Author: Eric Baird

How to Professionally Respond to Meeting Time Requests: An Insight from ReLISTO

Our success at ReLISTO is built on a high level of professionalism and commitment to landlords. As our client base expands, we’re on the lookout for property managers, real estate assistants, and top-notch leasing agents who can embody our values. This process has inspired us to share how we expect our team to handle scheduling, a standard yet significant question often encountered on job platforms such as LinkedIn 

When as a job applicant, a leasing agent, or a property manager you are asked for three available meeting times, it’s crucial to respond with thoughtfulness and precision. Here’s a template that reflects these qualities:

“Thank you for reaching out. I am available to meet at the following times:

  • [Date and Time, e.g., Monday, August 15th at 10:00 AM]
  • [Date and Time, e.g., Tuesday, August 16th at 2:00 PM]
  • [Date and Time, e.g., Wednesday, August 17th at 4:00 PM]

Please let me know which time works best for you, or if you have other preferences. Looking forward to our meeting!”

While “anytime” might seem accommodating, it can lead to a lack of specificity, a perceived lack of commitment, scheduling conflicts, or imbalances in power dynamics. At ReLISTO, we value clarity, commitment, and confidence – attributes that resonate with our mission to care for landlords, properties, and residents.

Professional scheduling is more than a matter of convenience; it’s a reflection of character, responsibility, and attention to detail. Through this blog post, ReLISTO aims to equip not only potential team members but also anyone navigating the professional landscape with the skills to handle scheduling with grace. Whether you’re embarking on a job search, preparing for an interview, or striving to excel in your current role, these insights can set you apart. We invite you to explore opportunities with ReLISTO, where our culture of excellence translates into personal and professional growth. Visit our Careers page to learn more and become part of a leasing and management team that cares about more than just property – we care about people.

Positivity- Unlocking the Potential of Your Investment

At ReLISTO, we understand that your property is more than just a piece of real estate; it’s a valuable investment. Our team is dedicated to maximizing the potential of your assets, aligning our services with your goals, and taking a proactive approach to growth.

One of the key elements of our success is our commitment to positive thinking and constructive communication. We’ve cultivated a comprehensive list of language transformations that our teams are trained and coached on so they may effectively employ them in their day-to-day interactions with landlords, residents, and vendor partners. By carefully selecting words that reflect opportunities rather than challenges, we ensure that our mindset is aligned with solution-driven strategies, from representing a property’s unique character to handling tenant relations and maintenance.

Here’s a glimpse of how we transform our language to reflect our mindset:

  • Instead of calling a property “cheap,” we highlight its “affordability.”
  • We don’t see spaces as “cramped;” we see them as “efficient.”
  • When addressing maintenance, we don’t talk about “fixing;” we focus on “improving.”
  • A “problematic tenant” becomes a “challenging situation” that we’re prepared to handle.
  • Rather than worrying about “declining value,” we identify the “opportunity for enhancement.”

At ReLISTO, we’re not hired just to maintain your property; we’re here to elevate it. Our positive approach extends from our communication with you to our interaction with tenants and our management of every detail. If you’re ready to discover how we can contribute to your investment, let’s schedule a time to discuss our leasing and management services designed for success.

Berkeley Rent Board Fees Due July 3rd

Renting a home in Berkeley, California comes with certain regulations and requirements that both tenants and landlords must adhere to. One of these important obligations is the registration of rental units with the Berkeley Rent Board. The Rent Board has specific guidelines and fees for different types of rental units. In this blog post, we will explore the registration process and fees for partially-covered and fully-covered rental units in Berkeley.

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Fiscal Year 2023-24 Registration Deadline: It’s essential for landlords to be aware of the upcoming deadline for rent board registration fees. For the fiscal year 2023-24, these fees must be paid by Monday, July 3, 2023. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in penalties or other legal consequences. Make sure to mark your calendars and fulfill your responsibilities promptly.

Partially Covered Unit Registration (Measure MM): The Rent Ordinance in Berkeley provides certain protections to partially covered units. These units are not subject to rent control but fall under the jurisdiction of the good cause for eviction and security deposit interest sections of the ordinance. The following rental units must be registered:

  1. New construction units: Units with a certificate of occupancy issued after 1980.
  2. Most single-family homes: Single-family homes fall under the partially covered category unless exempted.
  3. Most condominiums: Condos are also considered partially covered units unless exempted.

To learn more about exemptions, fees, and additional information regarding Measure MM registration, visit the Measure MM Registration page on the Berkeley Rent Board’s website. Alternatively, you can directly access the Rent Board’s online rent registry.

Fully Covered Unit Registration: Fully covered units are subject to rent control and additional regulations specified by the Rent Ordinance. After setting the initial rent for a new tenancy, landlords must comply with the Annual General Adjustment (AGA) set by the Rent Board for rent increases.

The following types of rental units fall under the fully covered category:

  1. Most units on multi-family properties built before June 1980.
  2. Single-family homes with current tenancies that began before 1996.
  3. Single-family homes with five or more rooms rented out individually with separate leases (each room is considered a unit).

For more information on exemptions, fees, and additional details regarding fully covered unit registration, visit the Fully Covered Unit Registration page on the Berkeley Rent Board’s website. The Rent Board’s online rent registry is also available for your convenience.

Conclusion: As a landlord in Berkeley, it is crucial to understand and comply with the Rent Board’s registration requirements and deadlines. By familiarizing yourself with the different categories of rental units and their corresponding fees, you can ensure that you fulfill your obligations and maintain a transparent and lawful rental process. Take the necessary steps to register your units and submit the required fees before the deadline to avoid any unnecessary penalties. For further information and clarification, refer to the Rent Board’s official website or contact them directly.