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 multifamily owners a natural gas rate hike means higher housing costs hurting renter flexibility, renewals, and collections

NW Natural Gas Seeks 19% Rate Hike in SW Washington

For multifamily owners in southwest Washington this natural gas rate hike is not a utility story it is a higher housing cost story that hits renter flexibility, renewals and collections. By Aaron Kirk Douglas Northwest Natural...
Portland landlords hit with transportation utility fee of $12 monthly charge for single-family homes, and $8.40 per unit for multifamily

Portland Landlords Hit With New Transportation Fee

The Portland City Council has approved a new transportation utility fee, which will appear as a $12 monthly charge on utility bills for typical single-family homes, and $8.40 per unit for most multifamily households,...
The national median rent increased by 0.5 percent in April, increasing for the third month following six straight monthly rent declines

April Saw Another Monthly Rent Increase

The national median rent increased by 0.5 percent in April, increasing for the third consecutive month following six straight monthly rent declines as vacancy index dropped also, Apartment List writes in the May report. “We...
This checklist before a tenant moves out  is general guidance confirm your jurisdiction’s requirements before acting on any deduction or claim

25 Things Landlords Should Check Before A Tenant Move Out

Landlord–tenant laws vary by state and locality. This checklist before a tenant moves out  is general guidance; always confirm your jurisdiction’s specific security deposit, inspection, and notice requirements before acting on any deduction or...
The true cost of the rising threat of fraud in multifamily and a practical guide to protecting revenue, reputation, and resident experience.

Fraud: Multifamily’s Rising Threat

The rising threat of fraud in multifamily, where it is coming from, and a practical guide to protecting revenue, reputation, and resident experience. By Paul Willis Fraud remains prevalent in the multifamily industry and shows no...
Guest cards in rental housing play a role in demonstrating that all prospects are treated equally and shaping both the prospect experience

The Paper Trail Strikes Back: Why Guest Cards In Rental Housing Matter More Than...

Guest cards in rental housing play a critical role in demonstrating that all prospects are treated equally from the outset and shaping both the prospect experience and a property's compliance posture. By The Fair Housing...
What Portland's Inclusionary Zoning started in 2017 for affordable housing actually produced and how it it skewed apartment development

Implications For Landlords In Portland’s Housing Package

After months of discussion, the Portland City Council approved a $56 million housing package on April 8 aimed at stabilizing renters, but the measure also carries important implications for landlords operating in the city. While...
Speed and ease matter the most to renters in the renting experience while long-term renting is becoming a deliberate housing strategy

Speed And Ease Matter Most In The Renting Experience

A new survey of renters shows speed and ease matter the most in the renting experience at the same time long-term renting is becoming a deliberate housing strategy for millions of Americans. The Rently 2026...
What Portland's Inclusionary Zoning started in 2017 for affordable housing actually produced and how it it skewed apartment development

Portland City Council Considers Bailing Out Landlords

Portland Oregon city officials say they plan to consider a proposal to spend millions of dollars to bail out landlords and pay off mortgages held by landlords of low-income housing, according to reports. The...

Washington Removes Certified Mail Requirement For Eviction Notices

Washington State has removed the certified mail requirement for eviction notices while Vancouver moves forward with rental registration. By Aaron Kirk Douglas While Washington has removed the certified mail requirement for eviction notices, local jurisdictions like...