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What are some tips for PMs helping with clients who have disabilities?
Imagine, what would it be like if your life changed in the blink of an eye?
If you were renting and happened to be in this position, even just a broken ankle can soon make a property no longer suitable for you. Tie that to 6-8 weeks on crutches, and maybe you're in a 2 storey home, or the top floor of an older apartment complex with no lift. What can you do?
You likely ring your property manager and ask what the options are, having to move house on top of adjusting to a new way of life, temporary or not. So as a property manager, having a bit of empathy, compassion and being able to think outside of the box to come up with solutions that are 'win/wins' for both your landlord and the tenant.
What are some tips for landlords to cater for clients with disabilities?
Consider if improvements to the property are going to increase value or improve access for future tenants, or for yourself, if you plan on moving back in one day. Sometimes your investment property might be your place to retire, 30 years down the track, so if you get a request to convert those back steps to a small ramp, does that save you one less thing to do in the future?
I think sometimes when people think of accessibility, they think dull, grey support rails in a bathroom - but accessibility fittings and fixtures can still be modern and attractive - sometimes even invisible!
Most modern bathrooms and homes are already fairly access friendly - wide doorways, seamless flooring with no lips or step downs, walk in showers etc. So collaborate with the tenants and find what works for all parties, or put in conditions around approvals so the property is restored upon vacating.
What do you love about being a property manager?
THIS! Being able to put my negotiating skills to the test and find something creative that truly helps someone. A lot of our job is conflict, friction and being the bearer of bad news. So being able to truly help someone and get a good deal over the line - I think that's a real estate agent's dream scenario.
What advice would you give to young property managers entering the industry?
Property management truly does give you a wealth of knowledge and life skills. No day is the same and you never ever stop learning. You learn from every landlord and tenant's life, because you're a part of it.
Even if it feels like it's small, because you're only answering a phone call, or sending an entry notice, or doing a routine inspection - your impact on someone's life can be great or small. And the impact property management can have on you, can be great or small too. What you put in, is what you get out!
