Owner FAQs

Once we receive the signed agreement, we hit the ground running! 3 Keys Management will immediately start coordinating property preparations, setting up files, and launching our marketing plan.

Every property is unique, but demand in San Diego County has been strong in recent years. Usually, within the first two weeks, we gauge interest and make any necessary adjustments. If it’s not leased already, we’ll tweak the price or property to attract the right tenant—because finding the perfect tenant is key!

The application fee helps cover the cost of background checks, including credit reports, criminal history, eviction searches, and other records. We use this information to make sure the tenant has a good rental history before they move in.

We take a data-driven approach! We use market comparisons, past rental trends, and local data to determine a competitive rent price for your property. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your investment while attracting quality tenants.

All rent payments are handled online through our tenant portal, accessible by desktop or mobile app. Tenants can pay directly from their bank account for free or by credit card for a small fee. Easy and convenient for everyone!

Absolutely! Direct deposit is our preferred method too. We’ll get your account details when you sign on, and your rental income will be transferred straight to your account electronically.

Yes, thoroughly! From the moment tenants contact us, we’re assessing them—are they polite, punctual, and communicative? Once they apply, we verify everything: criminal history, credit scores, and employment. We’re committed to finding reliable tenants.

Most likely, yes! Just confirm with your insurer that your policy covers rental properties. We’ll ask for proof of insurance when we start managing your property. Remember, renters’ insurance is also required to cover the tenant’s belongings and, in some cases, part of the property.

After passing the screening, tenants will sign the lease, pay the security deposit, and provide proof of renters’ insurance. We’ll stop marketing the property once this is done and get it ready for move-in. Prior to move-in day we require the tenants provide proof of insurance and pay the first 30 days rent. Then we have a walkthrough with them to document condition, set expectations and they get the keys!

When tenants give notice, we schedule a pre-move-out walkthrough to point out any items that could be deducted from their deposit. They have the chance to fix these issues before they leave. After they vacate, we conduct a thorough move-out inspection and compare it to the move-in report. Any deposit deductions are clearly outlined, and we work quickly to return the remainder and prep the unit for the next tenant.

We handle move-in, move-out, and biannual inspections to ensure everything is in great shape. Plus, we do periodic drive-by inspections—just to keep an eye on things without bothering the tenants.

It depends on the property. Whenever possible, we have tenants put utilities in their name. For shared utilities or sub-metered properties, we work out the best approach to maximize your profits and avoid unpaid bills.

We’ve got a clear system in place. If rent isn’t received by the 1st, reminders go out immediately. By the 5th, we call the tenant and post a notice at their home. We also educate them on the consequences of non-payment, like how it impacts their credit. If necessary, we follow legal procedures for eviction—but this is rare, as most tenants communicate and catch up.

First, we assess the cause—if it’s tenant-caused, we coordinate repairs and collect payment from them. If it’s an owner expense, we’ll provide a detailed report, cost estimate, and proceed with your approval using licensed professionals.

Tons! Through our owner portal, you can access a wide variety of reports, including detailed income, expense statements, receipts for repairs and more.

All of our properties are non-smoking. As for pets, it’s up to you, though tenants with Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or Service Animals must be accommodated. Keep in mind that being flexible with pets can open up your property to more potential tenants, and tenants remain responsible for any damage their pets cause. We also find tenants with pets are often willing to pay slightly more for the benefit of accommodating a pet.

Not at all! You’ll still make the big decisions, but we take on the day-to-day tasks like contracts, inspections, and maintenance. If you prefer to be hands-on, property management might not be for you, but if you’d rather focus on other things while we handle the details, it’s a perfect fit. Most successful real estate investors rely on experienced property managers to handle their investments smoothly. Let us take care of the grind for you!