong foundation in property management, with a focus on multi-family, Section 8, and single-family portfolios. I’m passionate about building strong communities, creating positive resident experiences, and delivering real results for Owner clients. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors - hiking, camping, or exploring new places. I love that my role at EquityTeam allows me to combine relationship-building, problem-solving, and industry-leading tech in a fast-paced environment to help both owners and residents succeed.
Personal
Favourite Food: Classic American Burger
Hobby: Camping
Favourite Artist/Musician: Linkin Park
Goto Destination: Alaska
24/7 Maintenance Line, WO oversight and management from our expert Property Services Managers (former inspectors and craftsmen) who advocate for the property’s best interest, ensure requested work is valid, and that any work performed is done well and at below-market pricing. Industry-leading technology allows us to communicate quickly and easily between Owners/Tenants/Managers/Vendors to make repairs in accordance with Owner’s “not-to-exceed” (NTE) amounts.
GUARANTEES (See terms)
1. Reduced Repairs Guarantee: Save 10% or more off the retail cost of repair work or we’ll credit you the difference PLUS 10% of the difference amount!
Regular inspections help Owners stay connected to the condition of their property, reduce liability, strengthen Owner’s position in security deposit disputes, and keep maintenance costs down over the long term by catching small problems before they become major repairs.
Everything typically needed for a standard eviction in compliance with state law.
Simplify Tenant utility bill mgmt, and significantly reduce Owner’s utility liability and headaches
Bad things can happen to even the most qualified Tenants. Eliminate concerns about a Tenant damaging your property, bankruptcy, divorce, health issues, job loss, economic variables, malicious damage, theft, and more! EquityTeam’s EXCLUSIVE “Protection Plus” (PP) offers complete peace-of-mind that your investment will continue to produce income.
Identifying rent increase opportunities, and the negotiation and coordination of signing a renewal.
Our comprehensive Lease offers many exclusive benefits to the Owner and Property that are only available while the unit is under ET’s management.
GUARANTEES (See terms)
1. Strongest Owner/Property advocating Lease the law will allow.
2. Mandatory Tenant-paid liability coverage protects Owner up to $100k.
3. Filter replacement program (tenant paid) to ensure HVAC systems are properly maintained.
4. Flexible payment options electronically or at local retailers.
5. Utility concierge and account management services keep an eye on Tenant-paid utility balances so they don’t become an Owner problem.
6. 24/7 maintenance with industry-leading technology.
Everything needed to quickly procure the most qualified Tenant for the property; from advertising to lease signing, in complete compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
GUARANTEES (See terms)
1. 12 Month Stay Guarantee: Our Tenant will stay for a minimum of 12 months or we’ll prorate the next Placement accordingly.
2. 21 Day or Less Leasing Signing Guarantee: We’ll find a Tenant for your vacancy within 21 days or we’ll credit the Management Fee until we do.
Rent Collection, Transparent Accounting, ACH Owner Draws, Dedicated Expert Property Manager Primary Point-of-Contact, Strong Tenant Management and Lease Enforcement, Owner-aligned pricing model
GUARANTEES (See terms)
1. 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee: If either party wants to cancel within the first 90 days, we’ll refund ALL paid Onboarding, and Management Charges.
2. Pet Damage Guarantee: We’ll cover pet-related damages up to $2000
3. 24 Hour Response Guarantee: We’ll return your call or email within 24 business hours, or we will credit your account $25
4. Accounting Accuracy Guarantee: If we make an accounting error, we’ll fix it and credit you 10% of the error difference.
How to Maintain Your Rental Property
Managing a rental property can be a rewarding investment, but it comes with its fair share of responsibilities, especially when it comes to maintenance. As a landlord, keeping your rental in top condition is essential for preserving property value and ensuring tenant satisfaction, as well as complying with legal standards.
However, it’s important to recognize that rental property maintenance is a shared responsibility between landlords and renters. To avoid any misunderstandings, it’s crucial to clarify these responsibilities from the outset.
As a landlord, your primary responsibility is to ensure the rental property is safe, clean, and suitable for habitation. This involves a range of tasks:
1. Repairs and Regular Rental Property Maintenance
First and foremost, a landlord must address any necessary repairs and regular property maintenance promptly. This means fixing leaks, ensuring that heating and air conditioning systems are functioning correctly, and maintaining all electrical and plumbing systems.
2. Safety Compliance
The rental property must adhere to local health and safety regulations, which include installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring that all exits are clear and functional, and regularly checking for safety hazards like exposed wiring or unstable structures. A landlord must also ensure that the property adhere’s to building and housing codes.
3. Routine Inspections
Regular rental property inspections are also crucial. These property inspections allow landlords to identify issues that renters may not have reported. A real estate investor can also assess tenant-caused damage versus normal wear and tear throughout the property when conducting routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
Conducting annual or bi-annual checks can help catch potential problems early, which can save money in the long run.
4. Pest Control
Keeping the property free from pests is vital for maintaining hygiene and tenant comfort, as well as for preventing damage to the rental property itself. Regular pest control measures should be in place to address any issues that arise.
5. Grounds Keeping
If the property includes outdoor areas like gardens, yards, or communal spaces, landlords also need to ensure that these areas are well-maintained. Regular upkeep not only keeps these spaces clean and tidy but also enhances the rental property’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to prospective tenants.
Tenant Responsibilities in Rental Property Maintenance
While the bulk of rental maintenance and repair responsibilities fall on the real estate investor/ landlord, residents also have roles to play:
1. Routine Cleaning
One of their primary responsibilities is to maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the property.
Regular cleaning helps slow normal wear and tear and reduces the risk of pest infestations, which can quickly turn into a bigger problem if left unchecked.
2. Minor Rental Property Maintenance
Renters are also often responsible for minor rental property maintenance tasks, depending on the lease agreement. These tasks can include changing light bulbs, replacing smoke detector batteries, and handling small repairs.
3. Damage Reporting
Renters are required to report any damage or maintenance issues as soon as they occur. Prompt reporting allows landlords to address problems before they escalate into more significant, costlier rental property maintenance and repair issues.
4. Rental Property Rules Compliance
Residents must comply with rental property rules laid out in the lease agreement, which may include guidelines on how to use appliances and systems within the property correctly.
By following these rules, residents help maintain the property’s condition and prevent avoidable damage, ensuring a smooth living experience for everyone involved.
Beyond basic maintenance, consider these opportunities to enhance the rental and potentially increase property value:
Upgrades and Renovations:Regular updates to fixtures, fittings, and appliances can modernize the property and make it more appealing to potential renters. Landlords should consider focusing on high-impact areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Investing in energy-saving measures, such as high-efficiency boilers, LED lighting, and improved insulation, can lower utility costs and attract environmentally conscious residents.
Smart Home Features: Adding technology like smart locks, thermostats, and home automation systems can enhance security and efficiency, appealing to tech-savvy renters.
Landscaping Enhancements: Quality landscaping can boost your property’s curb appeal. Adding features like patios, garden paths, or communal spaces can increase tenant satisfaction and attract long-term renters.
Accessibility Improvements: Making the property more accessible to people with disabilities, such as installing ramps or wider doorways, can broaden a landlord’s reach.
Seasonal Property Maintenance Checks: Offering seasonal maintenance services, like gutter cleaning before the rainy season or HVAC system checks before summer or winter, can prevent emergencies and show residents that their landlord is proactive about property care.
Interior Design and Décor: Refreshing the interior design with updated paint, wallpaper, and furnishings can make the rental property more attractive. Opt for durable, high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.
Security Upgrades: Improving security features, such as window locks, door locks, or an alarm system, can enhance your property’s desirability and give renters peace of mind.
Noise Reduction Measures: Implementing soundproofing solutions in high-noise areas can be a strong selling point, especially in urban settings. Consider installing soundproof windows or extra insulation between units in multi-family properties.
Reasons to Hire A Professional Property Management Company
Hiring a professional property management company offers several benefits:
Expertise in Legal Compliance: Property managers are knowledgeable about local laws and regulations, ensuring your rental property remains compliant and reducing legal risks.
Efficient Rent Collection and Financial Management: Professional property management experts handle rent collection and financial operations efficiently, ensuring a steady cash flow.
Cost-Effective Routine Maintenance Solutions: Property managers often have established relationships with contractors, which can result in lower rental property maintenance expenses.
Reduced Vacancy Rates:Effective marketing and tenant screening processes managed by professionals can lead to quicker tenant placement and reduced vacancy rates.
Tenant Relations: Property management professionals serve as the main point of contact for tenants, handling all queries, complaints, and issues promptly, which enhances tenant satisfaction and retention.
Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, hiring a rental property manager gives you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is in good hands, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life or business.
Final Thoughts
Renting out your property requires a commitment to upkeep, legal compliance, and tenant satisfaction. By understanding your responsibilities as a landlord and encouraging tenants to contribute to rental property maintenance, you can ensure your investment property remains a valuable and desirable place to live.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact EquityTeam for expert rental property management services.
Key Takeaways A well-planned, visually appealing video tour is one of the most effective tools for attracting qualified renters, helping them understand the layout, lighting, and overall condition of the home before an in-person showing. Cleanliness, steady...
Key Takeaways Annual Maintenance and Safety Checks Are Crucial: Regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, inspecting for water leaks, and cleaning gutters helps prevent costly damage and ensures tenant safety and compliance with local regulations....
Key Takeaways Understanding Property Management Fees: Property management costs can vary depending on the company, property type, and range of services provided. Common fees include setup fees, ongoing management fees, tenant placement fees, lease renewal fees, and...
Key Takeaways Tenant Painting Can Create Costly Issues – While it may seem harmless, tenant DIY paint jobs often result in poor-quality finishes, difficult-to-cover colors, and added repair expenses, ultimately impacting property value and delaying turnovers....
Key Takeaways Boost Rental Income Without Raising Rent - Property owners can increase revenue through creative, tenant-friendly strategies like offering paid parking, pet rent, or on-demand services, adding value for residents without burdening them with higher...
Key Takeaways A well-planned, visually appealing video tour is one of the most effective tools for attracting qualified renters, helping them understand the layout, lighting, and overall condition of the home before an in-person showing. Cleanliness, steady...
Key Takeaways Annual Maintenance and Safety Checks Are Crucial: Regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, inspecting for water leaks, and cleaning gutters helps prevent costly damage and ensures tenant safety and compliance with local regulations....
Key Takeaways Understanding Property Management Fees: Property management costs can vary depending on the company, property type, and range of services provided. Common fees include setup fees, ongoing management fees, tenant placement fees, lease renewal fees, and...
Key Takeaways Tenant Painting Can Create Costly Issues – While it may seem harmless, tenant DIY paint jobs often result in poor-quality finishes, difficult-to-cover colors, and added repair expenses, ultimately impacting property value and delaying turnovers....
Key Takeaways Boost Rental Income Without Raising Rent - Property owners can increase revenue through creative, tenant-friendly strategies like offering paid parking, pet rent, or on-demand services, adding value for residents without burdening them with higher...
Key Takeaways A well-planned, visually appealing video tour is one of the most effective tools for attracting qualified renters, helping them understand the layout, lighting, and overall condition of the home before an in-person showing. Cleanliness, steady...
Key Takeaways Annual Maintenance and Safety Checks Are Crucial: Regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, inspecting for water leaks, and cleaning gutters helps prevent costly damage and ensures tenant safety and compliance with local regulations....
Key Takeaways Understanding Property Management Fees: Property management costs can vary depending on the company, property type, and range of services provided. Common fees include setup fees, ongoing management fees, tenant placement fees, lease renewal fees, and...
Key Takeaways Tenant Painting Can Create Costly Issues – While it may seem harmless, tenant DIY paint jobs often result in poor-quality finishes, difficult-to-cover colors, and added repair expenses, ultimately impacting property value and delaying turnovers....
Key Takeaways Boost Rental Income Without Raising Rent - Property owners can increase revenue through creative, tenant-friendly strategies like offering paid parking, pet rent, or on-demand services, adding value for residents without burdening them with higher...