Expert Property Management Services Michigan Owners Trust

Services Rendered On Your Behalf

Create ads tailored to the property and advertising medium. Some of the mediums commonly used are:
- Paid and free rental listing websites
- Virtual Tour On Every Home
- 800# Talking Home 24/7
- Eye-Grabbing Sign To Peak Maximum Interest
- Multiple Listing Service For Over 10,000 agents to see in Metro Detroit
- Flyers on the sign so prospective tenants can take your property info with them
- Text Message Sign Riders, Tenants can text a code to get pictures of your home right on their cell phone within minutes.
Collaborate with Realtors & Leasing Agents – Partner with industry professionals to maximize tenant reach.
Targeted Database Marketing – Promote your property to over 6,300 qualified renters in our private database.
24-Hour Property Hotline – Give prospective tenants instant access to detailed property information anytime.
Lead Management – Answer calls, address questions, and schedule viewings promptly.
Flexible Showings – Meet with prospective tenants throughout the week and on weekends.
Fair Housing Compliance – Provide rental applications that meet all legal requirements.
Thorough Applicant Screening – Collect applications, pay stubs, rental history, and employment verification for informed tenant selection.

Tenant Screening And Selection

Many property management companies claim they “screen tenants” or “run credit checks,” but is that really enough to ensure you have the right person living in your property? We don’t think so. That’s why we go far beyond a basic credit check—our comprehensive screening process is designed to minimize evictions, reduce rent collection issues, and keep your property occupied longer.

Complete Credit Evaluation – Full review, not just a score.
Employment Verification – Confirming job stability.
Income Verification – Ensuring rent affordability.
Criminal Background Check – Local and national databases.
Eviction History Search – Multiple court records checked.
Sex Offender Registry Check – Safety-first approach.
OFAC Verification – Screening against the Office of Foreign Assets Control list.
Tenant Grading – Applicants scored against our pre-set qualification standards.

Tenant Move In

Prepare the Lease Agreement – Draft and finalize all rental terms.
Confirm Move-In Date – Coordinate a mutually agreed-upon start date with the tenant.
Review Lease Guidelines – Go over payment terms, property maintenance responsibilities, and other key rules.
Finalize Documentation – Ensure all agreements are signed and executed correctly.
Document Property Condition – Provide the tenant with a disposable camera (or alternative method) to record any pre-existing issues. Require them to sign a condition report within 7 days of move-in or accept the property as-is.
Collect Move-In Payments – Receive the first month’s rent and the security deposit before occupancy.

Rent Collection

Receiving rent
Hunting down late payments
Sending out pay or quit notices
Enforcing late fees

Evictions

File Required Legal Documents – Prepare and submit all paperwork to begin and complete the unlawful detainer process.
Work with Legal Counsel – Coordinate with the attorney to ensure proper representation in court.
Coordinate with Law Enforcement – Arrange for the lawful removal of the tenant and their belongings from the property.

Legal

Provide Guidance During Legal Disputes – Offer advice when conflicts or litigation arise.
Attorney Referrals – Connect property owners with qualified legal professionals when needed.
Stay Legally Compliant – Keep up to date with local, state, and federal laws governing rental property management.

Inspections

Conduct Scheduled Annual Inspections – Inspect both the interior and exterior as needed, checking for repair requirements, safety hazards, code violations, and lease compliance.
Provide Condition Reports – Send property owners regular updates on the property’s condition, especially when repairs are required.

Financial

Comprehensive Accounting & Management – Full-service financial and property oversight.
Expense Documentation – Maintain detailed records with invoices and receipts.
Historical Recordkeeping – Store all important documents, including leases, inspection reports, warranties, and paid invoices.
Annual Tax Reporting – Provide tax-ready annual reports and all required forms, including 1099s.
Tax Guidance – Advise property owners on eligible rental property tax deductions.
Monthly Financial Statements – Deliver clear, easy-to-read cash flow reports with detailed income and itemized expense breakdowns.

Maintenance, Repairs, And Remodeling

Manage Repairs & Maintenance – Coordinate and oversee contractors to handle repair and upkeep needs.
Preventative Maintenance Planning – Implement policies to spot and address issues before they become costly problems.
Vetted Contractor Network – Use trusted professionals known for fair pricing and code-compliant work.
Smart Job Assignment – Match tasks to in-house staff, handymen, or licensed contractors based on quality and cost-effectiveness.
24/7 Emergency Response – Operate a round-the-clock hotline for urgent repair requests.
Larger renovation or rehab projects
- Provide recommendations on how the project can maximize rental income
- Prepare preliminary cost estimates
- Get multiple independent bids for the work
- Act as a general contractor overseeing the work

Tenant Move Out

Move-Out Inspection – Assess the property’s condition at tenant move-out and complete a detailed report.
Damage & Deposit Processing – Provide the tenant with a copy of the report, including estimated damages. Return the remaining security deposit balance to the tenant.
Owner Fund Allocation – Forward the owner’s share of the deposit or place it in reserve for necessary repairs.
Turnover Preparation – Clean, repair, and upgrade the unit as needed.
Re-Listing – Market the property and make it available for rent again.

A Landlord’s Guide to Rental Property Maintenance

Keeping your rental property well-maintained is not just about fixing things when they break; it’s about preserving your investment, keeping your tenants happy, and meeting your legal obligations.

Handling Difficult Tenants A Conflict Resolution Guide for Landlords

No landlord enjoys dealing with conflicts, but at some point you may encounter a difficult tenant or a challenging situation, whether it’s someone who constantly complains, violates lease terms, clashes with neighbors, or just communicates in a hostile manner.

How to Find and Rent the Perfect Home A Tenant’s Guide

Searching for a new place to live can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time renter. The process involves more than just finding a pretty apartment; you need to consider your budget, location, lease terms, and more.

Maintenance and Repair Requests A Tenant’s Guide to Getting Things Fixed

One of the great things about renting is that when something goes wrong with the property, you’re generally not the one who has to pay to fix it; that’s the landlord’s responsibility.

Moving Out How to End Your Lease and Get Your Security Deposit Back

Moving out of a rental can be just as important as moving in, especially when it comes to your security deposit. Landlords often require a deposit to cover any damages or unpaid rent, and getting that money back can make a big difference when you’re setting up your next home.

Rent Collection and Dealing with Late Payments Best Practices for Landlords

Collecting rent on time is the lifeblood of any rental property business. When tenants pay promptly, you can pay your mortgage, taxes, and maintenance costs without stress.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities 101

Renting a home comes with a set of rights and responsibilities for you as the tenant. It’s like a two-way street: landlords have obligations to provide you with a safe, livable space and treat you fairly, and you have obligations to take care of the property and abide by the lease terms.

The Landlord’s Step-by-Step Guide to the Eviction Process

Eviction is the legal process of removing a tenant from a rental property, and it’s often considered the action of last resort for landlords. In an ideal world, you never have to evict anyone; it’s costly, time-consuming, and emotionally taxing for all involved.

The Ultimate Guide to Tenant Screening for Landlords

Selecting the right tenant is one of the most important tasks for any landlord. A thorough tenant screening process helps ensure you rent to responsible, reliable people, reducing the risk of late payments, property damage, or evictions down the line.

Understanding Your Lease Agreement A Guide for Tenants

When you’re excited about moving into a new place, it can be tempting to breeze through the lease-signing process. However, the lease agreement is one of the most important documents you’ll deal with as a renter.