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How to Create and Enforce a Guest Policy Within Your Condo Rental As a rental condo owner, you are responsible for the people who live within your building. It is important to screen potential tenants carefully and craft an agreement that clearly defines the residents in the space. While operating your condominium, you may find that certain tenants have guests that you think are temporary visitors. But what do you do when they become an ongoing occupant within the property? Tenant and Guest Definition A tenant is the person or persons that you have signed a contract with to pay rent...

Conflicts are an inevitable part of life, and when it comes to property management, they can sometimes seem like a never-ending saga. But fear not, for there are effective strategies and tips to navigate these turbulent waters and find the calm after the storm. So, let's dive into some tried-and-true tips that will help you sail smoothly through the stormy seas of property management conflicts. Open Lines of Communication Communication is the cornerstone of conflict resolution. Ensure you have open channels for residents, tenants, and property owners to express their concerns and grievances openly and transparently. Regular newsletters, emails, and meetings...

As a condo board member, you find yourself juggling multiple responsibilities in the vital interests of the larger community. More often than not, you have to step up in the role of a mediator in the face of conflict, whether the complaint is related to noise, unpaid assessments, or repetitive rule violations. If handled improperly, these issues can snowball quickly and throw you into a dilemma. However, with a clear process in place and the right support, boards can be well-positioned to tackle such residents with tact and professionalism to maintain harmony among residents. Record all Interactions The primary rule of...

  Nearly every apartment and condominium dweller has at some point come in contact with one of their neighbors. Residents should do their best to embrace these meetings, not avoid them. Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with neighbors has the potential to enhance the apartment and condominium dwelling experience. Here are a few tips for getting along well with neighbors.  Be volume considerate Perhaps one of the simplest steps apartment and condominium residents can take to ensure they maintain healthy relationships with their neighbors is to be volume considerate. The most common complaints fielded by property managers are related to noise....

Pet Policies and Service Animals Pets are a huge part of many families in the Chicago area and around the nation. Many people own multiple pets ranging anywhere from a couple dogs to cats, fish, and even snakes in some cases. As a Chicago property owner, how can you restrict pets in your building without being discriminatory? Can you have a no-pets policy in place by law and stay protected? There is a way to post a no-pets policy with your Chicago property management company as long as you’re aware of the exceptions you need to have in place. Your pet...