OWNER FAQ

If you’re considering property management in Regina or the surrounding area, these are some of the questions owners ask most often. Whether you already own a rental, are self-managing, or are preparing to turn a home into an income property, the goal is the same: clear answers, practical expectations, and a better sense of what working with Cressman Realty & Property Management actually looks like day to day.

Tell Us About Your PropertyExplore Owner Services

This page is designed to be useful first. The questions below are grouped to make it easier to find what matters most to you — whether that’s leasing, maintenance, reporting, approvals, payments, insurance, or how involved you want to be as an owner.

GETTING STARTED

How quickly can you start managing my property?+

In many cases, we can move quickly once the agreement is in place and we have what we need to get started. Timing usually depends on whether the property is occupied or vacant, how quickly access and documents are available, and whether any rent-ready work or marketing prep needs to happen first.

Can I talk to you before deciding?+

Yes. In many cases, the first conversation is simply about fit. We can talk through the property, your goals, and what management would realistically look like before you make any decision.

Do you only work with large investors?+

No. We work with a range of owners, including single-property landlords, smaller portfolio investors, self-managing owners, and people who may be renting out a home because of a move or life transition.

What areas do you serve?+

We primarily serve Regina along with White City, Pilot Butte, Emerald Park, Balgonie, and nearby east corridor communities.

LEASING & VACANCY

How long does it usually take to find a tenant?+

That depends on the property, location, price point, time of year, and overall market demand. Our goal is always to fill the property as efficiently as possible, but strong leasing results come from the right combination of pricing, presentation, follow-up, and tenant fit.

How do you decide what rent to charge?+

We use local market knowledge, comparable properties, and current demand to recommend a rent range, then we set the rental price with the owner. Pricing decisions are shaped by location, condition, seasonality, lease terms, and the type of tenant we are trying to attract — because the goal is not just filling the property fast, but filling it well.

How do you help reduce vacancy?+

Reducing vacancy usually comes down to more than just posting a listing. Good leasing performance depends on strong marketing, timely follow-up, a smooth showing process, practical pricing, and consistent tenant screening.

Do you market vacant properties?+

Yes. Marketing and leasing are core parts of the service. The goal is to present the property well, attract qualified interest, and move efficiently from vacancy to placement.

How will I know what’s happening while the property is vacant?+

We do our best to keep owners informed during the leasing process. That includes updates on interest, activity, and next-step decisions as we work toward placing the right tenant.

TENANT SCREENING

Do you screen tenants?+

Yes. Screening is a core part of protecting the property and improving consistency. We use a structured screening process to help reduce avoidable risk and make more informed placement decisions.

What does tenant screening usually include?+

Screening can include employment verification, rental eviction and court-record review, affordability assessment, and credit checks where warranted. We also use our own internal records to help identify applicants who may not be a good fit.

Why is screening so important?+

Strong screening won’t eliminate every issue, but it can make a major difference in reducing avoidable problems and improving the overall quality and stability of the tenancy.

MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

What happens when maintenance issues come up?+

Maintenance issues are handled through a structured process designed to keep owners out of the day-to-day repair scramble.

We use tools like Meld with MAX AI to support maintenance communication and coordination, and we also have an in-house team on call 24/7. That helps us respond quickly, keep owners informed, and manage issues before they become bigger problems.

How do tenants request maintenance?+

Tenants can use Meld as a 24/7 service and request channel, which helps keep maintenance communication organized and allows issues to be triaged more efficiently.

What if I want to handle some of my own maintenance?+

If you want to handle some maintenance yourself, we can talk through that on a case-by-case basis. The key is making sure communication stays clear, proper notice is given where needed, and the work fits within the overall management process for the property.

Maintenance requests and work orders are tracked through our systems, including Buildium and Property Meld, so owners stay informed and communication stays organized.

Will I be informed before repairs are done?+

Owners should expect clear communication around maintenance and repairs, especially when decisions or approvals are needed. The goal is to keep issues moving without leaving you guessing about cost, urgency, or next steps.

What if the damage is caused by the tenant?+

If tenant-caused damage is identified, that is handled through the appropriate process and documentation. The goal is to make sure repairs are completed properly and responsibility is assigned where appropriate.

OWNER PAYMENTS & REPORTING

What kind of inspections do you do?+

We conduct key inspections such as move-in and move-out inspections, and we also use regular oversight to help monitor the condition of the property.

How do I get paid, and when?+

Owner payouts are typically processed monthly. Statements are prepared first so owners can see collected rent, expenses, and the resulting payout clearly.

How do owners receive reports and updates?+

Reports and a portion of owner communication are handled through Buildium, which helps keep statements, account activity, and updates organized and easier to access.

Can I access reports or owner information online?+

Yes. Owners can access reporting and other account-related information through the owner portal.

UTILITIES & INSURANCE

How are utilities handled?+

Utility handling depends on the property and the utility type. In general, tenant utilities are expected to be moved into the tenant’s name where appropriate, while owner-related or vacant-period charges are handled through the owner side of the process.

What kind of insurance should I have?+

Owners should speak with their insurance provider to make sure they have the right coverage for a tenant-occupied property. We generally recommend making sure your insurer knows the property will be professionally managed and used as a rental.

Does the tenant need insurance too?+

Yes. Tenant insurance is important, and renters are expected to carry appropriate renters insurance for their own belongings and liability.

OWNER PERSPECTIVE

Cressman Property Management have been wonderful to work with. They are professional, very responsive, and they have made sure that all my needs as an owner are taken care of. My tenants also speak highly of them. I would highly recommend them to owners and tenants.

— Verified Google Review

Property owner

Cressman Management has a great service. They are responsive, trustworthy, professional and kind.

— Verified Google Review

Property owner

OWNER CONTROL & INVOLVEMENT

Does hiring a property manager mean I lose control?+

No. Good property management should reduce your burden, not remove your visibility. Owners still need clarity, communication, and the ability to stay appropriately involved in the decisions that matter.

How involved do I need to be?+

That depends on your preferences and the situation, but the goal is to reduce the hands-on burden while still keeping you informed where it matters.

What if I already self-manage?+

That’s common. Usually the real question is not whether self-management is possible — it is whether it is still the best use of your time, and whether leasing, maintenance, follow-up, and reporting are happening as consistently as they should.

Is it a good idea to allow pets?+

That depends on the property and your comfort level. Being too restrictive can narrow the tenant pool, but the right decision also depends on risk tolerance, property type, and management strategy.

Do you allow smoking in rental properties?+

No. We do not allow smoking indoors in any of our units.

NEXT STEP

Every property and ownership situation is a little different. The best next step is to tell us about the property so we can quickly understand the situation and point you toward the right next step.

Tell Us About Your Property

Or call (306) 584-7368