Management & Maintenance

This department of Rental Housing Journal is your source for property management and maintenance information. Whether you’re an independent landlord, portfolio manager, on-site community manager, leasing agent or apartment maintenance professional, the site is dedicated to bringing tips, best practices and information to help make your job easier and keep you up to date and educated.

For many prospective residents accessibility is not about the physical property but about online and your property management website.

Why Digital Accessibility Matters in Property Management

Remember for many prospective residents accessibility is not about the physical property but about online and your property management website. By The Fair Housing Institute When property management professionals hear the word “accessibility,” they often think...
Median Portland June rent rose by 0.5% over the course of June and is now $1,556 per month according to Apartment List.

Portland Rents Continue To Rise Slowly

The median Portland June rent rose by 0.5% over the course of June, according to the July report from Apartment List, and is now $1,556 per month. While the recent rent increases are encouraging, Portland...
A 30-minute delay by leasing agents in responding to a tour request reduces renter engagement likelihood from 40% to just 10%.

Renter Interest Drops If Leasing Agents Do Not Respond Quickly

A new study shows that a 30-minute delay in responding to a tour request by leasing agents reduces renter engagement likelihood from 40% to just 10%. Renter interest does not just fade gradually over days....
Oregon multifamily owners who have considered converting their apartment communities to smoke-free housing may want to start planning now.

Oregon Multifamily Owners Going Smoke-Free Should Plan Now

Oregon multifamily owners who have considered converting their apartment communities to smoke-free housing under the new law may want to start planning now. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, House Bill 4120 gives apartment owners a clear...
The end of Portland's five-year Cooling Portland initiative doesn't end the debate over cooling in rental housing.

Oregon Landlords Should Pay Attention As Portland’s Cooling Program Ends

The end of Portland's five-year Cooling Portland initiative doesn't end the debate over cooling in rental housing so Oregon landlords should pay attention. As Spokane, Washington’s cooling ordinance returns with teeth, a July 15 vote...
As the 2026 leasing season continues, property managers and independent landlords should review lease documents and operating procedures

Five Utah Lease Items Landlords Should Check For 2026 During Lease Renewals

The Utah Legislature made some changes in landlord laws this year. As the 2026 leasing season continues, property managers and independent landlords should review lease documents and operating procedures to ensure they reflect the...
Spokane landlords must provide some air conditioning to tenants following a vote by the Spokane City Council on the “right to cooling” law

Spokane’s Cooling Ordinance Returns With Teeth

As Spokane's cooling ordinance returns, a July 15 vote could change how Washington landlords operate if the ordinance becomes a template for other cities in Washington and Oregon. By Aaron Kirk Douglas Washington's most immediate policy...
The most dangerous leasing signal word when reviewing your leasing performance is “fine.” It can show up when occupancy reads high

Why “We’re Doing Fine” Is The Most Dangerous Leasing Signal

The most dangerous leasing signal word when reviewing your leasing performance is “fine.” It can show up when occupancy reads high, the lead count looks full, and the risk that should worry you is...
Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative has announced the winners for 2026 Pets & Housing Awards.

Pets & Housing Award Winners For 2026

Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative has announced the winners for 2026 Pets & Housing Awards. The fifth annual Pets & Housing Awards honors organizations, properties, nonprofits, and policymakers that are helping create communities...
Lawmakers passed more than 50 new Oregon laws impacting landlords during the legislative session this year that went into effect in June.

New Oregon Laws Affecting Landlords Went Into Effect This Month

Oregon lawmakers passed more than 50 new Oregon laws with some impacting landlords during the legislative session earlier this year that went into effect in early June. Here is a look at the laws now...