Owner FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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Am I required to make my property available to Section 8?
Our company ensures we comply with Connecticut’s fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on source of income, including Section 8 vouchers. While owners cannot refuse tenants solely for using vouchers, all applicants must meet our standard screening criteria, such as credit, rental history, and background checks, applied consistently and fairly. Owners are not required to lower rents to match voucher limits, and properties must meet health and safety standards set by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Our team is here to help you navigate Section 8 compliance while ensuring your property is rented to qualified tenants who align with your investment goals. -
Are you licensed?
All property managers either have an active realtor salesperson or broker’s license issued by the State. As we deal with more business that interfaces with other industries, we may require our members to acquire the appropriate licenses. We are also insured! -
Can I reach you after hours?
As our policies require us to manage your properties around the clock, rest assured that we will insulate you from the little worries even at the darkest hour. If you happen to have a pressing question that requires attention after hours, you may reach us at 860.501.8765. -
Can you put the money directly into my account?
Yes, we guarantee that all deposits will be adjudicated and deposited in your account by the 10th of the month. -
Do I get to see the lease or sign it?
We welcome that you ask for any agreements ahead of time for your planning purposes before you commit. Ask one of our members at the office to help you with getting a copy for your review. -
Do you sell real estate too?
We specialize in managing single-family and multi-family properties offering comprehensive services to property owners and investors. In addition to property management, we assist investors in acquiring and divesting properties to help them achieve their financial goals. Our licensed property managers, who are also experienced real estate professionals, provide personalized guidance and market insights to identify properties that align with your investment objectives. Whether you are expanding your portfolio or strategically selling assets, we are committed to supporting your investment success with expert advice and local market knowledge. -
How is rent collection handled?
Rent collection is handled securely and efficiently through our online resident portal, allowing tenants to make payments 24/7 via ACH, credit card, or electronic transfer. We encourage online payments for faster processing, enabling us to disburse owner payouts via ACH by the 10th of each month. For tenants who prefer traditional methods, we also accept paper checks, ensuring compliance with Connecticut state laws. Our system automatically tracks late payments, generates reminder notices, and applies late fees as outlined in the lease agreement. Additionally, owners can view real-time rent collection reports through their secure Owner Portal. -
How long of a lease do you sign?
We pledge that we deserve your business only when you see value in our work. We do not oblige you as a property owner to commit to any long term lease and allow for a 30-day period for us to compile property information packages upon closing. -
How much security deposit do you charge the resident?
At Ocean’s Avenue Property Management, we follow Connecticut law when handling security deposits, ensuring transparency and protection for owners and tenants. We may charge up to two months’ rent, or one month for tenants 62 and older, and place deposits in a separate interest-bearing account as required. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning fees, or lease violations, with a written itemization provided within 30 days of lease termination. Additionally, we offer deposit alternatives, such as deposit insurance programs, to enhance tenant accessibility while safeguarding owner interests. -
How soon can you start managing my property?
After our first consultation, we will consider your objectives and expectations and analyze your request for service to determine the best course of action. We will issue all necessary forms and agreements for your review before committing to an agreement. This can be done at your earliest availability and our workload but we don’t expect for the process to take longer than 2 weeks. -
What type of properties do you manage?
We specialize in the management of residential single-family and multi-family properties. We also manage short-term rentals and vacation properties ensuring tailored management solutions that maximize returns for property owners. -
What type of reports do I get and how often?
We provide key reports regularly either monthly, annually, or on a case-by-case basis and ensure owners have 24/7 access to their financial and property performance via our secure Owner Portal. Our goal is to deliver full transparency and actionable insights that help you maximize returns and minimize risks on your investment properties. -
Who holds the resident security deposit?
All resident security deposits are held in a separate escrow account as required by Connecticut state law. This dedicated account ensures that tenant funds are secure, interest-bearing (when applicable), and fully compliant with state regulations. Security deposits are never commingled with operating funds, and upon lease termination, refunds or deductions are processed in accordance with Connecticut’s landlord-tenant laws, with a detailed itemization of any charges provided to the resident. Owners can view security deposit records and transaction history through their Owner Portal for full transparency and peace of mind. -
Isn’t it a conflict of interest when a property manager also invests in properties in the same communities?
Great question! At Ocean’s Avenue Property Management, we prioritize transparency and fairness to prevent conflicts of interest when managing properties in communities where we may also invest. We fully comply with anti-trust laws prohibiting price-fixing, market allocation, and bid rigging. Our policies include full transparency of company-owned properties, fair leasing practices, separate management teams, and annual third-party audits, ensuring that our client interests always come first.