Owner FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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What sets Mission City Property Management apart in the Santa Barbara market?
We stand out through our commitment to relationships and leveraging technology for streamlined property management. -
How and when are property owners paid each month?
We process owner payouts via direct deposit, reliably by the 10th of every month. Along with the payment, you'll receive detailed reports and copies of invoices for full transparency. -
Can I use my own vendor for property maintenance and repairs?
We welcome the addition of certified and reputable vendors to our network. However, each vendor must meet our partnership requirements for safety and professionalism. If your vendor doesn't meet these standards, we cannot authorize their services due to risk and liability considerations. -
Do you support home warranty services?
We choose not to use Home Warranty Services due to their tendency to delay repairs and complicate coordination, which can negatively impact tenant experiences. We prioritize swift and effective maintenance solutions through our established processes. -
What is a maintenance coordination fee, and when is it applied?
Our maintenance coordination fee, set at 10% on maintenance costs, is essential for providing your tenants with round-the-clock, efficient maintenance services. This fee ensures quick, high-quality repairs, enhancing tenant satisfaction and property value. Note that this fee does not apply to recurring expenses like gardener payments. Your tenants will benefit from 24/7/365 maintenance support, and for full transparency, all paid invoices are included in your monthly statement, giving you a clear view of maintenance activities. -
Do you buy and sell real estate?
We specialize exclusively in property management, not real estate sales. But we understand the importance of these services, so we're connected with experienced local real estate agents to whom we can refer you, ensuring you receive expert assistance. -
How does Mission City Property Management handle tenant screening and selection?
By entrusting us with tenant selection, you benefit from a process that's both compliant with fair housing guidelines and streamlined for efficiency. We handle all aspects of screening to secure the best tenants while upholding legal and ethical standards. Screening Criteria. -
What is the difference between Full Service Management and the Peace of Mind service?
While both services ensure meticulous management, the Peace of Mind service, at a 12% monthly fee, provides a superior level of care by including lease renewals, and Landlord Protection through SureVestor. It further benefits owners by not charging a maintenance coordination fee for projects until they cumulatively exceed $7,500. This comprehensive package is ideal for those seeking extensive coverage and risk mitigation, alongside reducing the leasing fee to 30% of the first month's rent. -
What is the process for setting and adjusting rent prices?
Our rent-setting process involves thorough market research, ensuring your property's rent is both competitive and reasonable. By maintaining communication with owners and tenants, we aim to manage rent adjustments in a way that considers the investment aspect of your property and the well-being of the tenants, while also keeping turnover costs like lost rent and property readiness in check. -
What type of properties do you manage?
We focus our expertise on unfurnished long-term rentals, encompassing a range of properties from single-family homes and condos to multi-unit investment properties. Our specialization extends to managing multi-unit buildings of up to 14 units, ensuring each property receives our full attention and expertise. -
How much security deposit do you charge the tenant?
AB12 was recently passed which limits all security deposits to one month's rent effective July 2024. -
Who holds the security deposit?
The tenant security deposit is held by Mission City Property Management. This practice is important for maintaining an impartial and professional handling of these funds. It allows us to efficiently manage the deposit in accordance with state laws and regulations, ensuring a smooth process for both tenants and owners at the end of the tenancy.