Castle Management: Our Values

July 21, 2011 5:17 am

“We honor the worth and dignity of each owner, property, resident, tenant, employee and vendor we serve.”

 

The Castle Management statement of values isn’t the product of a consultant or an ad agency. It came from us.

 

All of us.

 

Castle has always held itself to a high standard. But a few years ago, we realized we could do a better job communicating our beliefs to our clients and each other.

 

So we gathered our company—35 people—in a room. We talked about our business. With pads, post-it notes and a big white board, we isolated all the things that make it work, the little touches that make us a cut above the rest.

 

We traced our success back to one thing: our business is people.

 

We listen to owners, protect their assets and help to grow their businesses. Castle's tenants settle in safe, comfortable and affordable homes, where they feel supported by management.

 

There’s plenty of expertise in the property management business. But Castle’s know-how is combined with a focus on serving others.

 

We share those values. And as our business continues to grow, we live them every day.

Category: Whats New at Castle Management Tags: , ,


Tenant Screening the Castle Management Way

July 14, 2011 11:30 am

The industry used to have rigid standards for screening new tenants: perfect credit, one year at work, three times the rent in monthly income, and good references from previous landlords. But changing times demand new ways of thinking. At Castle, our job is to protect our clients’ assets and make them grow in value; we’ve concluded that in the current economy, a key to doing that is modifying the tenant screening process.

Vibrant, profitable communities start with responsible tenants. That’s why Castle property managers are trained in California fair housing rules, and through decades of experience they can spot problem rental applications immediately. Our home office staff make final approvals based on intimate knowledge of the building and the neighborhood.

Since poor credit is rampant in the 21st century, we don’t use credit scores—we read the entire credit report. An applicant who’s in debt due to medical issues or previous unemployment is different than one who bought too many luxuries. We want a solid work history for good national or local companies, and three times the rent in monthly income. (But two to two-and-a-half times may be appropriate, based on circumstances.) We also ask for two references from previous landlords, attesting that the applicant is financially reliable and well-behaved towards neighbors.

Castle’s tenant screening process is tough, fair, and realistic—sensitive to economic realities and dedicated to strengthening your business.

Category: Renting and Retention Tags: , ,


The CAA Code of Ethics: Responsible Management Defined

July 7, 2011 12:20 pm

As a member of the California Apartment Association, Castle Management proudly upholds the CAA Code of Ethics. This codifies our responsibility to clients, tenants, vendors, and colleagues, as well as the communities in which we play a vital role.

1. We comply with all applicable law and regulations.

2. We comply with the CAA Code of Equal Housing Opportunity.

3. We comply with the CAA Resident Bill of Rights.

4. We recognize the value of written contracts and endorse their use.

5. We commit to honesty, integrity, and fair dealing in our capacity as rental housing professionals.

6. As rental housing professionals, we act to better the communities of which we are a part.

7. We maintain an equitable and cooperative relationship among the members of this association.

8. We promote the conservation of natural resources and preservation of the environment.

9. We believe in and encourage ongoing education for all participants in the rental housing industry.

Along with our mandate to protect and grow our clients’ assets, these principles guide every business decision we make. At Castle, we believe in professional, fair, and transparent management. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the key to tenant happiness and client success.

Category: CA Renting Practices Tags: , , , ,


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