Fireside Property Management Blog

By Brian Folden - Monday, November 9, 2026

Boutique Property Management Company vs. Large Property Management Company

Key TakeawaysNeither a boutique firm nor a large company is automatically better, because the right choice depends on the kind of attention, systems and accountability you want for your property.Smaller companies often offer more personal service and direct access to decision mak...

By Brian Folden - Monday, November 9, 2026

Screening Standards That Reduce Arrears and Turnover

Key TakeawaysGood tenant screening means setting clear, written, consistent standards before you advertise, then applying them to every applicant the same way, which reduces late rent, damage and early move-outs.Screening has legal limits, particularly in California, where fair h...

By Brian Folden - Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Property Manager vs. Real Estate Agent: What's the Difference?

Anyone new to owning rental property in San Jose has likely heard both terms used, sometimes interchangeably. A real estate agent and a property manager both work in the housing industry, but their roles serve very different purposes. Confusing the two can lead an owner to hire t...

By Brian Folden - Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Emergency Maintenance 101: What Actually Counts as an Emergency

Key TakeawaysPrioritize situations involving immediate danger, active property damage, loss of essential services, or a home that cannot be secured or safely occupied.Define emergency categories in writing, provide residents with a dedicated contact number, and set spending limit...

By Brian Folden - Friday, October 9, 2026

Renting vs. Selling Your House: Which Makes Sense for You?

Key TakeawaysCompare projected rental income against mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, management fees, and potential vacancy before deciding to keep your San Jose home.Evaluate the tax implications of renting versus selling, including potential capital gains, dep...

By Brian Folden - Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Operating Costs for San Jose Rentals: Fees, Repairs, and Reserves

Key TakeawaysProperty management fees typically range from 8% to 12% of monthly rent in San Jose, though some companies charge flat rates or lower percentages on larger portfolios.Vacancy loss at San Jose's current rental rates means each empty week costs you in lost rent, ma...

By Brian Folden - Monday, September 14, 2026

Landlord Compliance Checklist: From Screening to Notices

Key TakeawaysDocument every screening decision consistently and keep records for at least three years to defend against fair housing claims.Provide all required state and local disclosures in writing before or at lease signing, including lead-based paint, mold, and San Jose Apart...

By Brian Folden - Monday, September 14, 2026

Reducing Vacancy in Multi-Family Properties: Strategies That Work in San Jose

San Jose's rental market moves fast, and multi-family property owners feel the pressure of every empty unit. Vacancy doesn't just mean lost rent for a month. It means marketing costs, turnover expenses, and the risk of falling behind competitors who fill their units quick...

By Brian Folden - Friday, August 14, 2026

How Multi-Family Maintenance Differs from Single-Family Properties

Owning a duplex is nothing like managing a sixty-unit apartment complex, and the maintenance side of the business proves that point every single day. Single-family rentals tend to follow a predictable rhythm: one roof, one HVAC system, one set of appliances, and one tenant relati...

By Brian Folden - Friday, July 31, 2026

Tips to Find Great Tenants For Your Rental Property

Key TakeawaysSan Jose's rental market moves fast, so knowing exactly who you're trying to attract saves time and narrows your search from the start.Quality photos and a properly staged listing consistently outperform a rushed, half-finished presentation.Advertising with t...

Fireside Property Management Blog

Boutique Property Management Company vs. Large Property Management Company

Screening Standards That Reduce Arrears and Turnover

Property Manager vs. Real Estate Agent: What's the Difference?

Emergency Maintenance 101: What Actually Counts as an Emergency

Renting vs. Selling Your House: Which Makes Sense for You?

Operating Costs for San Jose Rentals: Fees, Repairs, and Reserves

Landlord Compliance Checklist: From Screening to Notices

Reducing Vacancy in Multi-Family Properties: Strategies That Work in San Jose

How Multi-Family Maintenance Differs from Single-Family Properties

Tips to Find Great Tenants For Your Rental Property

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