In California, landlords and property managers must provide habitable dwellings. The law defines that as a heated rental unit with a roof that doesn’t leak; a working bathroom; a working stove with at least one burner; and running water that drains. Castle goes above and beyond the law in maintaining safe and comfortable homes, but many residents don’t know that we’re not obligated to provide air conditioning. When an A/C unit breaks down and it’s 100 degrees in Contra Costa County, this can become a sensitive issue. We try to get technicians on scene as soon as possible, but this depends on our contractor’s schedule and can take 24 hours or more. During hot spells, we distribute a limited supply of fans and portable air conditioners to residents who are vulnerable to heat, such as homes with young children, the elderly, or people with health problems. Reasonable accommodation like this is a vital part of Castle’s reputation as a tenant-oriented management company, but it’s also a practical and cost-effective way of protecting owners from liability and ill will.

Outstanding tenant service balanced with owner-friendly problem solving; another example of the Castle Difference.  

Last week we told you that many of Castle’s property managers are recruited from our residents. It gives our communities a stable feel, and it’s a vital part of our reputation as a concerned management company. Thanks to our resident screening process, there’s never a shortage of responsible people ready to take on the job. But even though we find it’s best for neighbors to work with neighbors, we do ask our property managers to adhere to a dress code. This makes our employees feel valued, and it assures residents that their home is competent, professional hands.

The code is simple, and roughly tied to the property level. At some properties, we ask that managers wear a dress shirt, slacks and good shoes. Others require a Castle golf shirt and modest jeans. Our maintenance staff always wears Castle shirts too, which are changed if they become soiled.  

It’s not a flashy rule, but it’s important to us. Our dress code reinforces how we think of ourselves—savvy and proactive neighbors, always on the job, ready to work with residents to build better communities.