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FOB access to Phone App Access. Right now I manage a community that uses FOBs to gain access to the building and our common areas. We will be transitioning to an App based system to help enhance security and we will be adding additional secured areas. There will always be residents that don’t like...

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Rue Fox You guys are so lucky! I want a smart apartment!
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Guest Insider Double edged sword. We have it at one of our properties and although good mostly, our biggest complaint is when someone goes and upgrades their phone or loses their phone. Never fails it’s a Friday or Saturday night and then they call emergency line in a panic because they can’t get in the building.
With those type systems (ours is Brivo) You as the employee have to log into Brivo and resend a new “key” to their device because it does not allow them a username and password to access their key.
October’s are always fun because the new iPhone is launched around that time lol
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Guest Insider  I was just wondering about that. Leaves the phone at the bar late at night or phone is dead with no way to charge…
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Guest Insider ring ring to emergency maintenance!
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Guest Insider We are transitioning to mobile only. May I ask what platform you are using? Most residents love the ability to navigate seamlessly throughout the community without keys.
I can send you a few advantages we review with residents, if it is helpful!
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Cassie Johnson  we will be using OpenVia. It’s new! We have an older system (SES) that is starting to fail and redoing the entire building right now isn’t an option. This system will take over the “brain” of the system we already have and you will use an app to be able to open doors. They explained it as your much more likely to lose your keys than to lose your phone. If I understand correctly their emails will be associated with their access. So if they get a new phone then they can just download the app again. This is our option to bridging our current system failing and shopping for a new system in the future so we are scrambling.
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Guest Insider sounds like it’s much better than Brivo since it syncs to their email. Make sure to confirm that!
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Guest Insider How would a middle or high school student get in without a phone or older resident with a flip phone? Both are current scenarios at our smart home community (that has metal key access as well).
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Guest Insider at our non student housing communities, we select smart locks with PIN code back up access.
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Kenneth Wright I’m not a fan of Stratis from RealPage. I’ve used open path in the past and I really liked that system.
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Guest Insider I'm all about mobile phone access as an option, but it shouldnt be a requirement. There is times where my phone has failed me and I've had to resort to the old metal key.
No battery remaining?
What if I'm talking on the phone as I want to enter the building?
Sometimes I hand off my access card to a visitor if they're leaving for a moment to go get something. I don't want to give them my phone.
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Cassie Johnson we won’t be offering hard keys for the building as we want to control access and not having to cut 100+ keys if they lose it or gives it to someone that’s doesn’t live here. (PS we are in Minneapolis so the less opportunity for losing/sharing physical means of access to the building, the better.
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Guest Insider and when the server crashes for the app, which is bound to happen at some point, what is your contingency plan? Let's say Friday night at 11:30pm the host server stops responding.
The data nconnrction (i.e. Internet provider) is offline. The app can't communicate with the building locks. What's the backup plan?
This would be my question as a potential resident to your community.
Also, just my expedience, the more locked down things become, then the residents start propping doors open or tampering with the locks so they don't function properly.
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Guest Insider  I was thinking about that. What if cell service is down. We just went over Mt. Hood this weekend where I usually have service 90% of the time. I didn’t have service the entire trip and worried If I had an issue and couldn’t call
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Guest Insider the job I'm in now, I'm on call a lot and don't have time to play around with lock failures or technology failures. Something like that would be a no deal to me when looking at a place. To the contrary, the building I live in has a security officer 24/7 cameras on each floor that can see apartment doors. The elevator is access control with the regular HID cards. But with security there 24/7, there is someone who can assist with backup plans in the event of a equipment failure. I think putting all your eggs into one basket (mobile phone app) to open doors is a huge risk. People lose phones too. They get damaged, stolen, etc. I just think not having a backup option is a disaster waiting to happen.
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Cassie Johnson  if the system fails we have a designated door that will default to unlocked. So they will still always have access by one door if the system fails by cellular outage or power outage. Our community does not have on site security or a concierge. We are a small community and those additional costs would raise our rent to the point that we would no longer be affordable/competitive with our area.
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Guest Insider New to this. Are there any chances of the system being hacked?
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Guest Insider We switched to Brivo and 90% of our residents turned in their fobs and new move ins typically use the app. They have the option for the app, a pin# or a fob. A lot of older residents do the pin# option.
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Guest Insider Expect a ton of calls into yur emergency call line!
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James Brewer I use PDK for my 39 unit building. I also doubted a mobile-only solution especially for these Class C residents so I issue one keyfob to each adult on the lease and promote mobile use as much as possible, especially to select third parties I grant access to the building. The fobs aren’t expensive but it can sometimes be more streamlined (and normal seeming to residents) than fumbling with your phone or the reasons mentioned above.
The ability to enable/disable access, and remotely unlock is revolutionary you’re going to love it. Another factor to consider is that my PDK system also integrates directly into my Turing camera system so there’s a video entry log tied to every access attempt/entry. It’s a nice to have if you have access control and video surveillance.
PDK does use email to authorize a phone token automatically, so if a resident replaces their phone it does resend them a new token they can use immediately as long as they are willing to accept the previous will be disabled...
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Guest Insider I worry about those who may not have a phone (there are those out there) and now it becomes their expense rather than the property.
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Chris Finetto Don’t worry about it! Yeah, they’ll bitch about but eventually will get over it.
Your goal is the protect as many people as you possibly can, to provide a safe and secure environment. This new program does that.
Be prepared to respond to the dumb questions. The providers always have good training materials for residents. Phone is dead, just got a new phone, I’m talking on my phone, My mommy feeds my cat for me…
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Joy Arsham Anzalone Seniors don’t always carry a smart phone or even have one. Certainly some do but not all. Should always have a second option. Even if there is a cost related to buying a fob and penalty charge if needing replacement.
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Guest Insider I don't know. I have several residents who do not have and do not want smartphones. So do those people just not get to access their homes anymore?
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Cassie Johnson luckily all my current residents have smart phones. But potential residents will have to take that into account when choosing to apply here as a smart phone will be needed to access the building.
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Renae Maisano what are the emergency options for dead battery?? Can't even call maintenance
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Cassie Johnson Update: this system builds on top of our FOB system. So they can use the FOBS too. YAY!
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One day they're putting in a maintenance request to have a lightbulb changed, while their rent is late, and the next day they're putting in their notice because they bought a house. Sure, good luck with that.

One day they're putting in a maintenance request to have a lightbulb changed, while their rent is late, and the next day they're putting in their notice because they bought a house. Sure, good luck with that.
Grace Law New home buyers are also surprised when taxes and insurance go up yearly.
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Guest Insider Dave Ramsey is usless.
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Guest Insider Never useless, sometimes it offers another perspective and other times it reinforces just how right we are
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Guest Insider His 5m IG followers and 8 national best sellers may reflect otherwise.
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Employee concessions.
Reaching out to see how others handle employee concessions?
Also, do you offer concessions to employees who work at one site and live at a sister property?
Thank you!

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Guest Insider 20% at any of our sister properties even if it’s not the one you work at.
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Guest Insider Depends on the agreement upon hiring. Some get free rent and reduced salary, some get 20-30% off and regular salary.
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Guest Insider We do a tiered, years of service 90 days to 2 years is 25%, 3 years is 30%, 4 years is 35%, 5-9 is 40%, 10+ is 50%
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Guest Insider I think some strong concessions are coming back around for top talent as it sb, we do 50% across the board, employee does pay any added amenity such as trash valet or cable/internet packages.
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Lisa Ward Live on site 50%, live/work different properties 30%
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Christi Anderson Greystar is 40% and 20%.
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a Guest created a new topic ' Emotional pets' in the forum. 2 days ago

I have Three cats, when I moved in I informed the Manager I had two cats they are bonded to each other it was counted as one cat because of it I found a newborn that is now 9 months old he is fixed and had his rabies shot but today I come home from the doctor and find all these notices taped to my...

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Here's an interesting one....
We are a mid-rise community with all interior parking garage parking. Everyone pays $25 to park per month, or $100 for a reserved space. I've recently been asked twice by people with disabilities if there is a waiver of parking fee for disabled parking. We do have handicapped parking spaces in the garage. My feeling is that everyone pays for covered parking regardless of who you are, but disabled people have access...
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Guest Insider That would seem reasonable but I would ask your attorney what's appropriate
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Guest Insider Have them fill out a reasonable accommodation form. If the accommodation is reasonable, then give them a reserve spot and charge them only the normal resident parking fee.
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Miles Scruggs That isn’t really how reasonable accommodations work being reasonable is only part of the equation. ONE of the other key components is “…. necessary to afford persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to use and enjoy…”
Just because someone wants something and it is reasonable doesn’t inherently entitle them to an accommodation simply because they have a disability.
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Erin Richard Everybody should pay the parking $25 a month. There shouldn’t be a waiver for people with disabilities to not pay to park there car. If a disabled person wants a closer reserved spot that isn’t a handicap spot, $100. Or they can park for $25 a month to park in a handicap spot, if they are able to, and that usually is much closer to an entry door.
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Megan Goodmundson Its a reasonable accommodation request. Go through normal procedures to verify and approve or deny. If approved get a handicap space sign with a “reserved” sign rider. Do not put apt # on reserved sign.
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Guest Insider As a Tow Co owner. You CAN enforce a HC person in a HC space that is “restricted” to a HC person WITH a garage permit. A reasonable accommodation could be done or you could simply stick to the restricted parking area and everyone pays.
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Guest Insider Accommodating disabilities isn’t an option they need to pay for. If they pay $25 to park in the garage and they are disabled, they have access to any disabled spot. If you have a plethora of disabled individuals, you need to ensure you have enough for all of them plus any that may arise due to injury.
I imagine you’d be sued if you tried to charge a disabled person for reserved disabled parking
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Brittany Stroud Absolutely not. You've received an accommodation request. Request in writing (but cant make them fill out) then respond in writting (mandatory). Verify request if disability is not evident, then add additional reserved handicap space (reasonable) or assign them an alternate space (reasonable) for $25 close to the door or in a accessible area. Our job is to find reasonable solutions that help aid them to live....not create additional barriers. Consult your attorney for a legal recommendation before the resident consults one to sue ownership, mgmt co., the property, and you personally. It's the smart choice.
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Guest Insider There is a grey area here. I would be sure to get all of the necessary paperwork for their file, but I wouldn't charge. I wouldn't risk the issues over a few dollars. Of course, check with legal first.
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In Dalllas, TX, we are required to have recycling at our properties. Funny enough, we recycled before the mandate. Anyway, we use a 3 or 4 yd container serviced by WM that is clearly marked “recycling” yet tenants continue to throw non-recyclables in the container. We pass thru the charges to...

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When asked, many operators will say they only accept digital payments and their communities are 100% paperless. However, after further exploration, we realize there are many exceptions, such as past resident payments, residents in eviction status, or even new move-ins, where many site team members will accept a paper payment. The fact is that nearly half of renters still pay by check or money order. Ensuring a consistent revenue stream is fundame ...

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 A live-in aide request. For properties like senior living communities, this is a regular request, and the procedure is memorized by many of the staff. But are your procedures up to date with the Fair Housing Act? For other properties, these requests aren't all that common and can cause some stress due to lack of experience. What are some of the nuances you should be aware of? Let's break it down.Remember, Disability Is a Protected CategoryW ...

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The multifamily industry finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with insurance rate increases across every asset class. For those who own and operate multifamily properties, the sharp rise in insurance costs is more than just a budget line item; it's a significant operational challenge.Here, we'll explore the current challenges in the multifamily insurance marketplace, examining the underlying causes of these rate hikes and offer actionable risk ...

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Exploring the Perception Divide Between Pet-Friendly and Pet-Inclusive Rental Housing In recent years, the relationship between humans and their animal companions has evolved dramatically. Pets are no longer just animals; they're valued members of the family, deserving of love, care, and accommodation. This shift in perception has significant implications, particularly in the realm of rental housing. Owners and property managers are no longer fac ...

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Hello! Would love to hear ideas on different naming conventions for a floor plan with an additional area currently referenced as “Den” that is not enclosed, so no door or closet (picture on this post). Some options on the table 1 bed Flex, 1 bed XL….. now you go! Thank you.

Hello! Would love to hear ideas on different naming conventions for a floor plan with an additional area currently referenced as “Den” that is not enclosed, so no door or closet (picture on this post). Some options on the table 1 bed Flex, 1 bed XL….. now you go! Thank you.
Guest Insider 1 bedroom with Bonus room
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Renae Maisano The obvious is home office area but it could also be another sleeping area for a small child or infant. Put up a privacy screen and add a small armoire for one another option. Try staging this, might help visually.
It could also be a storage area for someone who needs a place for extra furniture or wheelchair storage.
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Guest Insider Flex space
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Guest Insider The possibilities are endless; home gym, office, reading nook, craft room... I'd go with flex as well.
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Amy M Baker My thought was Office Nook/Flex Space or Creative Space and market it so they are in charge of what it is....maybe even Freestyle/Lifestyle Space.
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Guest Insider 1-bed 1-bath Plus
1-bed 1-bath Deluxe
1-bed 1-bath with Suite
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Guest Insider Bonus room is what I've typically heard in real estate terms. Since it cannot technically be called a bedroom, another term for that is "non-conforming bedroom". I do like flex space.
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Guest Insider Lovely open floor plan/space
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Does anyone have recommendations for a utility management company.
Trying to find someone who doesn’t charge fees for every little thing.

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Ursula Gerson The ones I'm familiar with is RealPage RUM or YES Energy which is part of Yardi.
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Guest Insider Hi there, I work for Zego and utility management is a big part of our business. If interested, I am happy to connect you with our team who can speak to the product and share pricing insights.
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Guest Insider We use Argen out of the Atlanta area
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Guest Insider Depending on where you are possibly, I’ve used Minol and NES
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Megan Goodmundson Conservice. Or multi family utility solutions
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Guest Insider Depending on city . Why can't you just add flat fees for services?
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Can you refuse to add someone on the lease just because they are disruptive?

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Guest Insider You have to treat every equally.
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Anamaria Perales-Lang The person that is on the lease is responsible for the behavior of their household and guest , that who I be communicating with
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Allie Gartside Sadly but also not sadly - we have fair housing for this reason.
Otherwise I’d have turned away lots of applicants over time.
If they are being a disruptive guest though, then you should have been issuing lease violation notices to the resident. You’d need some sort of paper trail.
But I’d consult with your attorneys first as well. I’ve never had to ban a guest from the property before. Let alone one who’s potentially going to be a future resident.
If you do add them to the existing lease though, you could always non-renew them?
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 Doesn't the Covid-19 pandemic seem like it happened a lifetime ago?I remember at the very beginning of the pandemic, when no one had any information and everyone was freaked out, my husband went out in the early morning (to avoid crowds) to go grocery shopping. He was of course wearing rubber kitchen gloves but no mask, because at the time everyone thought Covid might be spread by touch. He got a huge haul, because who knew if the grocery s ...

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Hi All. One of our properties is going to have a handful of more college students (townhome units). Was wondering if anyone has an addendum with regard to noise/parties? Our lease is already very detailed but I'm just looking to see what others do. We are not all student housing, but we have a property closely located to a private college and out of 61 units, we have about 6-10 or so with students. Normally there have not been too many issues, but I... Show more

Guest Insider Maybe you will have only the good kids living there
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Guest Insider I would think that you don’t want noisy parties, no matter who might have them whether they be students or not. Draw up the rules of expected behavior that you want from each and every one of your residents and apply them across the board.
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Kathi Marie Of course, i have a non standard, several of them in the lease. Maybe i'll just include something for them in the new move in letter. I don't have issues with anyone except the students. In the 8 years iv'e been here, the only noise/partiesparking concerns that get brought to me have been for the college students. who overall are great, but I want to be proactive.
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Guest Insider In addition to the lease, we made up a “community rules and guidelines” form for residents to sign when they move in! Maybe something along those lines could work, make a copy for yourself and they keep one too
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David Troup Seems like your lease and maybe house rules might already have all the necessary prohibitions, so what you are looking for is something to make those restrictions a bit more “in your face.”
I think putting them in a welcome letter isn’t a bad idea, or even summarizing the “respect your neighbors” rules on a separate form and require all residents to sign it on move in. You basically want them all to acknowledge the rules and perhaps the consequences of breaking them. Otherwise they will sometimes think they can claim ignorance and get away with it the first time.
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Guest Insider Having Community Policies as an addendum they sign and included in the move in packet is a great way to address these types of issues. I have both multi-family and student living in my portfolio and the Community policies are pretty much the same for all. We include fines for noise violations and other violations after the first warning so that always helps as well. Great feedback from all the comments above!
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Random question ~~ when remodeling a kitchen with new counters and sink, would you remove a working disposal? I mean, take it out and not replace it.

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Miles Scruggs Depends if you wanted a disposal there or not. The fact that it is there or isn’t shouldn’t impact the goals for the property or the remodel.
So if you are asking if we put disposals in…depends. Some properties yes of course. Some other would end up being more hassle than worth it and wouldn’t impact income.
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Jordan Else No. We put a disposal in every Reno possible.
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Gerry Hunt Jordan does that bring in more money?
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Jordan Else Gerry, probably not but we’re more quality and comfort than profit
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Guest Insider Gerry, our owners require us to remove them due to the constant maintenance issues caused by not all residents using them properly.
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Guest Insider Everywhere I’ve been they have added them. Personally think they shouldn’t. People use them as trash cans and there’s always so many work orders associated with them. They can’t possibly make money off having it. No one ever asks me during tours if there is a disposal. 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Wendy Burkle  The residents do use them though! All homes have one, multifamily is really no different. It's helpful and cuts down clogged drains.
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Linda Campbell We are removing them as they stop working. When we renovate kitchens, we’ll remove them.
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Guest Insider If it works don't replace it just reinstall it
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