Rentals are always in a constant state of flux. Some that are
shown on this website as available may be near the end of the application
process and are in essence, rented. Some may not show as available
at the moment but a 30 day notice is in the mail to us. Some owners
may decide to sell all their properties, while others have just purchased
a rental and we are working to get them prepared to rent. Fill out
an application noting which property you are interested in to be
considered for tenancy. We will be happy to show an available property
with an application on file.
Virginia
R. Mefford is a Broker and founder of Sonora Home Rentals. Virginia has
recently retired.
Gerri D.
Lough, Virginia's daughter, co-owner and the Designated Broker
(DRE License #01279472), is an
experienced Realtor and oversees Sonora and Calaveras Home Rentals.
She handles all marketing and functions as webmaster.
Lyle Lough is
a licensed General Contractor and owner of HandyWorks,
the maintenance company utilized by Sonora Home Rentals for most repairs and
maintenance issues.
We advertise in the Union Democrat, through our 800 number system, and here on our own websites,
www.SonoraRentals.com and
several other websites including Craigslist.
Digital pictures of the rental are taken for advertising purposes,
and a digital video camera is used to document pre move-in condition of the
rental and is kept on file.
Rental Prep
Complete cleaning including windows and
repairs, painting, installation of items required by
California law, i.e., smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and
front-door deadbolts can be contracted through our maintenance crew,
HandyWorks.
Screen Applicants
Potential tenants are screened with a credit
check, job verification, references, and rental history. Also
included in our report is an eviction report, background/criminal check, sex-offender
status and terrorist watch list. Official California Association of Realtors
rental/lease forms are utilized for contracting with tenants.
Collect Rents
All rents are collected by the 5th of the month and
property owners are paid by the 10th of the month, usually sooner. If
you provide us with deposit slips, we can deposit your funds in the
local branch of your bank.
Pay Outstanding Bills
In cases where the owner pays for sewer, water,
and/or garbage, these bills can be paid out of rents before dispersal of
your funds.
Statements
We issue monthly statements and annual income
statements for tax purposes. Now owners can keep track of
their rentals online at www.Propertyware.com.
Maintenance
On-going maintenance and emergencies are handled by
our maintenance crew, HandyWorks. Should the cost
of the work request be above your Repair Fund limit, then a bid will be submitted.
You may then either accept the bid, get competing bids, or do the work yourself.
Semi-annual maintenance checks are performed at a
base cost of $45 to keep your rental in tip-top shape.
Maintenance workers also note if the home and yard are well-kept and
if there are any unauthorized pets or visitors.
Homes with swamp coolers are on a maintenance
schedule to be made ready for summer and then winterized in the
fall. This is a fee-based service through
HandyWorks.
All our homes are scheduled to have
the roofs blown off and gutters cleaned before the rainy season every
year. This is a fee-based service through
HandyWorks.
All rentals will have their
chimneys cleaned in the fall. This is a fee-based service through
HandyWorks.
Every time we happen to drive by your rental, we
will take a good look. We will send you a note to that effect
every now and then. If something looks awry, we will take action
to correct the problem and you will be notified.
Unlawful Detainer
Eviction services, including Unlawful Detainer actions,
are performed at no other cost than court costs and service fees on tenants
that Sonora Home Rentals has screened and placed in your rental.
Should you have a need for Unlawful Detainer action on a tenant that was not
placed by Sonora Home Rentals, call us, we may be able to help.
Move-out/Move-in
After 30 day notice is received and acknowledged, a
walk-through is performed and the tenant is informed as to what items
need to be cleaned or repaired. Any items noted on the
walk-through that the tenant does not perform are deducted from their
deposit. The tenant's contract states that professional carpet
cleaning will be performed and deducted from their deposit. The
itemized reconciliation of deposit is sent to the former tenant by the date
required by law.
Items of normal wear-and-tear,
painting, and other needed maintenance is performed as quickly as possible
to have your property vacant for the shortest time period possible.
