Choosing a professional management company like Ashford Management offers numerous benefits that can enhance your rental experience and protect your investment. 

Here are some key reasons

Maximize Income: Professional managers ensure your property is competitively priced, attracting high-quality tenants and minimizing vacancy periods.

Minimize Expenses: With established relationships with reliable vendors, maintenance and repair costs are kept low through preferred pricing and efficient scheduling.

Limit Liability: Compliance with local laws and regulations, including the Arizona Landlord & Tenant Act, reduces the risk of legal issues.

Professional Tenant Screening: Rigorous screening processes help secure reliable and responsible tenants, reducing the risk of late payments and evictions.

Efficient Rent Collection: Professional managers enforce timely rent collection, ensuring consistent cash flow.

Handling Maintenance and Tenant Issues: All maintenance requests and tenant concerns are managed promptly and professionally, providing peace of mind to property owners.

Enhanced Marketing and Advertising: Professional marketing resources ensure your property gets maximum exposure, reducing vacancy times.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Professional managers understand and comply with legal notices and Maricopa County assessor requirements.

Reduced Tenant Turnover: Efficient management practices and tenant satisfaction initiatives help in retaining tenants, reducing turnover and associated costs.

24/7 Emergency Services: Availability round-the-clock for emergencies ensures that any urgent issues are handled promptly, protecting your property and tenant satisfaction.

Employing a professional property management company allows you to focus on your passions without the hassles of day-to-day property operations. 

The commitment to your investment and the professional handling of your property ensure a smooth and profitable rental experience.

Ashford Management Services, founded in 1997, brings extensive experience to property management. 

We are A+ rated by the BBB and consistently ranked among the top property management companies in Metro-Phoenix/Scottsdale, with high ratings across multiple review platforms.

Ashford dedicates 100% of its time to managing your investment efficiently and effectively—No Sales.

We are known for our communicative style and comprehensive services, which include effective tenant screening, thorough maintenance processes, and a proactive approach to property marketing.

Our clients frequently commend us for our professionalism, reliability, and transparent communication, high tenant satisfaction and low vacancy rates.

We consistently receive positive feedback and referrals, highlighting our reputation as a trusted and efficient property management partner in Arizona.

Experience the difference with Ashford Management Services, where your property’s success is our priority.

Our fee structure is competitive.

We are seeing a trend in the industry where property managers discount typical management and leasing fees while imposing other fees to maintain cash flow. Our fees are straightforward with no surprises.

At Ashford, there are NO hidden, new account start-up, recurring administrative, or gratuitous fees.

Management Fee

Our monthly management fee is a flat rate, regardless of the rent amount. No management fees are charged while the property is vacant.

Leasing & Advertising

Flat-Fee Leasing: We offer straightforward flat-fee leasing services.

Zillow Group: There is a per diem fee for Zillow Group services, so you only pay for the days your property is listed.

Upgrade Options: You can choose to upgrade with an MLS listing and co-broke to attract other agents. We also offer a featured listing boost option, billed per valid lead received.

Lease Renewal Fee

When a tenant renews their lease, Ashford prepares and submits the renewal paperwork. A renewal fee is charged for negotiating and drafting the renewal lease.

Other Fees

New Client - Tenant Move-Out Inspection (a new client is one for 50 days or less)

New Client - Initial Clean-Up & Property Preparation

Trip - Unscheduled visit/additional inspection/new client non-rent ready

Advisory - Large or Capital Project Supervision

Insurance Claim Coordination

Mold Remediation Coordination

Home Sale Coordination with Paperwork

Court Appearance/Legal Defense Preparation

Statutory Agent - applies to properties under management only

Procurement - if an Ashford-placed tenant purchases the home

There may be fees imposed by the banking aspect of our property management software (AppFolio) for certain payment methods. These fees are beyond our control and are not profit for Ashford Management Services.

Special Pricing

Leasing Paperwork Preparation: If an owner has a friend or relative they want to recommend for their vacant property, AMS will run the application and prepare the leasing paperwork at a discounted paperwork-only fee. However, we will only run one set of applications per vacancy. A "set" of applications can either be a single applicant or a group of applicants who will live together.

Military Discount: We offer discounts to Military and first responders.

Multiple Property Rate Discounts

Reserve Fund

We do require a $200 reserve account deposit for potential property repairs. This reserve is replenished from the monthly rent collected if it is depleted. The reserve is fully refundable and will be returned to you if you decide to end our management services. 

Cancellation Policy

There is no penalty to cancel the agreement. We require a 30-day notice to ensure a smooth transition.

For specific pricing details, please contact us.

Yes, we can provide client references upon request. We are proud of the relationships we have built with our clients and are happy to share their experiences with you.

To begin management, we will need the following:

Signed Management Agreement & Other Start-Up Documents: This formalizes our partnership and outlines the terms of our services.

$200.00 Reserve and Any Anticipated Maintenance Work funds: The reserve is kept on file and only used as needed for any immediate expenses related to property management. Owner contribution funds are sent through your owner portal, and the payment will be reflected on your statement.

If Occupied

Current Tenant Information: If the property is occupied, we will need the current tenant information and, if professionally managed, the contact information of the current property manager. 

The time it takes to rent out your property can vary based on several factors, including location, price, and the condition of the property. 

On average, properties managed by Ashford Management Services rent out within 15 to 45 days. This timeframe is volatile and can change as market conditions fluctuate. 

Some properties may rent in as little as 3 days, while others might take longer, depending on specific circumstances.

Factors Influencing Rental Speed

Location: Properties in highly desirable areas with good schools, amenities, and transportation links tend to rent faster.

Pricing: Setting a competitive rental price based on current market conditions can significantly impact how quickly your property is rented.

Condition: Properties that are clean, well-maintained, and updated attract more interest from potential tenants.

We’re driven and use a dynamic, aggressive marketing strategy to fill your property quickly. With no management fees during vacancy, we’re motivated because we don’t get paid until your property is occupied!

Our goal is always to minimize vacancy and secure quality tenants promptly.

At Ashford Management, we use a targeted marketing strategy to attract high-quality tenants efficiently.

Our approach includes

Online Listings and Paid Advertising: We list your property on popular rental websites such as Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com to ensure maximum visibility.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Our website is optimized for search engines to attract organic traffic.

Signage (Optional): "For Rent" signs can be placed at the property to capture the attention of local traffic if the property owner chooses this option.

Multiple Listing Services (MLS): For an additional fee, we will list your property on the MLS to increase exposure among real estate agents and their clients.

Featured Listings: For an additional premium fee, we can feature your property on major rental websites to enhance visibility and attract more potential tenants through targeted pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.

Outreach to Major Employers: We reach out to major employers and relocation services in the area to refer potential tenants to our properties.

We don't charge ancillary tenant fees, smart home fees, or mandatory "benefit" packages, saving the tenant money and making the listing more attractive.

By utilizing these focused marketing strategies, we ensure your property receives the right exposure and attracts qualified tenants efficiently.

There are specific insurance requirements for both owners and tenants to ensure protection for all parties involved.

Owner's Liability Insurance:

Owners are required to provide Liability Insurance, with Ashford Management Services named as an additional insured. This is a standard process that ensures both the owner and the property management company are protected. Obtaining Liability Insurance is straightforward. Contact your insurance agent and inform them that you need to add Ashford Management Services as an additional insured on your policy. Your agent will be familiar with this process and can easily make the necessary adjustments to your policy. If you don't have an insurance agent, you can reach out to any reputable insurance company, explain your needs, and they will guide you through the process.

Tenant's Renter's Insurance:

Tenants are required to have renter's insurance for the duration of their occupancy, with a minimum coverage of $300,000. Renter's insurance typically covers personal property loss or damage, liability protection, and additional living expenses if the rental unit becomes uninhabitable. Tenants can obtain renter's insurance by contacting their insurance agent or any reputable insurance company and requesting a policy that meets these requirements.

These insurance requirements ensure that both the property and the individuals involved are adequately protected.

While the home is vacant, it is the owner's responsibility to establish utilities. Some municipalities offer landlord programs that make it easier to manage utility accounts, including online activation and transfers. 

Water and electric must be turned on while the property is vacant to allow for repairs and cleaning to be done if needed. Additionally, if your home has a sprinkler system or pool, the utilities will need to be on to allow these to operate, especially with a pool.

Unless necessary, we do not recommend that natural gas be on due to the potential hazard it may present.

Utilities, unless included, are established by the tenant on move-in day. Tenants are not allowed access to the property unless proof of utility activation is on file.

There can be issues with the tenant establishing water or other utilities if the property is not registered as a rental with the Maricopa County Assessor. To register, look up your property on the Maricopa County Assessor's website and follow the rental registration instructions.

For in-state owners, the statutory agent can be yourself. If you are out of town, someone in town must be designated, which can be a friend, relative, or neighbor. If you'd like Ashford Management Services to act as your statutory agent, please contact us for more information.

The owner is responsible for paying the HOA dues. Ashford can take over that responsibility with the caveat that you are paid one period in advance.

If the tenant does not follow HOA rules and is fined by the HOA, the fine is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner. However, the tenant will be charged for any fines incurred due to their actions. It is important to note that while the tenant is billed for the fines, the owner remains responsible for ensuring the fines are paid to the HOA. Any unpaid fines can be deducted from the tenant's security deposit at the end of their lease.

If recurring violations occur, we can move to eviction.

If there are maintenance items that require approval from the HOA board, we can assist, a fee may apply.

We work with the HOA to ensure tenant compliance and proper registration. It is important that Ashford Management Services receives the community rules to pass along to the tenant. Significant items, such as no street parking, must be disclosed prior to listing the property.

Credit reports are outsourced to Vantage Score powered by Experian for reliable information. We directly contact landlords, employers, and other references, including previous landlords, to gather a comprehensive tenant history. A criminal check is conducted on each applicant. For more details on our tenant qualifying criteria, please visit our Qualifying Criteria page.

We use the Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) lease documents. The AAR is a reputable organization that provides standardized and legally sound documents, ensuring compliance with Arizona real estate laws and practices. These documents have withstood the test of time and are well-regarded by judges. They offer balanced protections for both the landlord and tenant.

Ashford complies fully with the Fair Housing Act. This means that you cannot choose to disallow anyone who is a member of a protected class under the act, which includes children.

Maximum Occupancy Policy:

Two (2) persons per bedroom.

If a “Den” has a closet, the maximum occupancy will increase by one person.

You can choose to disallow pets in your home, but you cannot deny a bona fide service animal. Based on our experience, restricting pets can reduce the tenant pool since many potential tenants have at least one pet. You may consider allowing only small dogs or cats.

All our leases have a no-smoking clause, which states the tenant is charged for repair and cleanup, including ozone machines, if smoking inside the home has occurred.

If you have additional questions about the specifics of the Fair Housing Act, please visit: HUD Fair Housing Information.

If landscaping maintenance services are not provided by the owner, the tenant is responsible for maintaining these aspects of the property.  We require pool services be included. 

Landscaping: The tenant is responsible for keeping the property weed-free and properly irrigated. This includes routine tasks such as mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and ensuring the overall neat appearance of the landscaping. Typically, tenants are responsible for maintaining any vegetation under 5 feet tall. Handling larger issues, such as removing a large tree, would be the owner's responsibility. If any problems are observed, tenants should report them through the portal as soon as possible.

Pool Maintenance: Tenants are not responsible for performing pool maintenance but are expected to assist with basic tasks such as skimming the pool, emptying the basket after a storm, and ensuring all access points are secure. Professional pool maintenance is handled by the owner to ensure proper water chemistry and prevent damage to the pool. If any problems are observed, tenants should report them through the portal immediately.

Other Maintenance: Tenants may be responsible for other aspects of the property's basic upkeep, including HVAC filter changes, RO system maintenance, water softener upkeep, refrigerator filters, and other similar items. When possible, guidelines are provided to ensure proper maintenance.

Our goal is to ensure that the property is well-maintained, and clear guidelines help in achieving that.

The condition of the property is noted and photographed prior to the listing.

Tenants are responsible for completing a walk-through inspection using the Z Inspector app, where they list any damages or defects they notice with the property. The app ensures that photos are geo-tracked.

The walk-through inspection must be completed within 5 days of the tenant moving into the property. If the inspection is not completed within 5 days, tenants lose the right to claim the condition of the property and are held liable for defects not previously noted.

The inspection results are provided to the owner.

With Z Inspector technology, we use the results of the move-in report provided by the tenant and the move-out report we conduct to ensure a fair assessment of any potential damage.

We conduct recurring inspections, which include four exterior inspections and one interior inspection per year, all included with our services. Reports from these inspections are uploaded to the owner portal, and the owner is notified. Any items noted will be reviewed by staff and brought to the owner's attention if service is required.

We enforce strict policies regarding timely rent payments and offer online rental payment options to encourage on-time payment.

Rent is due on the first of the month, with a five-day grace period.  If the tenant is late, they are sent a 5-day notice demanding payment. Late notices are prepared and delivered on or around the 6th.

Late fees are retained by our company to cover the costs of preparing, contacting, and serving legal documents to the tenant when their rent is not paid on time.

You receive your disbursement after we process the tenant payment.

We handle maintenance issues promptly to ensure tenant satisfaction and property preservation. Tenants report maintenance requests through the tenant portal, and our staff coordinates with professional vendors to address these issues. We offer 24/7 on-call service for emergencies.

Owners are informed of all service requests. We are flexible in working with owners' preferred vendors and coordinate with home warranty companies, although some restrictions apply.

The responsibility for repair charges typically depends on the nature of the repair. Routine maintenance and minor repairs are usually the tenant's responsibility. This includes tasks like changing light bulbs, HVAC filters, and maintaining cleanliness. Major repairs and structural issues are generally the owner's responsibility, including significant repairs such as plumbing, electrical problems, and major appliance failures. If the repair is needed due to tenant negligence or damage, the tenant will be held responsible for the repair costs.

We use third-party vendors for maintenance and do not have on-site maintenance staff. There is no markup on maintenance costs, ensuring transparency and cost-efficiency.

Our goal is to handle maintenance efficiently and cost-effectively, maintaining the property's value and tenant satisfaction.

If a tenant decides to break their lease, they are responsible for paying rent until the home is reoccupied. In addition, the tenant is billed for a prorated portion of their lease-up fee and any Zillow advertising fees incurred to secure a new tenant. The lease also calls for a lease break fee to be charged to the tenant, which can be used in lieu of or in addition to other fees billed back to the tenant.

The owner covers the lease-up fee and Zillow advertising fees to find a new tenant. 

If a tenant breaks their lease, they must pay rent until the property is reoccupied. Additionally, the tenant is billed for a prorated lease-up fee and any Zillow advertising fees incurred. The lease includes a break fee, which may be charged instead of or in addition to these costs. Note: Billing the tenant does not guarantee payment."

If the tenant damages the property, they will be held responsible for the repairs. The process varies depending on whether the property is occupied or if the damage is discovered after move-out.

If the property is occupied: We will issue a bill to the tenant immediately for the cost of the damages. If the tenant fails to pay, we will send a notice requiring payment in full. If the charges remain unpaid, collection efforts will be initiated.

If the damage is determined upon move-out: The tenant will be given an opportunity to pay for the damages. If the security deposit is depleted and the payment is not received within an appropriate amount of time, the outstanding balance will be sent to collections.

If we have to evict a tenant and monies are owed, we first give the tenant 30 days to arrange payment directly. If the tenant fails to pay within this period, all files are forwarded to Hunter Warfield, a reputable collections company. Any monies recovered are then forwarded to the owner of the property, less collection costs. Hunter Warfield has a proven track record of successful collections. The recovered amount is split 60/40 between the owner and Hunter Warfield.

Our goal is to ensure that any damages are promptly addressed and that the responsible party covers the costs.

As an owner, you can drive by the property as often as you like. There are certain guidelines outlined in the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act which allow tenants the right to "quiet enjoyment." If you wish to enter the property, a 48-hour notice of landlord access must be provided to the tenant and cannot be overused.

Yes, we provide comprehensive reports and documentation to keep you informed about your property's performance.

We offer a detailed monthly report that includes information on rent and other income received, as well as maintenance, repairs, and other expenses incurred. All property-related paperwork, including tenant move-in documents, paid invoices, correspondence, and property photos, is uploaded to your owner portal for easy access.

Property financial activity is updated throughout the month, with preliminary reports uploaded monthly and final statements available at the beginning of the following month.

1099 forms are uploaded and sent by January 31st of the following year.

We are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding these materials and ensure you have a clear understanding of your property's performance.

There are many factors that determine how quickly a property will rent, including location, price, and the condition of the property.

Maricopa County offers a wide range of excellent investment opportunities for rental properties. 

Here are some of our top picks:

Phoenix: As the state's capital and largest city, Phoenix offers diverse job opportunities, excellent schools, and a wide range of entertainment options. Neighborhoods like Arcadia, North Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley are particularly desirable.

Scottsdale: Known for its upscale living, Scottsdale attracts many professionals and retirees. Areas like Old Town Scottsdale and South Scottsdale are popular due to their vibrant community and amenities.

Tempe: Home to Arizona State University, Tempe is a hot spot for student rentals and young professionals. The proximity to the university and a thriving downtown area make it a great investment location.

Chandler: With a growing tech industry and family-friendly neighborhoods, Chandler is an excellent choice for long-term rental investments. Areas like Ocotillo and Downtown Chandler are particularly attractive.

Gilbert: Known for its suburban feel, Gilbert is ideal for families. The town offers excellent schools, parks, and a strong sense of community. Areas like Power Ranch and Agritopia are particularly desirable.

Mesa: Offering a mix of urban and suburban living, Mesa attracts a diverse range of tenants. Areas like Eastmark and Downtown Mesa are growing in popularity.

Glendale: With its affordable housing and proximity to downtown Phoenix, Glendale is attractive to young families and professionals. Westgate and Arrowhead Ranch are notable neighborhoods.

Peoria: Known for its recreational activities and strong community vibe, Peoria is great for family rentals. Areas like Vistancia and Westwing Mountain are particularly appealing.

Tenants are looking for homes or townhomes that are clean, in good condition, and close to jobs, schools, and transportation. Properties that include modern appliances such as a refrigerator and washer/dryer, in addition to the standard appliances, tend to rent faster. 

Additionally, amenities such as ceiling fans, blinds or window treatments, and easy-care landscaping are highly attractive to tenants.

Other desirable features include updated kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient windows, ample storage space, and proximity to parks, shopping centers, and public transit.

By addressing these factors, we can help ensure your property is appealing to potential tenants and rents quickly.