What does your local emergency contact do for you when you manage remotely?

Question

I'm in the process of figuring out a team for a remote STR-I'm new to the STR world, been playing in the LTR realm.

I know I need a cleaning crew and repair crew (at least 2 in case one is busy). The other person/role I need is the local emergency contact. I'm thinking of asking a repairman/handyman person to fill this role. I'd pay them a monthly fee on top of any repairs. My question is what else do you have this person do? Weekly inspections? Change air filters? Or is a std monthly fee just for them to be available for an emergency situation?

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Rosa Regier, I have never had my cleaner or handyperson just come out to the house for inspections. My cleaners get a good look at the place during any cleaning so I don't worry really.

I would recommend getting a furnace contract where they come out and do maintenance 2x a year. It is pretty cheap (we pay $150) and they take care of keeping it running perfect along with the A/C.

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

Normally a handy person or cleaning person will be your contact for a few extra bucks.

However, you could look to hire an inspector to do these things + be your contact if need be.

Rosa Regier · Answer

Good point @Luka Milicevic! The added cost will be there regardless. Sedona requires a 60-minute response time either in person or phone. I can handle the phone response remotely, but I'm still required to name a local person.

Thanks @January Johnson!  My local nextdoor app is filled with people complaining about neighbors, politics, noise, the weather, etc. I rarely get good information/referrals using it locally. It sounds like it's better in other places.

Leslie Anne Morris · Answer

I have cleaners that double as runners.  Definitely try to build a team that can offer multiple services since they live and work in the area.

January Johnson · Answer

Hey, @Rosa Regier!  I second the importance of an AC/furnace contract person.  I have this on my properties in FL.  I also recommend nextdoor.com for local people recommending local people.  I use it in my area for cleaners and have also gotten some good handymen that way.  Good luck to you in AZ!

Luka Milicevic · Answer

Cleaning crew should be your "inspection" because they are in the property and can report leaks, damages and such.

Changing air filters is not an emergency and can be done by anyone.

I wouldn't pay a monthly fee. If it's outside of business hours, they will probably charge an "emergency fee"  anyway.

Eliott Elias · Answer

Pay them per job, no need to keep someone on payroll for a single family STR.

John Underwood · Answer

Your cleaners can be your local emergency contact if this is required.

Naz Hossain · Answer

I have not paid someone a monthly fee to be on standby. I usually have a crew that is constantly working on my projects and I do have a dedicated in house property manager who is "boots on the ground". If you build a good relationship with a contractor/PM, I am sure they will not mind helping you out in a bind/emergency.

In the LTR world, you do not need someone for weekly inspections. In the STR world, your cleaner could cover that role for you unless its trades (MEP) related.

Basically, you just have to find someone you can trust and decide what type of payment structure works for you. I pay my property manager a monthly salary and she is usually available. If its an emergency, she can be present at moments notice.

Hope this helps

January Johnson · Answer

Yes I call NextDoor "Facebook for nosy neighbors", but you have to ignore those folks and look for the recommendations.

What does your local emergency contact do for you when you manage remotely?

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