Essential Tips for St. Louis and St. Charles Property Management As a landlord in St. Louis or St. Charles, making sure that you have a cash flowing and successful rental property is going to need careful planning and attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes can...
As a landlord, one of your primary goals is to keep your St. Louis rental property occupied with tenants who are willing to stay for an extended period. Having long-term tenants can provide you with stability and predictability in your cash flow, and it can also help...
Knowing the difference between wear and tear in a St. Louis rental property is imperative if you’re a landlord and doing your own move out security deposit dispositions. Security deposit disposition is when the tenant moves out, and you are assessing what damage to...
St. Louis Missouri is a vibrant and bustling city that has seen a lot of growth and development in recent years. With its thriving economy, rich cultural heritage, and excellent quality of life, it’s no surprise that many people are flocking to this city to call...
Hi, my name is Danielle Ohlms and I’m the broker and owner here at Keyrenter St Charles Property Management. It’s truly been an extraordinary time in the St. Charles real estate industry these last couple of years, and as things start to wind down, I wanted to talk...
Here in the St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri area, our rental market tends to slow down in the colder months. Tenants don’t want to move during cold or inclement weather, and they also don’t want to uproot their kiddos in the middle of the school year. As a...
When you own a rental property, whether that’s in St. Louis or St. Charles, or really anywhere, sometimes it can be difficult to determine what items you’re responsible for, and what your tenant is responsible for. Each state is going to have different laws when it...
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Keyrenter St. Charles Property Management Receives 2022 Best of St Charles Award St Charles Award Program Honors the Achievement ST CHARLES September 3, 2022 — Keyrenter St. Charles Property Management has been selected for...
Successful rental owners follow these guidelines to ensure the success of their rental, and maximize their owning experience. 1. Treat your rental property like a business… because it is a business! 2. Have a financial reserve set aside for the “unexpected.” Placing...
So you have a rental property in St. Charles, and you’ve got a friend or family member wanting to rent it from you. Sounds perfect, right? You’ll know who is living in your rental property, so they’ll take better care of it and pay rent on time. Peace of mind for...
The St. Louis real estate market is shifting, and what once was a major seller’s market is now quickly evening out for buyers. Sellers are seeing longer days on market and not as competitive of offers as before. This is leading more and more sellers to turn to renting...
When remodeling your rental home, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits. However, because upgrading a home is never a cheap process, you’ll probably want to get the most bang for your buck. This entails assessing current and prospective...
There are several factors to consider when determining the appropriate pricing for your property. You must select a rental price when you first put your home on the market or when you have a vacancy at your current rental. The perfect pricing will entice potential...
A landlord is required to see to it that their rental properties are in excellent condition. Managing a rental unit can be taxing given the time and energy required to oversee it. With plenty of people renting the unit, it can also mean more maintenance tasks to tend...
Having tenants in the rental units is the dream of every landlord. This means being able to get a regular income from the rent payments. To ensure a steady stream of income, however, you need to reduce tenant turnover and vacancy periods. The best way to achieve this...
Renting out your St. Louis home can be a great investment move because a large percentage of households in the city are occupied by renters. This means that there is a high demand for rental housing. Renters are attracted to the area because of the availability of...
Among many other obligations, Missouri landlords have certain legal obligations they must abide by. One such legal obligation is the strict adherence to the Fair Housing Act. Enacted by Congress in 1968, the Fair Housing Act bars landlords from discriminating against...
Do you know how to protect your investment property from squatters? As a property owner, it’s important that you understand squatter’s rights otherwise you could find yourself in lengthy and costly legal battles. In this piece, you’ll learn about Missouri’s laws...
Short answer: It’s legally and financially the landlord’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in the lease. As landlords, you are responsible for everything on the property. Building – interior and exterior Landscaping upkeep Driveway maintenance Lawn care and...
Are you looking to invest in St. Louis, MO real estate? St. Louis has a low inventory in housing making the rental demand shoot upwards. With more than half of its population identified as renters, investors can expect excellent returns on their St. Louis rental...
Are you thinking of buying an investment property in St. Louis, MO? Investing in real estate presents immeasurable opportunities. It provides you with an additional asset that generates a periodic, passive income source. Real estate investments are a tool to build on...
When moving out of an apartment, it is so essential that you leave this prior residence clean and in remarkable condition. That is not only the right thing to do, but it will go a long way to ensuring that your landlord is happy and that you can get back your security...
Tenants in St. Louis, just like their counterparts elsewhere, have a responsibility to abide by the terms of the lease agreement. For instance, pay rent on time, keep the premises clean and sanitary, and report maintenance issues to the landlord. Sadly, some tenants...
A lease agreement is meant to run for a certain period, usually one year. During this time, both the landlord and tenant are contractually bounded by its terms. Circumstances change, however, and your Missouri tenant can choose to move out before the lease expires....
No statute in Missouri compels landlords to ask for a security deposit from their tenants. Nonetheless, most, if not all, landlords require it, and for good reasons! Naturally, tenants will become responsible for certain bills once they sign the lease agreement and...
St. Charles is home to about 70,171 residents and over 30% of them live in rentals. The landlord-tenant relationship is guided by the state’s landlord-tenant laws. As a landlord, it’s crucial you acquaint yourself with Missouri’s laws in order to avoid legal issues...
So you have a rental property, and you’ve got a friend or family member wanting to rent it from you. Sounds perfect, right? You’ll know who is living in your property, so they’ll take better care of it and pay rent on time. Peace of mind for sure! Sometimes, it really...
If you’re going to be renting out a property here in the St. Louis or St. Charles area, more than likely you’re going to need to get an occupancy inspection. A rental occupancy inspection is when the municipality your rental property is located in will come through...
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on March 29, 2021 that they are extending the nationwide eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. This is the third time the deadline has been extended. It was set to expire March 31, however, as expected, President...
The number #1 reason tenants give for not renewing their lease is maintenance. Poor quality maintenance. Nothing is fixed, phone calls don’t get returned, so they move. That’s the number reason nationally. We don’t see this issue with our tenants, because we have an...
Looking for a way to build your wealth through investments without playing the stock market? If so, investing in real estate is the best way to go. Take it from a group of millionaires who made their fortunes this way—property is one of the most stable forms of equity...
When it comes to being a landlord, you have a big decision to make. Do you handle everything yourself, or hire a property manager to do it for you. Today, we’re breaking down some pros and cons to self-managing your rental property. PRO’S You’ll save money on...
There are many exciting and interesting things to learn about being a landlord. But, one of the most often overlooked topics is rental property tax deductions! As a new or experienced landlord, you need to take the time to become a master of your taxes to ensure...
The COVID-19 pandemic has put over 40 million people out of work in the US–a full quarter of the labor force. While there are no reliable estimates as to how many of these people are renters, we do know that nearly 50 million people in the US rent their homes. Many...
Here in the St. Louis area, our rental market tends to slow down in the colder months. People don’t want to move during cold or inclement weather, and they also don’t want to uproot their kiddos in the middle of the school year. As a landlord, it’s important to keep...
Whether you’re in Wentzville, St. Charles, St. Louis, or any city in the state of Missouri, if you’re a rental property landlord, you need to make sure you are abiding by the Missouri Landlord Tenant Law. Below, we are going to break down some of the important...
Dealing with pests in a rental property can be stressful and frustrating. Tenants and property managers sign lease agreements that state what happens in a situation when there is a pest problem. Landlords normally act quickly when it comes to pest issues as pests can...
Are you a Landlord in the St. Louis or St. Charles area? Are you, or your property management company conducting regular walk through’s of your rental property? If not, you should adjust your process to add this right away. Whether you own condos or single family...
What does the CDC Eviction Ban Moratorium Mean? On September 4, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) placed a new order on evictions, and if you are a landlord, this is something you need to be aware of. Unlike the previous CARES Act eviction moratorium, this order...
According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter weather events are the second leading cause of property insurance claims. In 2019, winter-related claims accounted for $2.1 billion in property losses. As a property owner in Missouri, you might assume that...
It’s so important to make sure your rental property is priced strategically, as this will get it rented the quickest! Today I’m outlining some tips on how to price your rental property strategically. 1 Price it right the first time! I always get asked if we can...
What’s the most expensive part of owning a rental property? (Hint: it’s not property management fees) Choosing the right property management company is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Not only will your property manager be a reflection of you and your...
What Do You Charge? Of course, you want to know what your potential new property manager is going to charge. And that’s a question I usually get asked when I first start talking to a potential new client. However, before you ask what they charge, first find out what...
Life circumstances change constantly. Only too often, people realize the home they once bought does not fit their requirements anymore. Think of a young couple buying their first home. Then, the family grows and they discover that their house isn’t big enough for the...
Even though it was once a hobby only associated with old women, gardening is seeing a massive spike in popularity right now. What may surprise you is that the largest increase in gardening is happening among young people, primarily millennials. The issue is that while...
You know that vacancy is the biggest expense of owning a rental property, right? So, it would make sense that you would want to get your property rented as quickly as possible. Today, I am outlining 5 easy steps to getting your rental property leased quickly. Price...
So, you want to rent out the home you live in. Great! Welcome to the first step of being an investor! Today, I want to talk about cash flow. When I first talk to a potential client, one of the questions I ask is what they are expecting to get in rent. I usually...
As a landlord, it is important to know, understand, and be able to determine the difference between normal wear and tear, and unreasonable damage. But determining the difference between the two can be a challenge as a property owner. You don’t want to be caught paying...
Making sure a rental property runs smoothly is a landlord’s primary responsibility. They may also have to create lease agreements, screen tenants, and market rentals, but these all simply contribute to the overall goal. Although there are many different approaches to...
One question I get quite often from potential clients is why they don’t get to approve applications on their rental property. Why can’t I see the credit report and decide if the applicant is a good fit for my property? Why don’t I have the final say? There’s...
Hiring a property management company means a property owner feels safe in the knowledge that their property is well taken care of. It is also the most reliable way to get trustworthy and dependable tenants who pay their monthly rent on time and cause no damages. But a...
So, you have a home warranty, and you’re converting your home to a rental property. Should you keep the home warranty? I get it. It’s peace of mind. It’s a cheap service call fee, problem fixed, super easy. If only it really were that easy. Home warranties can...
When you think of a “landlord”, what first comes to mind? Some big, wealthy investor with hundreds of rental properties? Hi, I’m Danielle Ohlms and I’m the broker and owner of Keyrenter St. Charles Property Management. Today, I wanted to talk a little about how...
When I’m first onboarding a new owner, especially one who lives in the house they are currently going to rent out, I often get asked if they should, or can, leave the washer and dryer behind. It sounds like a good idea, and an excellent selling point, right? In a...
Hiring a property management company to handle the process of screening tenants and keeping the property in top shape is a wise step for any property owner. What should a first-time landlord know? With a property management company, property owners take the risk off...
Each day your rental property is vacant is potential rental income you’re losing. One way to decrease vacancies is to make sure you have a successful property showing. You’ve probably posted many photos online, but nothing quite sells like a prospective tenant walking...
When I am first onboarding a new property to manage, one of the conversations that I have with the owner of the property is if they will allow pets. My answer is always the same – YES! The most important reason that I advise allowing pets is that it heavily...
Prospective tenants will flock to a rental property that offers extra value for money. More importantly, tenants who are happy and satisfied with their property will take better care of it and will be more inclined to stay longer there. Our Keyrenter St. Charles...
I think at this point, it’s safe to say that all of our lives have been affected by Covid-19 one way or another. As the world continues to change, we are doing our part in making sure that our processes are aligned with. So, what happens if you have a rental listing...
As we all navigate through this time of uncertainly, in a world that seems to be changing by the hour, I want you to know that we are still here for you. We are healthy, we are 100% working, and we have implemented new processes to adjust to the social distancing...
With the weather warming up, and many people stuck at home, now is the perfect time to clear out the dust that’s accumulated through the winter and make your tenant’s home feel like new again. As a landlord or property manager, this is a great time to do some...
When someone applies to move into one of your rental properties, it is imperative to conduct a thorough, detailed screening. This is the most important task in the entire leasing process, as a simple mishap could end up leaving you with bad tenants. Do you know how...
There are many different reasons people consider putting up their primary residence as a rental property. Maybe you bought a new house and can’t get a fair price for this old one. Maybe you just want to add an extra source of income and try your hand at real estate....
As a landlord, it’s important to conduct a full screening on any applicants, and a huge part of that screening process is getting a rental reference from current and past landlords. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught prospective tenants having their friend...
When you rent a property, it’s standard to collect a security deposit. The purpose of the deposit is to have funds to withhold for tenant-caused damages, and also unpaid rents. What ends up creating a lot of havoc is when the tenant expects their full security...
Every time the new year rolls around, everyone wants to get updated on the design trends so they can be “in the trend.” We, like everyone else, wanted to know as well for the sake of renovating rental properties. When people are deciding either where to rent or where...
Baby, it’s cold outside! The holidays are over, the days are short and the temps are low. There’s still plenty to do in the St. Louis area, though! Check out our list of 10 indoor things to do in St. Louis. City Museum. There’s something here for everyone! Even...
With tax time quickly approaching, it’s important to understand certain aspects of deductions when it comes to your rental property. Did you know that there’s a major difference in repairs vs improvements when it comes to taxes and the IRS. The IRS considers repairs...
As a landlord, you have plenty of great tax benefits that you should be taking advantage of. As always, speak to your accountant regarding the details of deductions, but here are a few major advantages you should be aware of. 1. Interest Probably the largest tax...
The biggest advice I give to landlords once they have the property leased is to do a thorough move in and move out. Take hundreds of photos, take videos, and get every angle and spot of the property on film, even if there is no damage. Make sure the walkthrough is...
Many of the properties we manage come from landlords who tried at some point to manage the property on their own. Many self-managing landlords fail because this is something they do on the side and are not super familiar with. There’s nothing wrong with this, and no...
One huge mistake we see landlords making every day is their lack of knowledge of the state and local law. Sure, just about anything you want to know can be found with a quick Google search, but how does one sift through all that information and know what’s legal in...
Investing in real estate requires large amounts of money. This means that it is vital to properly prepare prior to making the investment to ensure that it is as profitable as possible. Understanding the rental market in the area can help to provide you with valuable...
Nobody likes to deal with property maintenance – it’s costly, time-consuming, and can get frustrating. But, it’s all a part of owning an investment property, and if you don’t have a property management company overseeing this for you, then it’s something that you...
If there is one thing we tell every single landlord that we encounter, it is this: Whether you use us or another reputable property management company, hire someone to conduct your tenant screening. Protect your investment by investing the money in a good screening...
Mark your calendars for October 24, because Price is Right Live is coming to the St. Charles Family Area! Now’s the chance for you to play classic games just like on TV’s most popular game show….Plinko, Cliffangers, and don’t forget about the Big Wheel and the...
It can be difficult to find fun family activities to enjoy with your kids. There is a plethora of fun, family-friendly activities in the St. Louis area. Understanding the activities in the area can help you to recommend nearby activities to your potential and existing...
It’s that time of the year again! Cottleville Firefighters Outreach will be holding the 10th Annual Haunted Trail. The event will take place in Legacy Park over two Saturdays,, October 12th and October 19th from 8pm-11:40pm. The horror movie A Quiet Place will be at...
The weather is cooling off, and fall is in the air! Bring on the bonfires, hoodies, hayrides, and festivals! From the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow, to Oktoberfest and Fright Fest, St. Louis has a ton of can’t miss activities coming up. St. Charles...
Choosing the right property management company can be confusing and cumbersome – and let’s face it, after a while all of us property managers start sounding the same. It’s important to be careful and considerate in your decision, as not only will your property...
Sip and Savor Annual Taste Event Here’s a can’t-miss event!! The Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce is holding the 21st Annual Sip & Savor event on Thursday, September 5, 2019. The event will be held at 370 Lakeside Park, and will go from 5pm-8pm....
The St. Charles Festival of the Little Hills is just around the corner! It starts Friday, August 14 at 4pm and ends Sunday, August 18 at 5pm. The festival celebrates the area’s rich history and honors the settlement now known as St. Charles, Missouri. Over 300...
