the wishlist

I have always advise owners that should the tenants be "required" to clean out the gutters, and then they fall off or through the roof, tenants have been known to claim for damages, hospital costs etc. Not to metion repair to the roof tiles they cracked or the fallen gutter they used as a step to get up.

Hi Rita, 

We have added a letter to our collection that maybe useful to send to your owner. 

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/332

Hi and WELCOME to the community! We have just added another topic to the forums for 'Commercial'. Feel free to start some discussions around your interests. 

Hi Michelle, We have put together quite an extensive document form for possible fee's and services to be used within an agency. Hopefully you can get some idea's to use. 

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/329

Hi Brenda, 

We realise you are in Qld, here is a link to the nsw offical tenant factsheet on mould. 

apmapshere will work on something more generic to be used Austalia wide. 

Hi Brenda,

The Property Management Doctor may be able to help you with this should it not come to fuition on apmasphere. When I first joined the industry I worked as the sole PM in a department with noone to ask about this sort of thing.

If you are interested, please send an enquiry via www.thepmdoctor.weebly.com or to thepmdoctor@gmail.com.

Hope we can help.

Rachael.

Clint, great idea.  Noted!

Cast your votes up or down for this!!! 

We have something on its way for this, Great idea to get some formality into assigning new contractors for your business. 

Candice we have added a supplier agreement to our document library here

Let us know what you think.

seems my wish got cut off because I raved on for too long! :) I meant for it to be voice recognition based so we could talk into the phone going around the property with our comments for each room & item. Then have the report generated when back in the office and print & sign it. No more typing or writing! Well in an ideal world... :)

Maxine, we are currently designing this.

Stay tuned...

Not long now....

any updates on this?

sounds great and I just wanted to ask a few things for the current model on the Iphone with the routine app.

How come the grammar isn't auto correct and when you try to do a full stop and return to the next line it overwrites what you did? I personally think the app is great but still needs tweaking because I spent more time doing the tweaking than using my own programme. Also I think it would look better to have the photos with the (image jpg1) to be located next to the photo or for the photo to have the same time i,e Bathroom - Bedroom. Just food for thought :-) It is a little bit over the place wthe text in the middle and the photos on the far left hand side.

If I am doing something wrong PLEASE tell me so I can retract all hahahaha.

Mel

Hi Mel, 

Thanks for your comments, we don't have the same problem with losing the comments when they are edited, the words and lines are simply selected and then can be edited without losing anything in front or behind of it. 

However we are in agreeance with your comments for the report, the next release will have a totally different report format with the photos more clearly displayed. 

Caroline stay turned to this site this month for the next version release date, its getting very close. 

Field Agent 2 will be focusing on the ingoing and outgoing inspections as well as enhancing the routine inspection experience.

beta testing will be commencing this week, contact us directly if you are interested in being apart of our testing team. 

http://www.apmasphere.com/forums/11-Field-Agent-iPhone-App-/topics/919-Field-Agent-2-testing-time-is-here

My mistake, that should read 'Template or example to show how to set out your marketing plan

Maxine - comments will sit next to photos in Field Agent 2, due to be released shortly.

This would be an awesome help!

You're Wish is our Command;

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/124

Hi Rita,

Try this.  You can propose changes via the document filter if there is anything further you would like to see.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/69

We're working on this one right now - we'll keep you posted!

Very excited for this app! Our office has purchased new Ipads specifically for Routine Inspections and the time is saves our agents.

Field agent 1.3 works on the Ipad 2, however is is just an enlarged version of the Iphone version. Works great thou being on the larger screen. Our ipad FA version will have a different interface and extra features...

Does Field Agent 1.3 still work the same and can you take the photos etc. Also what is the ipap FA version? very keen on getting the ipad:)

@ Megan,  Yes when Field agent 1.3 is downloaded onto the Ipad 2 it works the same as it does on the iphone. Photos can be taken the same way (as the ipad 2 offers a camera). The official Field agent for the Ipad is still in the development stages. 

Waiting for the app to be ready so that I can buy the IPad to suit..........

how we going on the ipad feild agent app?

If this is still a 'top of list' priority cast your votes to the most recent wish #84

gah this damn computer. always jumps the gun before im finished.

but back to the wish...a letters to the owners to accompany quotes, and letters to the tenants where the owner is NOT going ahead with the work they have requested would be lovely also. 

HI Megan & Apmasphere, We too have Ipad2's in our office now, and we would LOVE fo fieldagent to be applicable to this great technology!

Jess document 94 will offer you a solution for forwarding quotes to your owners:

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/94

I have the old format on an Excel spreadsheet which I tried to adjust for the updates but I can't seem to get the pages properly.

I'm happy to email the old report and the new report I've started if someone is able to fix it up...

I have a word doc we use. Although the formatting isnt awesome it works alright on iPad with the Docs To Go app or MS Office on a laptop. Its basically a copy of the REI form. We have a separate but almost identical form for vacating inspections.

Document 309 will offer you a simple letter template of a letter to give to your ingoing tenant. Agencies sometimes include this some brochures and vouchers of the local area and maybe a small gift. 

http://apmasphere.com/documents/309

There was an interesting discussion that came up a few months ago along these lines as well. 

here http://www.apmasphere.com/forums/2-Property-Management/topics/683-Tenant-Pressies-and-Welcome-Packs?page=1

We advise it is best to consult the Government  or a legal representative for this precise information as it depend on the time that you are undertaking the new office and of course the state.

Here is a useful link: http://www.ato.gov.au/content/downloads/BUS69534n41380611.pdf

apmasphere have put together this template for you to use as a starting point for putting together your tenant newsletters each week/month/year etc.

http://apmasphere.com/documents/314

We have also put this document together for handy hints that can be pasted within your version of your tenants newsletter.

http://apmasphere.com/documents/322

document 308 will cover this for you Christine

http://apmasphere.com/documents/308

KPIs for Business Development Consultant http://apmasphere.com/documents/310

KPIs for Property Manager http://apmasphere.com/documents/312

KPIs for Leasing Consultant http://apmasphere.com/documents/313

Not sure what you mean. What would it be used for?

Hi Marissa, we're familar with the document and can build one out for you, thanks for the suggestions.  We'll shoot a copy to you Margaret.  Think of it as a set of instructions from the Owner to the Agent about how they want their property managed.

IVE GOT ONE IF YOU WNT ME TO SHOOT OEN THROUGH EMILY

Jodie - if you would like to share your document - go for it.  Email it across and we'll set it up as being donated by you and Pennisi First National, Essendon. :-)

Thanks all! That would be great! :)

How do i get my grubby paws on this document? i just added this to the wishlist ha ha

Hi all could someone please send me a copy, I desperately after one asap :)

great idea!!  Can you add it to this forum? http://www.apmasphere.com/forums/11-Field-Agent-iPhone-App-/topics/509-Field-Agent-Ideas-for-version-1-3-and-beyond-

Hi Cassandra,  Can you share with us which state you work in?  This will help with the content of the checklist. 

State is NSW. Thank you in advance for helping with this.

I know its a different state but this might help

http://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/CA256DBB0022825D/page/Residential+Tenancies-Hearings?OpenDocument&1=70-Residential+Tenancies~&2=20-Hearings~&3=~

Thank you Jodie, i will take a look at this site.

Hi Cassandra,

I have sent a NSW one to Emily's email. hopefully she will be able to provide it to you.

Thanks Keira, Cassandra here is a link to the document.

This is a great document to help you prepare but it does not replace taking the file and evidence of your claim with you.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/287

I find it interesting that you state that you have situations where the tenant has to pay for and invoice for repairs as such. When a matter arises we generally seek quotes first and then give the tenant the option to use our tradesperson or they can seek their own as long as the matter is dealt with in a tradelike manner to our standard. We go back check the work completed particlarly if they have used their own tradespeople. Do you do this as well or do you arrange the work without the involement of the tenant without them knowing how much the work is going to cost? If the tenants choose to use our tradespeople we generally try to get the tenants to pay for the amount quoted before actually getting the work done. At times if the amount is a bit high we get the tenants to pay it off before getting the work done Eg we had to get the carpet replaced in a near new bedroom as the tenants had burnt the carpet with a hot iron By having the money already in the trust account before the invoice comes in avoids  issues when its due to be paid. 

In most cases when we are incurring a cost to the tenant it will be negotiated and agreed with by them before hand to prevent any issues.  On two cases where I have been caught out it has been a tenant that has damaged an item that related to the security of the property which led to a sliding glass door panel needing replacing, and the same with a glass panel in the front of a timber door.  It was an after hours call out and the tenant had advised that they could not locate anyone to do the work for them, as I could not leave my tenant in a property they could not secure I booked the work, however asked the trades person to make the invoice to the tenant C/ our agency.  Unfortunately the trades people still add this onto our account, so had to send letters to the tenant to organise payment plan either via our agency or direct with tradesperson.  Other than that as above all items resulting in tenant expense have been arranged prior to the invoice being received.

Kylie - Your is Wish is our Command.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/281

Although we are partial to android around here Tash, Field Agent is just for the iPhone.

Tash - check out the Field Agent forums for future updates here http://www.apmasphere.com/forums/11-Field-Agent-iPhone-App-

Scott - thanks for comments, you can actually change the content of the email report if you want too. Once you select the Email Report button and the report configures you can either email the report to yourself back in the office and edit there or you can edit the report in the app.  Just put the cursor where you want to change the content and type away.

You can delete content as well. To keep sharing future content on Field Agent, check out our Field Agent Forums http://www.apmasphere.com/forums/11-Field-Agent-iPhone-App-

Hi Jodie - this is not something we can do as it would contravene tenancy legislation. We can only create letters in accordance with the legislation and currently legislation does not state that an agent can refuse a cash payment.  We accept some offices opt for a no cash option but this is an individual business choice.

Something we used unfortuantely you cannot refuse cash

Dear xxx

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR YOUR PAYMENT OF RENT

Due to an audit of our internal policies and procedures, we wish to advise that we have identified that your recent rental payments have been made in cash.

Unfortunately, due to the high risks associated with holding cash on the premises, we ask that you utilise another payment option.

The options are:

1.         Bank Cheque/Money Order or Personal Cheque

2.         RentPay – Gives tenants the option of paying via the Internet, BPAY, Australia Post outlets or an automatic or manually generated Direct Debit from your account (fees apply)

3          xxx Direct Debit.

We would appreciate your co operation in this matter, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

We always put "any branch of the Commonwealth Bank" on our leases at Item 10: place of rent payment. We do accept cash, cheque or money order, just not at the office. Anyone paying cash at the office would be in breach of their tenancy agreement by not paying at the place of rent payment nominated on the agreement.

Jodie - thanks to Jodie Lester & Michael Kilroy, your wish has been granted.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/280

If you are using TICA they have a sample letter that you can warn tenants of pending listing. Something like this should be used first. The guys from TICA told me that you are meant to warn the tenant first of pending listing and that you are meant to give the tenant reasonable time to rectify the matter. They advised that 4 days could be considered reasonable time

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

Thanks, Margaret, I have given the tenant a warning and plenty of notice to rectifiy the matter but no attempt has been made what so ever. So I was chasing a letter advising them that they have been listed.

ChristineP

Christine - Your Wish is our Command.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/282

This was first suggested by Jodie Lester - Wish #34.

Vote for either, it's a great suggestion.

Have you tried looking through the past forums posts for similar discussions?

http://www.apmasphere.com/forums

Dee - Your Wish is our Command!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/283

we can create one for you and add it to Documents.  How would you use the new one compared to our existing one.  i.e at the end, beginning of tenancy or management?  We'll create it if can tell us what you would like to see.

Looking for a survey to send to current managements to track their rating of current service, any suggested improvements etc. We have had a new PM team for the past 18 months and have made some really big changes so looking to track how our landlords are perceiving these changes. Thanks Emily!

Amanda - Your Wish is our command;

We created a survey AND a covering letter to go with it.

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/261

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/262

Hi Jodie... we have just worked out a system after attending a Bob Walters seminar. We have minimum standards of business to be referred (e.g. full fees, no discounts and must be $300pw or above) and all refers whether they be sales, trades people, internal staff etc get a flat $400 fee. This way it means staff don't discount to get their bonus, all clients whether its a 2 bedroom flat or $2000pw property get the same fee. Has worked well so far.

Hi Jodie

We have a referral system in place (that I wish was 2 way but isn't [YET]). Any of our staff (including Property Management) can refer a new management to me and then once we have the management AND it's leased, they get $100 bonus. We just have a form for Referral and a form for the Claim of the bonus. Seems to work quite well and has hugely improved our retention rate of managements that are up for sale.

Now all we need is a referral system for when we refer a sale listing! :)

Glenys - Your Wish is our command;

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/263

p.s - what you have described constitutes a breach of the tenancy agreement.  So you could also try this letter if you would like to actually issue a breach notice

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/213

Keira - Your Wish is our command!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/260

That's a great idea Jodie

Hi Jodie, we have slightly less-than-perfect solution in place at the moment to help you search apmasphere.

You can use http://www.apmasphere.com/search

Note: it searches the whole of apmasphere, and we are currently working on getting it into the menu so it's easier to access. :)

Lorraine - Your Wish is our command!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/265

And this info sheet should also include what is maclious damage and infomation about effective life of the items in the property

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

this is a fantastic idea and one that would greatly help not only property managers but also landlords. Good work!

as a warm up to a document, try aTV 03 - The Difference between Fair Wear and Tear and Malicious Damage. http://www.apmasphere.com/tv/h-GpLVYEOrs

Hi Dawn, can you give a little more detail about what you would like to include?  We have a Pre-Inspection checklist, what aspect are you interested in?

Dawn - Your Wish is our command!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/268

Your wish is our command - http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/116

Our August Espresso from 2009 has the list and it's already loaded to the documents menu.

Hi Kim, i have posted you a general checklist that can be used until apmasphere can come up with something better. My tenatns find it quite helpful in having everything completed. I hope it helps you!

Kym - Your Wish is our command!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/266

The REIQ in QLD has a routine inspection form that can be used for routine inspections. Maybe the REINSW has one too

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

Ok Fantastic thanks for that ill have to have a look for it.

Sphie - your wish is our command.

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/233

Thanks for your great suggestion Katie, we're working on it.

Katie - your wish is our command!!

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/236

Glenys - your wish is our command.

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/234

Your wish, is our command;

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/195

Your wish is our command

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/194

Your Wish, is our command;

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/189

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/190

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/191

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/192

Hi Rebecca, the tenant vacating letter appears in the library

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/74

This seems to cover off on what you have requested but you can "Propose Changes" on the left hand side of the document if there is anything you would like added.

Alternatively, let us know what documents in addition to this you would like to see and we'll get to work.

A letter to tenants with christmas holiday hours and emergency numbers.

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/184

Letter to Owner - Christmas Holiday advice

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/183

oops.. that didnt sound right~~!

we know what you mean Kylie!

I know that there is a PM software out there that does have this, but it hasn't officially been released...watch this space and as soon as I know that I'm allowed to say something, I will!

well we haven't got this quite yet Kylie, but I have a feeling we can put a big tick through this very soon....

YAY!

Waiting for the tick!

Hows the tick coming along?? LOL

The tick is close! How's the new version I sent you Kylie?

Jasmine,

We constantly get asked similar things in our business, so we have put an info pack together. You can check it out at www.growyourrentroll.com.au

Regards,

Jason Rose

Thanks Jason, I will check it out.

We have added a checklist to our document collection

http://www.apmasphere.com/documents/331

Your wish is our command

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/185

Jade, you can now find this document, credited to you, in the document library here

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/181

Dee - this can now be found in the document library at

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/180

Your wish is our command;

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/176

Sorry I wasnt aware that the description tab was more than one line!  I was looking for an introduction letter to use when you buy a rent roll and send letters out to new onwers advising of the changeover . If anyone has bought a rent roll it would be appreciated if you ccould let me know what worked best for you. Thanks Jodie

Jodie, this would make for a good blog post.  apmasphere will work on a letter of introduction for you in the meantime.

thanks Emily i might just blog it ! ;) have a great weekend

Happy to email you a sample letter - I think I still have one. See my forum post & feel free to get in contact. 

Rob, if you have a letter email it to apma@apmasphere.com.au and we will load it crediting you at the author.  Many of our letters and documents have been changed due to requests from Memebers and we always credit them with the document.

your wish is our command;

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/documents/177

I see 4 in the document library - July through to October. If you filter the left column to "marketing tools", I see them

What about the newsletter for November. Our landlords thinks it is a great idea. when will that be coming out?

The Novemember Espresso is nearly ready so that like to October Espresso we can release prior to end of month, giving you enough time to customise and include with your statements.

November Espresso is now available in the forms and letters section

have the newsletter available before end of month

Hayley,

Your wish, is our command.

The February edition of Espresso will be ready for you to download first thing tomorrow morning.

apmasphere

Your wish is our command

http://www.apmasphere.com.au/

Thanks for bringing back emails!!

Margaret www.dmrealty.com.au

It would be great if we were able to edit posts in this area that did not go on correctly

Would help me too. Maybe a script about how to talk to landlords about it? Some of them think that a tenant database check ensures that the tenant will be good.