All Forum Posts by: David Peschio

Yes, adding air conditioning to your rental property is absolutely worth it. It not only increases tenant comfort and satisfaction but also makes your property more attractive, competitive, and potentially more profitable in the long run.

Hi,  I am in Virginia and found NARPM is an excellent resource.  Try this site - hopefully your local chapter can be a great resource.  

San Diego NARPM - Home Page

We get this question a lot from owners, and totally understand where you’re coming from. Ultimately, price will dictate demand. While condition, time of year, and even things like parking or in-unit laundry all play a role, the rental market tends to be pretty responsive to price.

It’s not uncommon in Hawaii for owners to break even or even operate at a slight loss—just because the cost of owning is so high compared to rents. That said, it sounds like your unit has some nice advantages, especially compared to your coworker’s studio.

You could consider starting slightly higher—say around $2,200–$2,250—just to test the waters. Ideally, your property manager can give you some real-time feedback and analytics based on interest and viewings, so you can adjust quickly if needed. Sometimes a unit gets strong interest right away, and sometimes it takes a price tweak or better timing.

Hey, totally understand where you're coming from, and honestly, I think you’re making the right call. If every PM you’ve talked to is hesitant or flat-out refusing because of the zip code, that’s a big red flag. When even the referrals are turning it down, it usually means there are deeper issues at play—whether it’s crime rates, tenant turnover, or just really tough management conditions. It’s better to walk away now than get stuck with a property that’s more headache than it's worth. Backing out might be the smartest move here.

Absolutely Vanessa! That comment nails it. Clear and consistent communication really is the foundation of great property management. It’s amazing how much smoother things run when everyone’s on the same page—from maintenance issues getting resolved faster to residents feeling heard and respected. 

Plus, happy residents = less turnover, and happy owners = growth. Win-win all around! 

I'm Dave Peschio, the owner of PMI Richmond. I would appreciate the chance to discuss how we could potentially partner to help manage your portfolio. You can learn more about us by visiting our website at PMIRichmond.com.
Please let me know if you're interested in setting up a time to chat.
Thank you,Dave

Yes, I’d absolutely recommend hiring a property manager—especially since you’re new to it and living across the country.

That $250–$300/month for a good PM is worth it for the peace of mind alone. They’ll handle tenant issues, maintenance, rent collection, and local laws, which can get tricky when you’re not nearby. Just make sure to interview a few and check reviews before committing.

All Property Management Companies should have a system in place for backup coverage and emergency work orders when an employee is on vacation or otherwise unavailable. Tenants rely on timely responses, and should not be left in the dark or dependent on a single point of contact.

Ideally, when a property manager is scheduled to be out of office, there should be clear communication about who is covering their responsibilities. Automated replies alone are not sufficient in urgent situations. There should also be better coordination between the property manager and the maintenance scheduling team to ensure important issues are handled without delay. A 24/7 emergency hotline should be made available as well.

The realtor's response is actually in line with how tenant screening typically works.

1. Privacy and Fair Housing Laws: Tenant credit reports and background checks contain sensitive personal information, and under the Fair Housing Act and privacy laws, landlords are generally prohibited from receiving this kind of detailed information directly unless the prospective tenant has given explicit consent. In most cases, the realtor is the one who handles this information and uses it to assess the applicant's qualifications.
2. Consent and Process: The realtor may not be able to send you the actual credit report or background check for privacy reasons. However, you can still get a sense of the tenant’s suitability through a few options:
   • Summary of Information: The realtor can provide you with a summary of the tenant’s qualifications (e.g., credit score, income, and other key factors) without violating privacy laws.
   • Tenant Authorization: If you want more direct access to the full credit and background report, you could ask the prospective tenant to sign a consent form that authorizes the realtor or the screening company to share the details with you.
3. Verification Process: While the realtor may not be able to send the full reports, they should be able to answer questions about how the tenant is performing in their background check (e.g., if the tenant has a clean criminal history, eviction record, etc.). Additionally, if you have concerns, you can request the reports yourself from the tenant or the realtor if they have the tenant's permission.

It’s understandable that you want to verify everything thoroughly before making a decision, but the realtor’s hands are likely tied by privacy regulations. You may want to ask them to provide as much detailed information as they legally can or to guide you through the process of obtaining the reports directly.

It really comes down to hiring a property management company/Realtor. Before accepting them to lease a property know what their qualifications are for accepting an applicant. If you agree then trust the process.

We include dishwashers in most of our units, but I would say they’re more of a necessity for the larger homes and units. That said, I completely understand your concerns about the risks and maintenance associated with dishwashers in rentals. They can indeed be a high-maintenance feature with potential for costly damage, particularly in multi-level properties.

However, they are often seen as a desirable amenity by tenants and could influence rental value and marketability. One possible compromise might be to assess the demand and price point in your area. If you’re targeting higher-end renters or families, a dishwasher might be a dealbreaker. On the other hand, for smaller units or studio apartments, skipping the dishwasher might be a practical, cost-saving option.

Another approach could involve investing in higher-quality, more reliable dishwashers and ensuring tenants are educated about proper use and maintenance. Adding a water leak sensor or protective measures to prevent damage might mitigate the risk. But ultimately, it comes down to your market and financial strategy—whether the potential returns justify the costs and risks.