Newsletter
March 2010
In This Issue
Property Maintenance is a Must!
Desperate Times Call For Security Measures
Lead Testing Now Required in Detroit
Quick Links
E- Deposits 
e deposit
We are pleased to announce that we now have E-Deposit capabilities for owners who wish to receive their monthly rental payments electronically. The settlement date for this feature is the 14th of each month, with a second run between the 21st and 24th for any late payments received.
If you wish to receive E-Deposits, simply log in to your Owner Portal and input your banking information to the designated fields, then send us an email once your information is in.*
Contact Info
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23944 Eureka Rd.
Suite 105
Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: 734-287-6619
Fax: 734-287-9210
www.garnerproperties.com
 
Greetings!

This month, we have a few real-life examples to share with all of you that highlight why some of our more owner-resistant policies were created.
Property Maintenance is a Must!
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For anyone who has ever had an unexpected repair cost show up on their monthly statement, consider the following:
 
This past week our attorney was in court to secure Judgments for tenants who had not paid rent. As the proceedings were about to begin, the judge suddenly called out to the entire court room for anyone who had repair issues at the house they were renting to raise their hand. The court then proceeded to hear the tenant claims, and arbitrarily suspend any case the judge felt necessary until the repairs are done.
 
Not only will the eviction process on these cases be extended 2-4 weeks longer than usual, but, the attorney will have to make another appearance in court.
 
We certainly understand why there would be some resistance to doing repairs at a house where the tenants are not paying rent, but the above example is the prime reason we do our best to act quickly on any relevant issues that arise. In the long run, it is far more expensive to have a judge delay your case, then to complete a repair.
Desperate Times Call For Security Measures
Call Center
Last month we rolled out a new policy that all Detroit properties will automatically get secured by No Zone Security if/when they become vacant unless owners opt-out. For anyone who may have reservations about this policy, read on.
 
Last week, four properties that had not yet been secured were completely stripped within a three day period. Two of the homes had tenants waiting to move in. Because all of the homes will now require new plumbing, hot water tanks, and furnaces, the tenants have been forced to wait, and the owners are out about $3,000 each.
 
The warmer months will only bring more attempts for these complete "strip-outs". Not to mention that an unsecured home is also a lot more appealing to potential squatters then one with steel door and window blocks. Once again, we strongly suggest that everyone participate in keeping these homes secure.
Lead Testing Now Required in Detroit
EPA
We would like to let everyone know about a new policy that will be set in motion immediately for all properties in Detroit.

A few days ago, we were sent a notice that the city of Detroit will now require Lead Clearance before allowing a property within the city to be registered as a rental and releasing the certificate of occupancy. To obtain Lead Clearance, the property must be tested by a certified and licensed lead inspector; the city gave an estimated cost of this testing to be approximately $450-$600 for a single family home.

Properties that currently have a Certificate of Occupancy will have to be tested upon renewal, but any properties currently in the registration process will have to be done right away. This new requirement is certainly unexpected but is none the less a necessary expense-especially considering that the fines for non-compliance can range in the thousands.

We are currently in negotiations with a few contractors in an effort to secure the best rate for our clients until we can have one of our staff members certified in testing. For more information on Lead Clearance, click here.
I am always open to suggestions for future newsletters, so if you have a topic you'd like to see discussed or explained, please let me know.
 
Sincerely,
 

Chris Garner
Garner Properties & Management
*Please note: there will be a $1.00 fee per E-Deposit transaction.*
$100
Word of Mouth is our best advertising and we really appreciate your referrals. If you know of anyone that can use our services, please refer them.
 
Send me an email with the prospective clients' information and I will be very glad to send you $100 if they sign up.
Newsletter:Client Referral