Who pays for advertising?
Internet advertising is included in the management fee for long term rentals. For vacation rentals, Lokahi Properties will front the money for VRBO fees, and the advertising fee will be deducted from the owner’s first payment from a VRBO booking. All other advertising for vacation rentals is included in our cost.
How much security deposit do you collect for long term rentals?
Per Hawaii’s Landlord-Tenant Code, we collect the equivalent of one month’s rent as a security deposit. Pet deposit fees are up to the owners. Some choose not to have pet deposit fees, and owners are allowed to request pet deposit fees up to the equivalence of one month’s rent. There are no additional deposit fees.
How much rent is due upon lease signing?
We collect first month’s rent only along with security deposit and pet deposit, if any.
What type of screening do you use for prospective tenants?
We require a rental application from each adult in the household, a good credit history, and good references from present and past landlords. We use Transunion to conduct a credit check and criminal background check along with an eviction history check. In lieu of an application fee, prospective tenants pay the $40 fee which includes all of these checks.
How do you handle tenants who do not pay rent or do not comply with the rental agreement?
Because of our comprehensive checks, it is rare that a tenant does not comply with the terms of a rental agreement. However, should that occur, we take immediate action. The tenant is served legal notice of a breach of the lease and is required to fix the breach or leave. In the rare occasion this is not successful, we will help the owner initiate eviction proceedings and will assist the owner throughout the entire process until the tenant is removed.
Should we long term or short-term vacation rental our unit?
There are benefits to both options, and with the new short-term vacation rental bill that has passed in Hawaii county, there are now strict regulations on vacation rentals. Contact us, and we can help you decide which is best for you. If you decide to register as a short-term vacation rental, please contact us. It is an arduous process that we can get you through.
Is it better to keep our home/condo furnished or unfurnished?
If you have the option of either, leaving it furnished can make it easier for renters who are just moving here. However, unfurnished locations will rent just as well, so do what is best for you.
Can we prohibit pets or smoking at our property?
It is up to you whether you allow smoking or pets. Just remember that service animals are not considered pets and may not be prohibited.
Does your company represent the landlord or the tenant?
Lokahi Properties represents the landlord. Our rental contract is with the property owner, and we are the legal agent of the landlord. We ensure compliance with Fair Housing Laws, the Landlord-Tenant Code, and state and federal laws. We are proud of the strong relationships we build with our tenants and seek to help tenants find the best possible rental to fit their needs. We seek to keep home owners and renters happy with our services, as this is best for everyone involved.
We love Hawaii and want to buy a second home that we can live in part time and rent out part time. Can you help?
Lokahi Properties started because a husband and wife came to Kona in 2007 and fell in love with it. We bought a second property so we could go back and forth, and eventually, when the timing was right, we moved here full time. We can help you find the perfect home to fit your needs and can take care of all of your management needs so you never have to worry about your home.
The new vacation rental bill scares me. How can I live in Hawaii part time if I cannot vacation rental my home?
This short-term vacation rental is complex, but we are experts and can help you figure out the right way to go about this. If your property is in an area where vacation rentals are not allowed, you may still do monthly rentals. There is a market for month to month rentals as well as a market for 6-month leases, so you can still rent out your home to generate income when you cannot be there.
I have so many questions, I don’t know where to start.
Just call us, text us, or email us anytime, and we will help you! You can call/text 808-345-6001 or email [email protected].
