LANDLORD, OWNER, AND INVESTOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Our Property Management Company, Our Services, And Our Approach to Property Management

Should you have any additional questions, please contact us at 407-557-3164 or go to www.TheAllegiantAdvantage.com

  • Why does Allegiant Management Group refer to “tenants” as residents?

    Our reasonings for this is that it has been proven that Referring to renters as "Residents" rather than "Tenants" can create a more positive and inclusive atmosphere, emphasizing their role in the community rather than just their contractual agreement. It reflects a customer-centric approach to property management, aiming to foster a sense of belonging and partnership between the management company and the individuals living in the properties they manage.

    Using "Tenant" in our Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)below acknowledges that this term may still be commonly understood and used within the context of property management, ensuring clarity and consistency in communication with clients.

  • Are your Property Managers licensed?

    Absolutely, all our property managers and leasing agents are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to provide real estate services in the state of Florida. Additionally, we take pride in being esteemed members of reputable organizations such as the National Association of Residential Property Managers® (NARPM®), the National Association of Realtors®, Florida Realtors®, and the Osceola County Association of Realtors®.

  • Can you assist in getting my property in 'rental ready' condition?

    Absolutely! We offer a comprehensive range of services through our network of vetted vendors, all of whom are licensed and insured. Whether you need help with general cleaning, lock changes, carpet cleaning, painting, flooring, or even larger-scale general contracting work, we've got you covered. Just let us know your needs, and we'll be happy to assist you in finding the right solution.

  • How long will it take to rent my property?

    While there's no guaranteed timeframe, we prioritize swift turnaround. Our approach, rooted in the APC method, focuses on Advertising, Price, and Condition to secure quality tenants efficiently.

    We employ a multifaceted marketing strategy, promoting your rental across 100+ websites such as Zillow.com, Realtor.com, Trulia.com, Hotpads.com, and Apartments.com, alongside the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Additionally, we leverage yard signs where permitted and receive referrals from fellow REALTORS®/Real Estate Agents and Property Managers.

    Pricing and property condition are pivotal. We collaborate with you to develop a pricing strategy aligned with the market and ensure your property is rent-ready. Our goal is to streamline the process, attracting tenants promptly while maintaining quality standards.

  • When will I receive my rental funds?

    Assuming rent is paid on time and clears our bank, rental proceeds are typically disbursed between the 10th and the 15th of each month. Please note that this timeline may be subject to variation due to weekends and holidays.

    Rest assured; you'll receive prompt notification once payments have been sent directly to your account via ACH/Direct Deposit.

  • Do you provide monthly statements to owners each month?

    Absolutely! Owner Statements are conveniently accessible through our AMG online owner portal, available 24/7, 365 days a year. Typically, we post these statements on or around the 15th of each month. Additionally, year-end statements are readily available for your convenience.

  • Do I have to turn on the utilities on when there is no tenant?

    Yes, we require it for several reasons

    1. Enhanced Presentation: Keeping utilities on ensures that your property presents itself well to potential tenants. A well-lit and properly ventilated space makes a positive impression, often leading to quicker rentals. The increased rental income typically offsets the utility costs.
    2. Mold Prevention: Particularly during warmer months, maintaining a regulated temperature prevents the property from becoming excessively hot, reducing the risk of mold growth. This proactive measure safeguards both the property's condition and the health of future tenants.
    3. Pre-Move-in Inspection: To guarantee a smooth transition for incoming tenants, we conduct thorough pre-move-in walkthroughs. Having utilities active allows us to verify the functionality of appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other essential systems. This attention to detail sets the stage for a positive tenant experience.

    We do have assistance available If you encounter any challenges in setting up utilities, we're here to help. Our team can assist you in arranging services for a nominal fee, ensuring a hassle-free process.

    By keeping utilities on during vacancies, you not only maintain the property's appeal but also uphold its integrity and readiness for new occupants.

  • Do you do periodic inspections/condition assessments?

    Absolutely. The frequency of inspections varies depending on factors such as property type and lease issues. However, as a standard practice, we conduct a minimum of one inspection or condition assessment per year. Inspections are vital to preserving your property and your investment.

  • Do you get my approval before doing any maintenance work?

    We will contact you regardingany issues that will require work that will exceed the cost of $400.00 within a 30-day period.

  • Do you handle Section 8 or Housing Assistance Programs?

    Certainly. We are currently collaborating with multiple housing authorities and are well-versed in their processes and procedures. Additionally, we possess the capabilities to engage with housing assistance programs. Each housing authority or housing assistance program has distinct qualifications, and it is imperative to adhere to all guidelines.

  • How long does an eviction typically take in Central Florida?

    Typically, an eviction process in Central Florida spans 30-60 days. Various factors may contribute to delays, including tenant disputes or court process delays (e.g., during the December holiday season or due to a particular county court's schedule). Eviction procedures can vary, so feel free to reach out with any inquiries regarding our approach to evictions or if you require a referral to a reputable local real estate/eviction attorney.

  • How will the IRS know that I rent my property?

    If you receive rental income, your management company is obligated to report it to the IRS. They will file either IRS Form 1099-MISC (for US Citizens or Residents) or Form 1042-S (for Non-Resident Aliens) to report the collected rental income during the tax year. You will also receive a copy of this form. To facilitate this process, we require a completed and signed W-9 (for US Citizens or Residents) or W-8ECI (for Non-Resident Aliens) from all our property owner/investors upon management of the property.

  • How much is your yearly leasing and property management fee?

    Industry standards typically range from 10% to 20% of the annual rental revenue. However, each property has unique needs and requirements. Please contact our office for a no-pressure consultation tailored to your property and the specific services you require. Additionally, for owners or investors seeking a more hands-on approach, we provide options such as tenant placement only and à la carte services.

  • How soon can you start managing my home?

    We can start assisting you as soon as today. Give us a call at 407-557-3164 and we will provide you with a no-pressure consultation.

  • Should we allow pets in our property?

    Many owners ask us whether to allow pets in their properties. We typically recommend allowing pets in most cases. Consider this: after the COVID-19 pandemic, it's estimated that over 60% of households have a pet. By allowing pets, you significantly broaden your pool of potential tenants.

    If it takes just one additional month to find a tenant who doesn't have pets, consider the financial impact. In most cases, the loss from extended vacancy outweighs the potential damage from pets. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your options.

    Please note that Service Animals, including Emotional Support/Therapy Animals for persons with disabilities or medical needs, are not considered pets and must be allowed. According to Federal and State Law, no pet fee, pet rent, or pet deposit can be collected for a Service Animal, Assistance Animal, or Emotional/Therapy Support Animal.

  • What are the terms of your property management agreement?

    Our rental home property management agreement is tailored to address the specific needs of each rental property and the resources it demands. To uphold our commitment to transparency, we've highlighted any fee-related information in yellow within the agreement. It's important to note that not all mentioned fees may be applicable to your current situation. We prioritize clarity and transparency, avoiding any hidden charges. Should you have any questions or need further clarification on any aspect, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist you at every step.

  • What areas of Central Florida do you cover?

    We manage properties within Orange, Osceola, Polk, Lake, Volusia, and Seminole counties. Contact us today to see if your property is within our portfolio radius. If we don’t currently manage in your area, we probably know someone who can! Let us be your resource!

  • What is the process for hiring you as my property management company?

    1. We conduct an initial, no-pressure consultation to better understand your needs and goals for your properties. During this consultation, we will provide you with a market analysis. At this time, we strive to answer any additional questions you may have to ensure your confidence in our firm. We firmly believe that when each party understands their responsibilities, the relationship becomes more symbiotic
    2. We will send you the required documents electronically for signature or deliver them in person.
    3. If at any point you have further questions after reviewing the information, please feel free to address them with our office. We have no problem answering as many questions as you have and helping you better understand the process.
    4. In the meantime, gather up 3 front door keys: 1 for us and 2 for the future tenant. Also, collect garage door remotes, HOA remotes, mailbox keys, etc. Additionally, gather any other important information such as HOA phone numbers, insurance documents, and your bank information. We will provide you with our owner’s checklist to assist you in ensuring you have everything you need!
    5. Once we have executed the documents and obtained keys, we promptly visit the property, take pictures, conduct a current rental market analysis to determine the final listing price, review it with the owner, and place ads within 24 to 48 business hours. Easy, isn't it? Call us today, and your property can be leased by tomorrow!
  • What property management experience and credentials do you offer?

    We leverage extensive property management experience to your advantage, offering deep insight into the Central Florida rental market. Everyone who performs real estate service functions holds an active real estate license, all regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Additionally, we are members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers® (NARPM®), the National Association of Realtors®, Florida Realtors®, and the Osceola County Association of Realtors®. Some of our team members hold designations such as RMP® (Residential Management Professional), C2EX (Realtor’s® Commitment to Excellence), and AHWD (At Home with Diversity® Certified).

  • What services is your property management company able to provide?

    A short list would include:

    • Conducting no-pressure consultations
    • Providing accurate rental market analysis
    • Evaluating properties and offering rent-ready recommendations for optimal rental value
    • Facilitating maintenance with exceptional care
    • Ensuring compliance
    • Handling residential leasing activities
    • Implementing industry-leading advertising and marketing strategies
    • Providing access to property management forms
    • Conducting thorough tenant screening
    • Collecting rent
    • Offering ACH/direct deposit of rental proceeds
    • Assisting in arranging eviction services
    • Managing security deposit claims and escrow
    • Drafting attorney-prepared lease agreements
    • Conducting move-in/move-out inspections and condition assessments
    • Performing periodic inspections and condition assessments
    • Generating monthly reports and annual statements
    • Providing additional financial reporting and accounting services
  • What type of rental properties do you manage?

    Our Central Florida property management services are catered towards single family rental homes, townhomes, duplexes, multi-family, condos, and vacant homes (yes, ask us about vacant home management services).

  • What's the Central Florida rental market like at this time?

    Excellent question! As the market is constantly evolving, please give us a call to discuss the current conditions. Each property is unique, and as they say, it's all about location. Reach out today for your FREE Rental Analysis, or obtain it here in SECONDS: www.TheAllegiantAdvantage.com

  • Who holds the tenant’s security deposit?

    We hold all deposits for any properties we manage in our non-interest-bearing trust account, as required by Florida Statutes. Security deposits must be held in a Florida-based bank account. For properties where we onboard tenants previously placed, and the landlord is holding the security deposit, that deposit must be transferred to our office, and we will follow the required resident notification protocols.

  • Who is responsible for the utilities?

    In general, tenants are responsible for all utilities from the start to the end of the lease. However, before move-in and after the tenant moves out, the owner is responsible for keeping utilities (electricity and water) on to ensure the property can be shown to prospective tenants in the best light possible (no pun intended). If needed, we can assist you with the process of turning utilities on or off. Some HOAs and COAs include various utilities in their community fees/dues. For specific details, please consult your HOA or COA.

  • Why do all owners need to sign the agreement?

    We require written permission from all owners to lease/manage a property. According to Florida law, all property owners must consent to allowing a tenant to move in and authorize our property management company to place a tenant.

  • Why do I need a $500.00 owner’s escrow deposit upon execution of the agreement?

    This is not a fee. These are funds we hold on the owner's behalf for:

    1. Perhaps your property requires regular services like lawn maintenance, pool cleaning, or other monthly services.
    2. Or you've requested us to manage utilities under our name at your property.
    3. Maybe your property isn't in rental-ready condition and needs services like carpet cleaning, general cleaning, or repairs.
    4. Essentially, we have the resources available to handle any necessary tasks at your property or to arrange required services. This is especially crucial when there's a tenant in place, as prompt action is essential.

    Upon discontinuing our management of your property, whether you decide to move back in or sell, the funds in your Owner Escrow Account are disbursed back to you. It's important to note that this is not a fee but money we hold for owners to ensure vendors are paid promptly. Our experience indicates that when vendors are paid promptly, they complete the work swiftly (keeping the tenant satisfied), at a competitive price (keeping you content), and with quality results (which every owner appreciates). Additionally, according to Florida law, we cannot utilize the tenant's security deposit to cover maintenance issues at the property. The tenant's deposit is held in escrow until it is lawfully and properly disbursed to the appropriate party.

  • Why owners choose us to manage their property.

    We pride ourselves on being the best in property management. Our expertise is evident in our commitment to continuous education and strong ethical standards. As the epitome of peace of mind property management, we excel in effective communication, maximizing investments, extensive advertising, prompt responses to calls and property showings, and staying updated on advancing technologies and current rental market trends. We are dedicated to ensuring we are always prepared to serve our clients to the highest standard.

  • Will you use my Home Warranty?

    Certainly. Kindly furnish us with your account information, and we can manage any Home Warranty requirements on your behalf. It's important to note that in the event of a maintenance emergency, we may need to utilize alternative resources to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as to safeguard the property itself.

  • Can I leave my property on the for-sale market while you all find me a tenant?

    Yes, you can keep your property on the market for sale while we advertise it for rent. However, once we find a qualified tenant, it will need to be removed from the for-sale market. We will coordinate with your listing agent to ensure alignment throughout the process. Please be aware that some advertising may be impacted when both sale and rental listings are syndicated simultaneously. If your property isn't selling and you're considering other options, feel free to reach out to us to explore how we can assist you further.

  • How do you disburse rental proceeds to Owners?

    We disburse your rental proceeds via ACH/Direct Deposit, directly to your desired bank account. Disbursements are sent between the 10th and 15th of the month.

  • Do I have to pay the fee for performing a furnishing inventory if my property has no furnishings?

    No, the furnished unit inventory fee exclusively applies to furnished units.

  • Is smoking allowed in your properties?

    As a policy, smoking is prohibited in any property managed by Allegiant Management Group to safeguard your investment. This provision is included in our standard attorney-prepared lease agreement.

  • How much will my rental property rent for?

    We are experts in understanding the Central Florida market and assessing your property's value. Call us today for a FREE RENTAL ANALYSIS at 407-557-3164 or get it here in SECONDS: www.TheAllegiantAdvantage.com

  • What is your application criteria?

    All our properties follow the same approval process and application criteria. Allegiant Management Group is committed to compliance with all federal, state, and local housing laws. You can view our complete Application Criteria here: https://www.amgrents.com/application-criteria

  • How long as Allegiant Management Group been in business?

    We have been in business since 2012. Since then, we have come a long way and are grateful to still have many original clients with us! We will continue to make our mark on Central Florida for years to come!

  • How many properties do your currently manage?

    Our office manages over 300 residential properties in the Central Florida area.

  • Do you provide À la Carte Services?

    Absolutely! For those owners who prefer a more hands-on approach or require assistance with notices, inspections, or attorney-prepared lease agreements, our À la Carte services are tailored to meet the needs of self-managing landlords who may need occasional support. Explore our full list of À la Carte services here:

  • Since you’re a fully licensed Real Estate firm do you handle buying and selling?

    Yes, we do.As a property management client, you are not required to use us for the sale or purchase of any property. You have the right to choose whomever you think would best serve your property and your goals. While there are many benefits to using our brokerage, you can do your due diligence and be the one to decide. Reach out to us today, and we will connect you with one of our knowledgeable sales agents to see how we can best serve your needs.

  • How are tenants able to pay rent?

    During the initial leasing process, tenants are required to make payments using cleared funds, such as a Money Order or Cashier’s Check. Throughout the tenancy, tenants have the option to pay rent using a Personal Check, Money Order, Cashier’s Check, or through our Online Portal using a Credit Card or E-Check. Cleared funds are also required for late payments and any other payment-related issues, such as Insufficient Funds or Returned Checks.

  • What insurance coverage is required for my property?

    It is essential to acquire and maintain sufficient insurance coverage for potential damage and liability concerning the occupancy, management, operation, or maintenance of the Premises. Per our management agreement, a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage is mandated. We advise reaching out to your insurance agent to review your coverage.

  • Are tenants required to get renters insurance?

    We have chosen not to mandate it in our lease agreements due to the challenges associated with tracking, enforcement, and ensuring proper notifications of coverage lapses or cancellations. However, the lease agreement strongly encourages tenants to obtain contents coverage. In the best interest of our property owners, we have proactively established a master renters insurance policy for all tenants in our care. Every tenant within our portfolio is automatically enrolled in a complimentary renters insurance policy, offering $10,000 in contents coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage. This ensures that there is always an active policy in place, providing peace of mind to all parties involved (please note that these services are subject to change).

  • Are there any additional fees or hidden costs?

    No. In line with our commitment to transparency, we’d like to note that all fee-related information is conveniently highlighted in yellow within our management agreement. Please note that not all fees mentioned may apply to your current situation; we firmly believe in clarity and transparency and avoid any hidden charges or surprises. Should you have any questions or require further clarification on any aspect or any fee, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

  • Are your property management fees negotiable?

    While we understand that negotiations are common in real estate, we prioritize delivering exceptional customer service and value to our clients. Our management fees reflect the high level of service, expertise, and value we consistently provide to our property owners. We believe in transparent pricing that aligns with the quality of service you can expect from us. Reach out to us to learn more about our transparent fee structure.

  • Am I able to be in contact with the tenants?

    It's crucial for your best interests that once we assume management of your property, you refrain from direct communication with tenants. This policy is outlined in detail in our management agreement and strictly enforced.

  • Do you up-charge on any maintenance?

    We take pride in our commitment to never up-charging or accepting any kickbacks on maintenance services. Our approach involves engaging only third-party vendors who are licensed, insured, and thoroughly vetted. Utilizing advanced software, we offer complete transparency to our property owners. From the initial maintenance request to the final invoice, everything is conveniently accessible in one centralized platform.

  • What if my tenant doesn’t pay their rent?

    According to our lease agreement, rent is due on the first day of each month, with a three-day grace period extended. While the majority of our tenants adhere to this schedule, occasional delays in payment do occur. Late fees will be assessed starting on the fourth day of the month for outstanding payments. If payment is still not received, we will issue a '3 Day or 8 Day Notice to Pay or Deliver Possession' to the tenant. Should the notice expire without payment, we may initiate eviction proceedings. It's important to note that full evictions are infrequent and can typically be avoided or resolved through effective communication with the tenant.

  • I already have a tenant in place, can you assume management mid tenancy?

    Yes, we usually can. We review on a case-by-case basis. There are many factors to be considered here. We would need to review a few things prior to taking on management of the property such as current lease agreements, tenant ledgers, and any specific pertinent information. If you are looking to onboard your property with a tenant in place, contact us today to see how we can help!

  • I am currently with another property management company, but I am not happy. Am I able to switch to yours?

    In many instances, yes, this is feasible and occurs regularly. We review each instance on a case-by-case basis. Please review the cancellation or termination clauses outlined in your current management agreement to ensure you grasp your obligations concerning cancellation. We cannot proceed with an agreement until we have received confirmation of your cancellation from your current property manager. We will collaborate with your current property management company to smoothly transition the property into our portfolio. We adhere to a specific process to ensure compliance and facilitate a seamless transition for all involved parties.