Most people rent for the ease and reliability it offers. With a typical one-year lease, you have the freedom to move on later without financial hassles. But that convenience can quickly spiral into frustration if your landlord fails to address issues within the timelines set by Ontario’s rental laws.
Self-managed vs professionally-managed rentals
If you’re planning to rent soon, you may want to prioritize properties managed professionally simply for the high standard of care. When landlords manage their properties themselves, you solely rely on their availability to fix things. Most-times there’s no standard process to handle issues and the tenant-landlord relationship becomes informal.
On the other hand, licensed property management companies provide 24/7 maintenance support, routine inspections, and focus on compliance.
Not convinced yet, here are more reasons why you should choose properties by professionals:
Convenience and Reliability
Ontario has strict regulations for landlords to handle repairs and complaints. For example, issues with necessary amenities like heat, water, or electricity should be handled within 24-48 hours. Non-emergency repairs should be handled within two weeks to a month. Apart from that, all functional parts of the unit including electrical, plumbing or heating systems, appliances, garages, laundry rooms, patios, walkways or pools, and others must be in working condition.
Clear Communication
Whether you have questions about the lease, rent payments, or community guidelines, the property management company will get back to you within 24 hours. Let’s say your landlord’s gone on a month-long vacation and the washer broke down. Their phone number is unavailable and they are not checking their emails either. Now you’re left with two options – spend your money to fix the washer and hope to get reimbursed later or wash your clothes at your nearest coin laundry.
Better Maintenance of Common Areas
Hallways, elevators, and outdoor spaces often get overlooked in self-managed properties. Since professionally-managed rentals are hired by landlords, they have to make sure these areas remain clean, safe, and inviting.
Transparent Lease Agreements
Professionally-managed properties enforce strict lease agreements, which automatically means your unit meets all legal standards. It also covers costs for items you’ve damaged, preventing surprises from hidden fees or confusing clauses later.
Support During Disputes
Disagreements are bound to happen, but professional property managers step in as neutral mediators to keep things fair. You don’t have to worry about direct conflicts with landlords. Just scroll through the posts on this subreddit, and you’ll get the full picture.
Routine Safety Inspections
From routine alarm inspections to door lock inspections, professionally-managed prioritise safety. They also have a better understanding of legal standards dealing with hazardous materials and physical safety and make sure you’re comfortable at all times.
Move-In and Move-Out Support
Before you move-in, the manager will perform a detailed inspection noting down its general condition. When you move-out, they’ll compare the condition, which protects you from unnecessary costs. They also provide welcome kits that include information like maintenance contacts, utility setup instructions, and building rules to help you settle smoothly.
Added Amenities and Services
Some more services offered by property management companies include secure parking, on-site laundry, or tenant portals for maintenance requests and guest parking. It makes your rental experience more predictable and unnecessary.
All residential rental properties by Barr Developments are managed by Frontenac Property Management to ensure consistency across all units. Feel free to contact them if you’re looking to rent in Kingston or Amherstview.
