Connected Management Blog

Being a landlord in Chicago entails more than just receiving rental payments from your tenant. Chicago's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO) governs both the legal obligations of landlords and protects tenants. Comprehending the RLTO will not only keep you compliant as a landlord, but also save you from unnecessary costly disputes and help you become a successful landlord. What is the RLTO, and Who Must Comply? The RLTO applies to most rental properties in Chicago, including residential landlords and property managers. However, there are a few exemptions, which include smaller owner-occupied buildings and limited non-residential units. Nonetheless, recent amendments to...

The unexpected weather in Chicago requires ongoing demands on property managers all year round. From winter ice to summer storms, each season brings uncertainty and risks that can impact safety, comfort, and property value. A seasonal maintenance plan that is carefully structured will guarantee your buildings are in compliance, help to avoid costly emergencies, and help assure that tenants enjoy safe and operational living and working spaces. The Importance of Seasonal Maintenance Periodic maintenance is more than just fixing visible problems; it's about preventing them from ever appearing. The extreme weather of Chicago tests building systems, and being proactive can help...

Budget constraints are an ever-present reality for Condo boards, and unexpected breakdowns and emergency repairs can emerge as the ultimate recipe for disaster in a lingering financial crisis. That’s why condo associations that stay ahead of issues rather than simply react are at an advantage compared to those that don’t. Preventive maintenance for condos relies on creating structured plans and schedules that can substantially contribute to the life of critical assets, lower expenditures, and eventually lead to smoother operations for the entire community. This not only spares them from last-minute hassles but helps them build an image of a financially responsible...

Today, condo boards find themselves hard-pressed to run operations effectively while keeping the residents engaged and the budget under control. With the advent of cutting-edge digital solutions, boards no longer have to deal with time-consuming everyday activities on their own. Going digital not only saves the precious time of boards but also enables them to take advantage of lower costs and improved communication between boards and residents. Undeniably, technology is revolutionizing condo property management like never before while equipping boards with smarter, financially savvy options. 1. Centralized Communication & Owner Portals Gone are the days of paper notices and scattered emails....

Coordinating repair, maintenance, and improvement projects is perhaps the most critical and most stressful aspect of being on a condo board. From landscapers to elevator techs, coordinating multiple vendors can become a full-time job. With the proper strategy (and with the proper support), vendor management doesn’t have to be daunting. With property management for condos done right, your board can save time and money while keeping your community running smoothly. 1. Why Vendor Management Matters for Condo Boards Providing essential services is the duty of every condo association, including cleaning, landscaping, snow removal, security, HVAC maintenance, and more. Towards this end,...