Bedbugs are a growing problem in the Chicago area, according to the Chicago Reader, and may be in the state and the nation as a whole as well.

The pests seem to have re-emerged in the past decade, the source reports, after being rare since the invention and use of DDT and other pesticides in the 1940s. The banning of DDT may have contributed to the problem and some suggest international travel and an improved resistance to pesticides as possible contributing factors.

According to the 2011 Bugs Without Borders Survey by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, 99 percent of more than 1,000 pest control companies in the nation encountered a bedbug infestation within the year leading up to the survey. A decade earlier, the same survey found only 11 percent reported finding one.

One thing that makes dealing with bedbugs difficult, according to the source, is that federal, state and local laws do not generally describe landlord and tenant responsibilities. Rental property management firms, landlords and tenants may be unable to determine who is responsible for bringing them into a property.

An Illinois Department of Public Health’s Structural Pest Control Advisory Council subcommittee considering the issue recently suggested that tenants be responsible for reporting the problem and landlords be tasked with exterminating the creatures.

photo credit: thekitchendesigner.org

If you’re a property owner then you’re probably looking to get the most value out of your investment as you can, especially if own rental properties and consider this a major part of your income. One way to increase the value of your property is by making wise upgrades and investments.

No decorative touches. If you’ve got a decorating bent this may be difficult to avoid, but you’re not going to attract better tenants if you’ve got a wonderful faux finish on the walls and beautiful window treatments, yet your plumbing is faulty. It’s best to go neutral with your decorating scheme.

Curb appeal. Go neutral but don’t forget about making your place attractive to prospective tenants. Keep the exterior (and interior) neat and clean. Make sure lawns are mowed, sidewalks are shoveled and the property is well lit at night.

Security. Along with appropriate lighting, add other security features that will make residents feel safe and comfortable. Invest in an intercom system and having a secure building.

Structural upgrades. If you’re looking to sink some serious money into your investment property, then consider going for the solid stuff. Make structural upgrades that will enhance the value, the durability, the appearance and make sound environmental decisions. Consider adding more energy efficient windows which will decrease energy bills and make the home more attractive.

Routine Maintenance. Always put the routine maintenance chores on the top of your list. These little extras are noticed by prospective renters and they not only annoy current tenants, but can actually pose health hazards. You’ll also be doing yourself a favor by stopping problems before they spiral out of control.

photo credit: desi.italy

As a landlord, you might have some questions about which duties you can pass along to a property manager and which ones you should take care of yourself. Here are some of the common duties that can typically be safely handled by the property manager:

Financial duties. The main thing here is that the property manager will be the one collecting rent checks. He may also be the one sending out late fee notices if those rent checks don’t come in. Before a tenant moves in, it is perfectly fine to have the property manager handle any credit checks.
Maintenance duties. If you have a property manager who also does maintenance, that’s great. If not, you can hire a maintenance company and allow the property manager some liberties in working with maintenance to take care of problems as they arise. It’s a good idea to establish a maximum payment that you’re willing to make without consultation. In other words, let the property manager call the maintenance guy to unclog a toilet but make sure that you’ll be consulted before major bathroom repairs are done.
Property showings and openings. The property manager can be responsible for advertising rooms that are available for rent as well as for showing those rooms to potential tenants. The property manager may also be the one to open the building for construction workers and others who need to get in.

The main thing to realize is that you’ll want to establish a trusting relationship with your property managers. That way you can feel secure in letting them handle most of the activities occurring on the property. However, you should always check in regularly to make sure that you really know what’s going on at your place.

credit: Del Far

Now that you own a rental property, it’s time to plan for repairs and develop a maintenance schedule. The first step is to determine what you’re responsible for as a landlord.

You are responsible for basic living requirements, a walk through should tell you if the property is clean, sanitary and structurally sound. A further inspection will let you know if the heat, water and electricity are in working order and functioning safely. Local laws will regulate other aspects so check to see how many smoke detectors are required for each unit, if you need to adjust common area lighting, the security requirements for your building, etc.

Once you have tenants, the repair rules change a little bit. You have to give your tenant advance notice before you enter their premises, usually notice of at least 24 hours is sufficient. If there is an emergency situation, a fire or a broken water pipe, then you can enter the residence without notice, but you should document your entry and let the tenant know as soon as possible. If you refuse or fail to make some of these repairs in a reasonable time, your tenants can legally take their own action. They can begin withholding rent, they can get the problem fixed and withhold rent to cover the expense, they can call local authorities and building inspectors who will force you to make repairs, or they can break the lease and leave.

Take responsibility for your property and keep it in good condition so your tenants are happy, in the long run this will be to your benefit.