Owner FAQs

• Q: Do you charge the tenant a security deposit and or a pet deposit?

  A: Yes. Security deposits are typically equal to one month's rent. Pets are not allowed without owner permission. When pets are allowed, an additional deposit is required per pet. The pet deposit is used to offset the costs of additional wear and tear that an animal may cause. Any damage above and beyond the security deposit remains the tenant’s responsibility. Our policy does not allow more than 2 pets without and owner exception and we also do not take any high risk dangerous breeds.

• Q: How do you screen tenants?

  A: We screen tenants using the following methods:

  • Nationwide criminal background check
  • Eviction history
  • Employment/Income verification
  • Credit bureau screening
  • Rental history verification

• Q: What areas do you manage properties?

  A: We currently manage residential properties in the following areas: Boise, Meridian, Garden City, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, Caldwell, and Middleton which covers the whole treasure valley.

• Q: How do you market the property?

  A: When a tenant gives their 30-day notice, the property is immediately added to our website, distributed to over 20 websites, and a professional sign is placed where and when appropriate. Marketing the home 30 days in advance of expected vacancy is always recommended to maximize your rental income.

• Q: What services are included with your property management company?

  A: We have two options a lease-up only fee and full-service property management.

  OUR LEASE-UP ONLY FEE INCLUDES:

  • Advertise
  • Fill vacancies
  • Provide relevant market data on local rents
  • Screen applicants for credit worthiness, rental history & criminal history
  • Lease and proper legal document preparation and signing
  • Full interior & exterior photos along with inspection reports
  • Collection of security deposit and first month's rent

  FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

  All Lease-Up services plus:
  • Collections of all moneys
  • Ensure that repair and maintenance work be done in a professional and timely manner
  • Perform regular inspections, as well as move-in/out inspections
  • Timely disbursement of funds
  • Collection of late rent, if applicable
  • Available online rent payments for tenants
  • Posting of notices (24 hour, 3 Day, etc.)

• Q: How do you pay owners once the rent has been received?

  A: We use ACH to pay our clients/owners and encourage all owners to take advantage of this; we can automatically direct deposit funds into your account between the 12th and 15th of month and you will have it the next day. This process allows us to credit funds to any account in any state. If you prefer a paper check your funds will go out in the mail by the 15th of the month.

• Q: How do you handle maintenance and repairs?

  A: Our new software allows tenants to log into their portal and enter a maintenance request 24/7 which sends a notification to our staff immediately. We ask all vendors to receive approval on any work that exceeds $150. We have extensive experience in property maintenance and make every effort to troubleshoot any issues that arise by asking for details of the maintenance request, including pictures if necessary. In cases of emergency our maintenance staff is ready to dispatch the appropriate vendor and notify you accordingly. Our vendors are professional, licensed, insured and are prepared to handle any issue that arises. We negotiate the best rates to ensure you get the best return on your investment!

• Q: Are you a member of any Property Management Organization or other accredited organization?

  A: The owner Kent Barr is a professional, current board member, and past president of the local chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). Kent currently carries RMP designation and has almost completed the MPM designation for Master Property Manager, which is the highest designation you can receive from NARPM and held by only a handful of property managers in the Treasure Valley. The association promotes a high standard of business ethics, professionalism, and fair housing practices. NARPM is also on the forefront of education giving us the opportunity to stay in touch with the most relevant practices in our industry. Kent has also served on the National governing affairs committee 5 years, helping him to stay in touch with ever changing legislation in the industry. As a board member of the local chapter we participate in local fundraisers, raise money and donate our time to local charities.

• Q: Do you perform inspections of the property during tenancy?

  A: Yes, We perform bi-annual interior inspections. We note all items of concern as well as address preventative maintenance issues such as caulking or HVAC servicing. We take that time to remind our tenants of their responsibilities in maintaining your investment such as filter and smoke detector battery changes. We also do drive by exterior inspections of each property to ensure that our company & HOA standards are being met. We administer warnings to tenants who may be in violation of our standards and follow up within the allotted time to ensure the issue was resolved.

• Q: What do you do if they are not maintaining the property as they should?

  A: We give the tenants an opportunity to correct the situation and if they do not or the problem persists or there is no communication. At this point the tenant is given a detailed action plan outlining what they must do with a specific deadline and follow up inspection confirm the issue has been corrected.

• Q: What are the policies regarding Pets?

  A: Surveys indicate that around 70% of renters own pets. Restricting pets reduces the number of available qualified residents. In general, a well-behaved cat or dog causes less wear and tear on a home and yard than a young child. Typically we charge a $250 pet deposit an in some cases pet rent every month that is additional income for homeowners to help mitigate potential damage costs. Meanwhile our inspection process still allows us to bill accordingly for pet-caused damages. Service/companion animals are allowed at all properties to be in compliance with fair housing law. Proper documentation is required for such animals, and it is unlawful for a landlord to refuse to rent to an applicant due to their service/support animal, so they are permitted at all of our properties. Such animals are exempt from the pet fee and pet rent; however they are still responsible for any damage the animal may cause.

• Q: How are lease renewals and rent increases handled?

  A: Unless we receive written notification or instruction from an owner at least 45 to 60 days PRIOR to a lease expiration, our leases are set up to auto renew and all renewals are handled at the discretion of Frontline. When making a decision to renew a lease or increase the rent of an existing tenant we consider several factors. Market conditions, location of the property, condition of the property, time of year, length of tenancy and payment history. While we do not have a standard on the monthly rent increase amount it is typically between 5-8% of the monthly rent. Tenants are informed of a lease renewal offer, rent increase and/or change in terms between 30 and 45 days prior to the lease expiration. There are times when a tenant needs to go to a month-to-month lease agreement. These situations are handled on an individual basis and terms are set accordingly such as a $100 rent increase or a short term agreement that considers all parties best interests.

• Q: What type of properties do you manage?

  A: We specialize in Single-Family homes, Duplexes, Fourplexes, Town Homes, and small apartment complexes.