Rector Best Property ManagEment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We try to anticipate questions you might have about Rector Best and provide the answers here. If you need additional information or have any other questions, please send us an email at manager@rectorbest.com,  call our office at (703) 549-5400 or send us a message in the Contact Us section below.  

1. What is property management?

At Rector Best, we typically use a "soup-to-nuts" approach when caring for your real estate, but are happy to customize a contract based on your specific needs.  Simply put, property management begins with procuring a qualified tenant, collecting rents on a monthly basis, responding to and managing any needed repairs/renovations and providing you with a monthly financial report on the property.  We manage individual condominiums, townhouses, single-family homes and small apartment and commercial properties.  Having a third party manage your property provides you with the piece of mind knowing your asset is being professionally cared for without you having to deal with the every day operations. 

2. How can I go about viewing/leasing one of  your properties?

Visit the " Current Listings" section of this website to see what properties are currently available for lease.  If something interests you, send us an email or call to set up a viewing.  If you don't see what you need, call the office and talk to our property manager about what may be coming available.  Once you decide to lease a residential property with us, you must fill out a rental application (there is a fee of $50 per person) which allows us to check credit, rental and employment history.  For commercial properties, a letter of intent is required which contains but is not limited to a description of how the property will be used, any and all renovations to be made and a business plan to include financial data.  

3. I want to put my property in management, what should I do?

Rector Best would be happy to add your property to our portfolio. Call or email our office to set up an appointment to speak with our property manager.  We will review a typical management contract with you and set up an appointment to view your property.     

4. Do you manage properties outside of Alexandria?

Absolutely.  Our office is located in Old Town Alexandria, but we manage other properties primarily in the Northern VA area.

5. I heard property management is expensive.  How much does it cost?

Rector Best typically charges 8% of the monthly rental income for our full complement of services. There are some other "one time" fees such as a finder's fee when a new tenant is procured for your property or a lease is renewed.  All fees are designed to cover the costs associated with management such as finding new tenants, creating and scheduling lease signing, collecting rent, holding security deposit, taking care of regular maintenance issues, managing renovations, and maintaining the good condition of the property.  Owner's of the property can be involved as little or as much as they choose!    

6. Can I pay my rent online or with a credit card?

Unfortunately no, our company is not set up to accept these payment methods.  Rent must be paid with a personal check or certified funds.

7. What are the tenant obligations within the lease?

The tenant obligations as well as the obligations of Rector Best as agent for the owner are all clearly stated within the lease agreement. Contact our office and we would be happy to email you a copy of our lease form.

8. Once my property is under management, can I visit it when I'm in town?

Yes.  The lease states that a 24 hour notice must be given to the tenant prior to your visit but it does not prohibit you from visiting the property.  The notice is required out of respect for your tenant's rights as an occupant of the property.