Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tenant Related Questions:

Question: Who do I contact if I have a question on my monthly statement?
Answer: Contact our office via email at [email protected]; phone at (360) 546-3341; or contact your individual property manager.

Question: What type of insurance do I need for my property?
Answer: It depends on the type of property you are leasing.  Each type of property will have specifics regarding which type of insurance  would be needed.  Generally speaking, you would need homeowner's insurance for a manufactured home, or a leasing/renter's insurance if you do not own the manufactured home, residential dwelling, or unit.

Question: Who retains the tenants security deposit?
Answer: The owner of the property retains the security deposit and is responsible for the return of the deposit to the tenant.  Generally speaking, security deposits will be held in a reserve trust account tied directly to a specific rental unit on the property as it relates to the tenant.

Owner Related Questions:

Question: What is the vendor service fee and when is it charged?
Answer: The vendor service fee is a fee charged when Sterling Properties' maintenance department uses outside vendors to complete work on your property. Sterling Properties uses its purchasing volume to get discounted rates when working with vendors. 

Question: How does Sterling Properties handle repairs to my property?
Answer: Sterling Properties is a licensed general contractor and can handle most repair issues in-house at a cost saving to you.  However, we will price out any additional services needed outside the management contract and get competitive bids from others contractors in the industry.  Some services are outsourced such as painting and cleaning.  Our manager will discuss your specific maintenance needs and general guidelines for routine repairs along with a timetable and completion date.

Question: How do I get Sterling Properties to manage my property?
Answer: All Sterling Properties needs to get started is a phone call!  Our management team will need information regarding your property, your desired outcomes, and management needs.  

Question: How do you decide what to charge a tenant for security deposit?
Answer: Each individual property sets it own amount for security deposit. 

Question: How do you determine what my property should rent for?
Answer: Sterling Properties does a market rent survey to determine fair market rent value.  Based on your needs, the rent survey, and your current rent structure our property manager will come out and evaluate your property to determine the optimal amount of rent and what needs to be done to achieve this desired rent amount.

Question: If I leave the country does Sterling Properties have the ability to manage my property?
Answer: Yes, we currently manage properties for owners in different locations regardless of which state they reside in. We have many systems in place to help absentee owners get the information they require.

Question: How long will it take my manager to call me back?
Answer: All calls are returned within 24 hours or by the next business day.

Question: Why do I need to have Sterling Properties named, additionally insured or additional interest on my Landlord Policy?
Answer: Sterling Properties requires its owners to have liability insurance on their property.  In some cases we require to be named as additional insured, additional interest or have language in the policy covering the on-site property manager due to the great cost of litigation. 

Question: I am interested in selling my house can Sterling Properties help me with the sale?
Answer: Yes, Sterling Properties is a full service Real Estate company and can help will the valuation, sale and refinance of your property as well as property management.

If you have additional questions please contact us and we will answer them!