News and Events

Labor Shortages Are Disrupting Many Parts of the Economy

via Costar.com Recent economic reports have shown the impact of rising COVID cases as the delta variant spreads across many regions of the nation, disrupting business operations and hiring, and slowing economic momentum as the summer comes to an end. Citing the health crisis, many workers have fallen out of the labor force either to retire or to limit exposure to themselves or their loved ones. Labor shortages, as well as other issues, are causing delays at ports, and shortages of materials continue to beleaguer construction and factory activity. Read More..

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How Property Managers Can Get In Front Of HVAC System Challenges in Southern California

Staying on top of HVAC systems is a must for property managers in Southern California. Aside from making residents feel comfortable in their living/working environments, HVAC efficiency saves costs and reduces emissions, so HVAC maintenance in Southern California has never been so important. Since California landlords aren’t obligated under habitability laws to provide air conditioning, it’s a plus for tenants to receive heating and AC in their rented units. But how do property managers keep renters happy without losing substantial amounts of money and energy costs? Here are a few ways that Southern California property managers can get in front of their HVAC system challenges:

Keep A Trusted HVAC Technician On Hand

It’s important to develop an ongoing relationship with a company that won’t take advantage when it comes to cost.   The best way to find a reliable HVAC technician is by getting multiple bids for the same project. We suggest performing a quick internet search to locate the top-rated HVAC companies in Southern Cali. Find a reliable option that you trust, and stay loyal to them within reason for the best results.

Install Modern Thermostat Systems For Ultimate Control

The use of digital thermostat systems is one of the best ways to micromanage energy use. Modern-day thermostats put the control in the user’s hands and allow for complete digital control of temperature. For example, thermostat systems like the Google Nest allow for users to control temperature and activate systems from a cell phone. Higher-end construction builds even have automated air vents that open and close at the press of a button using your smartphone, areas that aren’t in use can be closed off from the climate control.

Regularly Replace Air Filters

Replacing air filters regularly is the cheapest and best way to prevent problems in HVAC systems. When air supply to evaporator coils is restricted, it causes them to freeze over and stop functioning. That’s why it’s important to ensure air filters are changed every 30-60 days for optimum performance. Make sure the air filter is the right size for the unit. Installing the wrong-sized air filter could result in the same problems as running the system with a dirty filter according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Use Energy-Efficient Units

Efficiency is huge when it comes to HVAC. Always take into consideration the area when installing a new system. You should always consult an HVAC professional when According to Energy Star, an efficient air conditioner stamped with the Energy Star of approval consumes about 15% less energythan less-efficient models. Energy.gov also points out that newer air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy than units from the 1970s and earlier. So, if your property still utilizes ancient methods of air conditioning, it’s time to consider making a sound investment in some newer and more efficient units.

Stay Educated On Warranty Information

Most HVAC systems have a replacement guarantee if the unit fails. Unfortunately, if the unit hasn’t had regular maintenance, then it will typically void the warranty costing you thousands of dollars extra.   That’s why it’s extremely important to keep warranty documentation on file for all air conditioning systems and stay up-to-date with maintenance by hiring a qualified HVAC technician for regular service.

Schedule Seasonal Inspections

The best way to stop problems before they happen is by checking everything over before the hot/cold season begins. Have your heating and air tech perform a full inspection on all systems and give you a thumbs up before firing up the heat/AC. Here are some checklist reminders to request for seasonal inspections in the Southern California area:

Air Filter Condition √

Your HVAC pro will tell you exactly what you need to know when it comes to air filter replacement. It’s important to use the correct sized air filter to avoid damaging effects to the system. It’s a good idea to keep extra air filters around for immediate replacement when necessary.

Evaporator Coil Inspection √

Evaporator coils should be free from ice and dust. If the coils are icy, that means that the refrigerant running through them isn’t properly extracting the heat. Frozen evaporator coils are usually due to a dirty air filter or clogged condensate drain.

Test Refrigerant Levels √

Low refrigerant levels cause AC systems to blow out warm air. Have your HVAC professional connect the gauges to the outside unit to determine if the correct amount of refrigerant is running through the system.

Air Vent Inspection √

Inspect air vents for excess dirt and dust.

Condensate Drain Inspection √

A clogged condensate pipe could cause damage to the AC system, so always make sure water is exiting the system successfully.

Thermostat Test √

A broken or dysfunctional thermostat is an easy HVAC fix.

Leave The Windows Closed

Open windows are a huge money loss when it comes to AC units in Southern California. It’s never a bad idea to fasten larger windows shut to avoid high energy bills.

Breathe Easier Knowing That Your HVAC System Is Under Control

Property managers in Southern California should care about their tenants. Regular maintenance on HVAC systems means better air quality and higher efficiency. With proper HVAC maintenance, everyone wins.    

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Job Listings

We are currently Hiring for the following positions: - Weekend Showing Agent - Saturday/Sunday, 6 hours a day, hourly pay, commission and gas allowance, leasing experience a plus, but not required. Please send resume/contact jacqueline@scott-properties.com for more info. - Accounts Receivable Clerk- Entry level billing/accounting knowledge, full time, please send resume/contact jacqueline@scott-properties.com for more info. - Administrative Assistant - Entry level position, experience not required, full time, 9-6pm daily, please send resume/contact jacqueline@scott-properties.com for more info.

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L.A. County Landlords Lose Appeal Over City Eviction Moratorium

via BloomberLaw.com A Los Angeles landlord group lost its bid to stop the city from enforcing key provisions of the eviction moratorium it imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a Ninth Circuit ruling on Wednesday. The Apartment Association of Los Angeles County didn’t show a sufficient likelihood of success on the merits, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said, affirming a lower court decision denying the landlords’ request for a preliminary injunction. Read More..

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Santa Monicans receive $8.6 million in rent relief with much more funding still available

via SMDP.com With the Sept. 30 end of the eviction moratorium looming on the horizon, the City is doubling down on efforts to encourage landlords and tenants to apply for the vast amount of rent relief available from the state. Any household in Santa Monica that is at or below 80 percent of area median income is eligible to have 100 percent of back rent and utilities owed paid for by the state. The qualifying income is $66,250 for a household of one, $75,700 for a household of two, $85,150 for a household of three and $94,600 for a household of four. Read more..

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Beware: Santa Monica City Attorney is Now Prosecuting Landlords for Section 8 Discrimination

via APTnewsinc.com The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office (CAO) reports that it has been prosecuting housing discrimination by landlords against tenants and applicants who require rent subsidies such as Section 8 vouchers to afford rent for apartments within the City. According to a communication released by the City Attorney's Office, the City has prosecuted at least two discrimination cases in which... Read more..

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LA requiring property owners to list affordable units publicly

via TheRealDeal.com Developers and property managers are now required to list all affordable housing units on Los Angeles’ public database website. The City Council is requiring all covenanted affordable units to be listed publicly at lahousing.lacity.org and on leasing sites for properties, according to Urbanize. Read More..

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Long Beach reopens rent relief program

via TheRealDeal.com The City of Long Beach, California reopened its pandemic rental assistance program thanks to an infusion of new state and federal funding, city officials announced. Long Beach, the second most populous city in Los Angeles County – and seventh largest in California – administers its own rental assistance program, as does the City of Los Angeles and Santa Clarita, in northern L.A. County. Long Beach had been forced to stop processing applications for 30 days, Rick de la Torre, a spokesman, told The Real Deal, because of a lack of funding; the program was able to reopen after recently receiving $13 million in new money. Read more..

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California Moves to Compulsory Solar Power for New Construction

via GlobeSt.com The California Energy Commission (CEC) passed new building clean energy standards that will affect high-rise multifamily, hotel/motel, office, medical office and clinics, retail and grocery, restaurant, school, and civic (like theaters, auditoriums, and convention centers) new construction starting January 1, 2023. The standards need ratification by the state’s Building Standards Commission in December 2021, which virtually “always approves these energy changes,” Jorge Medina, co-head of renewable energy practice at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, tells GlobeSt.com.

The new standards incorporate mandatory inclusion of battery storage-ready solar power in new CRE construction. They also will include an “energy budget” to regulate the amount of hydrocarbon use to encourage builders to incorporate heat pumps instead of gas-fueled HVAC. Read more...

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California landlords group sues state over eviction moratorium extension

via TheRealDeal.com A major landlords association in California is fighting the state’s extended eviction moratorium, claiming it “ignores” the burdens of small landlords. The California Rental Housing Association, which represents more than 19,000 landlords, filed a lawsuit against the state of California over its third extension of the eviction moratorium, now set to expire at the end of September, according to a complaint filed in federal court in Sacramento. Read More..

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