Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords

About Our Company & Expertise

Q: What makes Peace Castle Property Management the best choice for my North San Diego County property?

A: We are a local, full-service firm with over 37 years of combined experience. Our deep roots in the North County market—from Oceanside to Del Mar—give us an unmatched understanding of local trends, laws, and communities. We combine this expertise with modern, AI-driven marketing to maximize your property’s value.

Q: How long has Peace Castle Property Management been in business?

A: Peace Castle Property Management was established in 2018. Since then, we have built a reputation for ethical, transparent, and proactive management, serving a growing portfolio of satisfied homeowners and investors.

Q: What types of properties do you manage?

A: We specialize in managing a wide range of residential properties, including single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit complexes throughout North San Diego County. Our expertise extends to both coastal and inland communities.

Fees & Financials

Q: What are your property management fees? Are there any hidden costs?

A: Our pricing is competitive and completely transparent. We charge a monthly management fee based on a percentage of the rent collected. We do not charge vacancy fees. All potential costs, including a one-time tenant placement fee, are clearly outlined in our management agreement, ensuring there are no surprises.

Q: How do you handle rent collection?

A: We make rent collection easy and efficient for both owners and tenants. Rent is collected through a secure online portal, and we enforce a strict but fair policy for late payments, promptly initiating the legal process if necessary.

Q: How will I receive financial updates and statements for my property?

A: You will receive detailed monthly and annual financial statements through your secure online owner portal. Our reports are comprehensive, providing a clear breakdown of all income, expenses, and invoices for your property.

Tenant Screening & Placement

Q: What is your process for tenant screening?

A: Our rigorous tenant screening process is designed to find high-quality, reliable renters. We conduct comprehensive background checks, including credit checks, criminal history, and eviction reports, in full compliance with California law. We also verify employment, income, and rental history references.

Q: How do you market my vacant property to find a new tenant?

A: We create a compelling listing with professional photography and a detailed description, which is then syndicated across all major rental platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Apartments.com. Our goal is to attract a wide pool of qualified applicants, minimizing your property's vacancy period.

Maintenance & Inspections

Q: How do you handle maintenance requests and repairs?

A: We handle all maintenance requests promptly and efficiently. Tenants can submit requests through their online portal, and we respond to all emergency issues with our 24/7 service. We have a trusted network of licensed and insured local vendors to ensure quality workmanship.

Q: What is a maintenance reserve, and do you require one?

A: A maintenance reserve is a dedicated fund held in a trust account to cover unexpected or urgent repairs. We require a small, pre-funded reserve to ensure we can address issues immediately, preventing small problems from becoming costly ones. This protects your asset and keeps tenants happy.

Q: How often do you inspect my property?

A: We conduct thorough inspections at key intervals, including move-in, move-out, and on a regular basis to ensure the property is being properly maintained. This proactive approach helps us identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems.

Legal & Administrative

Q: How do you handle legal compliance and lease agreements?

A: Our team is an expert in California landlord-tenant law and Fair Housing regulations. We draft legally binding lease agreements and ensure full compliance in all our practices, protecting you from potential legal disputes.

Q: What happens if a property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

A: We have extensive experience working with HOAs in North San Diego County. We handle all communication, ensure tenants are compliant with community rules, and proactively address any violations, acting as your intermediary to prevent fines and maintain good standing.

Q: What happens if a tenant needs to be evicted?

A: In the rare event of an eviction, we handle the entire process from start to finish. Our team will manage all legal proceedings in accordance with state and local laws, ensuring a swift and compliant resolution.

Q: What is the typical termination process for a property management agreement?

A: We believe in earning your business every day. Our contracts are designed to be clear and fair, with a standard termination clause that requires a 30-day written notice. We make the process simple and transparent if you ever choose to part ways.

Performance & ROI

Q: What is a good vacancy rate for my rental property in North County San Diego?

A: The average vacancy rate in North County San Diego fluctuates, but a good target is below the regional average of 5-6%. Our aggressive marketing and tenant screening strategies are designed to keep your vacancy rate as low as possible, typically under 30 days.

Q: What is included in my property management agreement?

A: Our comprehensive agreement is the foundation of our partnership. It clearly outlines the scope of our services, compensation, duration of the agreement, and termination clauses, ensuring all expectations are set from the start.

Q: Do you work with out-of-state owners and investors?

A: Yes, we have a specialized system for working with out-of-state and out-of-country clients. Our transparent communication and online owner portal ensure you have complete visibility and peace of mind, no matter where you are in the world.