Single-family home builders continued to slow the pace of new construction in June, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Commerce Department today.

“Builders continue to do their part to reduce inventories of unsold homes on the market by reining in new construction,” noted Sandy Dunn, president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Point Pleasant, W.Va. “Now more than ever, it’s up to Congress, which must finish its work on a badly needed housing stimulus package that will help stabilize the housing market and stem the negative effects of the housing downswing on our economy.”

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If you are renting or owning a particular type of home, such as a town home, you will most likely have property management linked to it. The major part of the property managers’ job description is to maintain the property that you are on. This not only includes regular maintenance, but also includes refurbishing the property when it is needed. If there are problems with the property, it is up to the property manager to ensure that whatever the problem is can be fixed. If the building is old, the property manager will need to determine what to change in order to allow the area to function to its best ability without causing problems later.

The property managers also act as a link between those who are renting, leasing or working towards owning a property and telling the owner what the problem is. If there are maintenance problems or payment problems, it is up to property management to make sure that the problem is taken care of. Some property managers may also have the responsibility of providing accounting upkeep in relation to the payments that are being made.

The property manager provides a level of security that is offered to both owners of a property as well as to those who are renting or leasing the area. By having a property manager in place, it ensures that there will be certain levels of upkeep in the building that is being rented as well as allow for continuity in one who is renting or leasing an area.

Renter Responsibilities

Typically renters have the responsibility of maintaining their apartment and the surrounding area. This may include the interior of the apartment as well as deck or patio space. However, maintenance of these areas applies to generally cleanliness only and not issues such as painting or repairs to the exterior or the interior of the apartment structure or the appliances within the apartment.

Additionally, renters are responsible for small repairs in their home. This may include plunging a clogged toilet or changing a light bulb. However, if there are any duties a renter feels uncomfortable performing such as changing a light bulb in a high location, the renter should contact the maintenance staff for assistance.

Renters also have a responsibility to show common courtesy to other renters by not intentionally damaging or otherwise marring public areas. This includes vandalism, littering and even failure to pick up after dogs. Renters who fail to follow these rules of common courtesy may be subject to fines or other penalties according to the rental agreement.

Leasing Agent Responsibilities

The leasing agent and maintenance staff are generally held responsible for major items such as repairs to the exterior of the building, fixing appliances which are malfunctioning and dealing with plumbing issues such as leaky pipes. Additionally, the maintenance staff is responsible for intervening if the renter is having trouble with public utilities. Problem such as no hot water or heat to the apartment should be addressed by the maintenance staff in conjunction with the public utilities entity.

The leasing agent and maintenance staff is also responsible for maintaining the common areas. This may include keeping grassy areas manicured and other common areas looking clean and attractive.

When the Leasing Agent is Not Taking Responsibility

As previously discussed, the leasing agent has certain responsibilities to perform tasks and address concerns and complaints by the renters. However, when the leasing agent is not fulfilling these responsibilities it could create a harmful living environment for the renter. For example hot water is required to adequately clean dishes. This is why there should always be hot water to the apartment. Additionally, in severely cold weather the inability to heat the apartment due to faulty utilities or windows which are not properly sealed can create a hazardous condition for the renter.

Both of the examples mentioned above are situations in which the renter may put in a hazardous condition by the leasing agent’s negligence. In these situations the renter should contact the Department of Housing to determine the proper cause of action to take in this situation.

In some cases the renter may be informed the alleged transgression by the leasing agent is not actually his responsibility. However, in other situations the renter may be informed that the actions of the leasing agent are a serious violation of the rental agreement. In either case, the representative can provide information on how to proceed to achieve the desired results.

Treat the Property Like it Is Your Home

The heading to this subsection is certainly appropriate in theory but in reality it may not be true. The theory behind treating a rental property like it is your home is that you should treat the rental property in the same way you would treat your own home. This means the renter should not intentionally damage or otherwise neglect the rental property. It also implies that the renter should care for the rental property by making necessary repairs as they arise.

However, the reality of this heading is not true because renters are often not free to treat a rental property like it was their home. Homeowners are free to make modifications at any time to their property. Renters do not have this option and are only allowed to make modifications which are permitted by the contract agreement. These permissible modifications are usually rather insignificant in nature.

Seek Assistance from the Property Manager When Warranted

Renters should also seek assistance from the property manager when there are repairs which fall under the jurisdiction of the property owner or manager. Such repairs might include items such as unclogging drains, fixing appliances and making modifications to the residence such as installing lighting features. Although the renter may be capable of performing some or all of these actions, the rental agreement may specify these items are the responsibility of the property owner or manager. Renters who attempt to fix these items may be held liable for damages which occur during these attempts.

Similarly, the rental agreement may imply, by omission, that certain items are the responsibility of the renter. These may be small items such as changing light bulbs or similar items. In these cases the renter is free to make the adjustments. However, in other situations where the rental agreement specifies the apartment manager will handle certain complaints, these complaints should be called to the attention of management.

When the Property Manager Isn’t Doing His Job

Renters may encounter a problem where the apartment manager is not being responsive to his complaints and is not addressing situations which are brought to his attention. When this occurs the renter may have no choice but to bring this to the attention of the property manager’s supervisor. When a property manager is required to make certain repairs and address certain issues and fails to do so, he is creating a hazard for the members of the community. This is why the renter should not allow these transgressions to occur. The renter should also not be fearful of retaliation by the property manager because the contract will likely specify the renter’s rights to complain to a higher authority about the quality of service they are receiving.

If a property is distressed, it means that it has not had the care and attention needed by the previous owners. Most likely, the home is part of a foreclosure, abandoned home, or other problem and may have not been lived in for a specified amount of time. Any distressed property will need a lot of attention given to it if you decide to invest in the property.

Before looking at this type of property, you will want to make sure that it will be worth your investment. While a distressed property will usually go down thousands of dollars because of the quality, it may not be cheaper. It will be expected that you put a specific amount of work and money into the home in order to repair it and get it back up to being part of the market.

If you are able to get an extra loan, have more money, and want to fix up a home, then a distressed property is for you. However, if you don’t want to put in the extra effort, then finding this type of property may loose you money and comfort in your own home. You will also need to decide whether you will be able to profit off of the investment in the long run according to the neighborhood, market, and your intentions for using the property.

While a distressed property can benefit, it will need to fit your goals and your lifestyle in order to be an effective investment. As long as you have assessed your financial stability and goals and are able to put in the extra money, time and work, you can take a distressed property and turn it into what you want. This will give the property the dream of moving from rags to riches.