All Forum Posts by: Mark Hall

Does anyone have a template they use to track their historical repairs on their units?  I currently own and manage a number of units and want to keep track of the repairs completed.  For example on an individual unit level: when were dryer vents cleaned, toilet wax rings replaced, drains unclogged.  For the buildings, furnace inspections, roofs replaced, exterior painted, etc.  

I use a PM tool that allows me to create invoices and intake requests from tenants, but it doesn't provide an overview/snapshot view of these types of items.  

How do others keep track of these items?  Do you have a template you would be willing to share?

Thanks,

Mark

I currently manage 7 rental units and have been thinking about installing some home automation devices to better help manage the properties and receive alerts.  

Idea 1: we pay for heat in one of the buildings. I have been thinking of installing nest thermostats in each unit. First, so that tenants can have a programmable thermostat. But, second, so I can make sure if folks are on vacation they are turning it down.  Is this to 'big-brotherish'? Have others installed similar thermostats to help control heating costs? 

Idea 2: One of our buildings has smoke alarms that go off for no reason.  All of the smokes are now no older than a year, but the problem still persists.  I was thinking of putting in nest smokes which would allow me to get an alert if one was to go off.  Have others done something similar? I am not sure the alarms would pass State Fire code, but I am going to check.  

I know that for large apartment buildings there are a lot more options for automation and alerts, but have others had success in automating 1-4 unit multi families?  What products have you used, and where have you had success?  

Thanks,

Mark