FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What does your property management company do?

We take care of rental properties for owners. This includes finding tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance, and managing day-to-day issues.

What types of properties do you manage?

Typical portfolios include single-family homes, multi-family buildings, condos, townhomes, and small commercial properties.

What areas do you serve?

We manage properties in the Silicon Valley and nearby citites & communities.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We are fully licensed and insured to protect both owners and tenants.

Owner/Landlord

How do you find tenants?

We advertise the property online, show it to interested renters, and respond to inquiries.

How do you screen tenants?

We check credit, rental history, employment, and background to find reliable tenants.

What are your general qualifications for tenant?

  • Below is our general qualification for applicants:
    • 3x income to rent ratio (industry standard)
    • Qualifying credit score of 650+ (we can use 700 if that is your preference)
    • Clean rental history and background check (no evictions recorded)
    • 2 months worth of paystubs or offer letter

How is rent collected?

Tenants can pay rent online or through other approved payment methods.

Who holds the tenant's security deposit?

The property management company typically holds the deposit in a trust account, in compliance with state and local laws.

How do owners get to approve maintenance request?

For routine repairs under an agreed-upon dollar amount, we proceed automatically. For larger expenses, we obtain owner approval first unless it’s an emergency that threatens safety or property damage.

Can I use my own contractors or vendors?

Yes—owners may specify preferred vendors. We’re also happy to use our vetted professionals for reliability and competitive pricing.

Should I have tenant be responsible for landscaping?

No, we recommend owners pay for any landscaping services. We’ve found that placing the responsibility of landscaping on the tenants will not meet the expectations you may have.

What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay rent?

We follow up with the tenant, apply late fees if needed, and take legal steps if the issue continues.

Can I keep the water bill in my name instead of the tenant?

Regarding the water bill, we can have you send a copy of the bill to our management team as soon as it arrives. They will then add the amount to the tenant’s rent portal, labeled as a utility bill, for payment. Once the tenant pays, the amount will be transferred to your account via our ACH system. We’re experienced with this process, as many of our property owners use a similar setup. Alternatively, you can upload the bills directly to Willowby Properties, allowing tenants to make their payments there.

How often do I get updates or reports?

Owners receive regular financial reports, usually monthly.

Do you handle evictions?

Yes. If needed, we manage the eviction process according to the law.

Can I cancel my management contract?

Yes, most agreements include a cancellation clause with a required notice period.

Tenant

How do I apply for a rental?

You can apply online by filling out an application form.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. The fee covers background and credit checks.

What are your general qualifications for applicants?

Below is our general qualification for applicants:

  • 3x income to rent ratio (industry standard)
  • Qualifying credit score of 650+ (we can use 700 if that is your preference)
  • Clean rental history and background check (no evictions recorded)
  • 2 months worth of paystubs or offer letter

How do I pay rent?

Rent can be paid online or through approved payment options.

How do I request maintenance?

Submit a maintenance request through our online system or contact our office.

What is considered an emergency repair?

Issues like no heat, major water leaks, or electrical hazards are emergencies.

What should I do in an emergency after hours?

Call our emergency maintenance number provided in your welcome package or lease.

What is your pet policy?

Pet policies vary by property. Check the listing or ask our office.

When will I get my security deposit back?

Security deposits are returned according to state law, usually within a set number of days after move-out.

Let’s Talk!

We’re happy to help! If you have any questions, comments, or need more information, feel free to reach out. Submit your message, and we’ll take it from there!