Landlords - I know its pretty hard to deal with tenants, especially when they are not paying their rent.
The following tips may help.
Payments - Accept electronic payments, some people just forget to drop it in the mail or simply don't have the time to go to the office and submit the payment. Many people write personal checks, why not just transfer the money to you electronically and save paper and time.
Communication - When you or your management company communicates with the tenants, they are more open and honest about whats going on in terms of your money. Avoid your tenants from calling 311 by attending to their needs promptly. Provide email addresses with auto reply to cut down daily rhetorical phone calls .This extends professionalism and productivity. Most importantly it would help avoid those pink hpd violations.
Rules - Charge low late fee's and extend grace period in a timely fashion, This will prompt tenants to get their rent paid before the late fee-charge posts to their account instead of forcing them to pay without giving them time.
Repairs/Court - Before you send a tenant to court for non-payment go to their unit and inspect for any repairs that must be done, put it in writing, allow the tenant to sign. Then you will have full evidence in court that repairs are up to date. This will save you money with legal proceedings and the judge will come to a conclusion much faster. please keep in mind a minimum of one week's advance written notice, and access for inspection requires a minimum of 24 hours advance written notice. Protect Property - Installing cameras on the premises is the best way to keep your building safe. Drugs dealers fear being watched, robbers wont target your property as a clean break, Vandalism will be cut down for sure. Organize your Property - Place signs on every floor for loitering. The garbage area should always be clean and have vivid signs on where everything should be placed. This can motivate your tenants to help you recycle.
Remember :: Building Owners Owners must ensure that buildings are safe, clean and well maintained, in both common areas and in individual apartments. Among other responsibilities, owners must provide and maintain safe egress, heat, hot and cold water, good lighting and make repairs to keep the building in good repair.