Question 1

What areas does Zima Management serve?

Accepted Answer

Zima Management provides property management and leasing services throughout our approved service areas in Maryland and Washington, DC, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Laurel, Bethesda, Clarksville, and surrounding communities.

Question 2

Are you accepting new properties for management?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we welcome inquiries from property owners interested in our services. Acceptance depends on property location, condition, management requirements, and our current capacity. Contact us to discuss your rental property.

Question 3

Can you manage a property that already has a tenant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can coordinate the transition of an occupied rental property from self-management or another property management company, subject to review of the existing lease and management arrangements.

Question 4

How do I transfer management from another company?

Accepted Answer

We review the existing lease, rent ledger, security deposit information, resident contact details, maintenance history, and other available records. Following authorization, we coordinate the transition and introduce residents to Zima Management.

Question 5

How long is the property management agreement?

Accepted Answer

Management agreement terms vary by property and the executed contract. We will explain the applicable term, renewal, and termination provisions before signing.

Question 6

How do I get started with Zima Management?

Accepted Answer

Contact us with your property address, occupancy status, current rent if applicable, and the services you need. Our team will review your requirements and prepare an appropriate proposal and management agreement.

Question 7

What is your monthly property management fee?

Accepted Answer

Our standard management fee generally starts at 8% of rent actually collected. Rates may vary depending on the property, portfolio size, and management agreement. Contact us for a customized proposal.

Question 8

Do I pay a management fee if the property is vacant?

Accepted Answer

Our standard percentage-based management fee is generally charged on rent collected, so no percentage management fee is charged when no rent is collected. Other services or fees may apply under the management agreement.

Question 9

How much do you charge to find a tenant?

Accepted Answer

Our standard tenant placement fee is generally equal to one month's rent and is charged according to the terms of the placement agreement.

Question 10

Do you offer tenant placement without ongoing management?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer tenant-placement-only services for owners who prefer to manage their own rental property after a qualified tenant is placed.

Question 11

What is the lease renewal fee?

Accepted Answer

Our standard renewal fee is generally $250, unless the management agreement specifies a different amount.

Question 12

What does tenant placement include?

Accepted Answer

Tenant placement typically includes rental marketing, showings, applicant screening, employment and income verification, rental history review, lease preparation, and move-in coordination.

Question 13

How do you determine the rental price?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate comparable rental listings, property location, condition, features, size, market demand, and current leasing trends to recommend a competitive asking rent.

Question 14

Where do you advertise rental properties?

Accepted Answer

We use our website and applicable major rental listing platforms, which may include Zillow and other rental advertising channels, depending on availability and listing requirements.

Question 15

How do you screen applicants?

Accepted Answer

Our screening process may include credit checks, income and employment verification, rental history, eviction records, and other permitted screening information. Applications are evaluated under consistent criteria and applicable fair housing and consumer reporting laws.

Question 16

Can I approve the tenant before the lease is signed?

Accepted Answer

Owner involvement and approval procedures are established in the management or tenant placement agreement. Zima follows applicable laws and consistent screening standards when making leasing decisions.

Question 17

Do you manage properties with housing assistance vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Zima Management has experience coordinating rental transactions involving housing assistance programs and housing authorities in Maryland and Washington, DC, subject to program requirements and property eligibility.

Question 18

What is required before listing my property?

Accepted Answer

The property should be clean, safe, compliant with applicable rental licensing requirements, and in suitable rent-ready condition. Repairs, working appliances, appropriate locks, HVAC operation, and other necessary items should be addressed before occupancy.

Question 19

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent?

Accepted Answer

We contact the resident regarding the outstanding balance, document communications, and coordinate appropriate next steps based on the lease and applicable law. If legal proceedings become necessary, they are handled through a qualified third-party eviction attorney or legal service provider.

Question 20

Does Zima Management handle evictions?

Accepted Answer

Zima coordinates with qualified third-party eviction attorneys when legal eviction proceedings are required. Zima Management is not a law firm and does not independently conduct legal eviction proceedings.

Question 21

Do you offer an eviction protection guarantee?

Accepted Answer

For qualifying tenants placed by Zima Management, certain eviction-service costs may be covered if an eviction becomes necessary within the first six months of tenancy, subject to the applicable written agreement. This does not cover unpaid rent, property repairs, damage, or expenses outside the agreed protection. Contact us for exact terms and eligibility.

Question 22

How are maintenance requests handled?

Accepted Answer

Residents submit maintenance requests through the online portal or approved communication channels. Our team reviews the request, coordinates the appropriate contractor, and communicates relevant updates.

Question 23

What is the maintenance approval limit?

Accepted Answer

Our standard management arrangements commonly use a $300 repair approval threshold. Repairs exceeding the agreed threshold generally require owner approval, subject to emergencies and the specific management agreement.

Question 24

Can I use my own contractor?

Accepted Answer

Owners may discuss preferred contractors with our management team. Contractors must meet applicable licensing, insurance, scheduling, and service requirements, and arrangements must be approved before work begins.

Question 25

How are emergency maintenance issues handled?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate urgent repairs involving significant safety risks or potential property damage, subject to the management agreement and applicable law. Emergency work may need to proceed promptly to prevent further damage.

Question 26

Do you inspect rental properties?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate appropriate property inspections, including move-in, move-out, and other agreed inspections, to document property condition and identify maintenance concerns.

Question 27

How do I receive rental income?

Accepted Answer

Owner funds are generally distributed by ACH after rent payments clear and applicable charges have been accounted for. Distributions are commonly processed around the 10th of the month, although actual timing depends on payment clearance and the management agreement.

Question 28

Will I receive financial statements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Owners can access financial information and statements through the online owner portal, subject to the services provided under their management agreement.

Question 29

Do you handle lease renewals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate lease renewal discussions, rental rate recommendations, documentation, and resident communications as part of our management services.

Question 30

Do you handle security deposits?

Accepted Answer

Security deposit handling depends on the management arrangement and applicable Maryland or Washington, DC requirements. We coordinate appropriate documentation, accounting, and disposition as required.

Question 31

How can I find available rental properties?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Available Rentals section of our website to view properties currently offered through Zima Management.

Question 32

How do I schedule a showing?

Accepted Answer

Contact our leasing team or follow the showing instructions on the relevant property listing. Provide your preferred dates and times so we can coordinate availability.

Question 33

How do I submit a rental application?

Accepted Answer

Select the Apply Online link on the property listing and complete the required application and supporting documents.

Question 34

Does every adult need to apply?

Accepted Answer

Generally, every applicant age 18 or older who will be a leaseholder must submit an application and complete the required screening process.

Question 35

What information is required to apply?

Accepted Answer

You may be asked to provide identification, employment information, income verification, rental history, and other documents needed to evaluate your application.

Question 36

What are your income requirements?

Accepted Answer

Income requirements vary by property and applicable screening criteria. We review qualifying income documentation consistently and in accordance with applicable law.

Question 37

Do you check credit history?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Credit history may be reviewed as part of the application process, along with other applicable qualification criteria.

Question 38

Do you conduct background checks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Screening may include permitted background and rental history checks, subject to applicable federal, Maryland, and Washington, DC laws.

Question 39

Can I apply if I have less-than-perfect credit?

Accepted Answer

You may submit an application. Eligibility depends on the screening criteria, the complete application, and applicable law.

Question 40

Can Social Security, retirement, or VA benefits count as income?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Documented lawful income sources, including Social Security, retirement income, and veterans benefits, may be considered when evaluating an application, consistent with applicable laws.

Question 41

When is rent due?

Accepted Answer

Rent is generally due on the first day of each month unless the lease states otherwise. Applicable grace periods and late fees depend on the lease and governing law.

Question 42

How do I pay rent?

Accepted Answer

Residents can use the approved resident portal to submit available electronic payment methods, including ACH/eCheck where supported.

Question 43

Is there a fee to pay rent online?

Accepted Answer

ACH/eCheck payments are generally the preferred payment method. Credit or debit card payments may have a processing fee, currently typically 2.99%, when that payment option is offered. The applicable fee will be disclosed before payment.

Question 44

Can I set up automatic rent payments?

Accepted Answer

Where supported by the resident portal, residents can establish recurring electronic rent payments.

Question 45

What happens if I pay rent late?

Accepted Answer

Late rent payments may result in lease-authorized and legally permitted charges, follow-up notices, or other action allowed by law. Contact management promptly if you anticipate a payment issue.

Question 46

How do I submit a maintenance request?

Accepted Answer

Submit a maintenance request through your resident portal with a description of the issue and photographs if available.

Question 47

What should I do in a maintenance emergency?

Accepted Answer

For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911. For urgent property emergencies such as significant active water leaks, notify Zima Management immediately using the emergency contact instructions provided to residents.

Question 48

Who pays for maintenance repairs?

Accepted Answer

Responsibility depends on the cause of the issue, lease provisions, and applicable law. Residents may be responsible for damage caused by misuse or negligence where legally permitted.

Question 49

Can I hire my own contractor?

Accepted Answer

Residents should obtain management authorization before arranging repairs or making alterations, except where applicable law specifically provides otherwise.

Question 50

How much is the security deposit?

Accepted Answer

The required deposit depends on the property, lease, and applicable law. The deposit amount will be disclosed before lease signing and must comply with applicable Maryland or Washington, DC limits.

Question 51

How do I access my resident portal?

Accepted Answer

Residents receive portal access instructions as part of onboarding. If you need help signing in, contact our office.

Question 52

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pet policies vary by property and may include restrictions, approval requirements, and permitted fees. Review the specific listing and lease terms.

Question 53

Do you allow service animals or assistance animals?

Accepted Answer

Zima Management reviews reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals in accordance with applicable fair housing laws. Assistance animals are not treated as ordinary pets, and pet restrictions or fees may not apply.

Question 54

Is renter's insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Renter's insurance requirements depend on the lease. Residents should review their rental agreement and are encouraged to understand available coverage for personal belongings and liability.

Question 55

Can I install or change door locks?

Accepted Answer

Do not change or replace locks without prior management approval, except as permitted by applicable law. Contact management if a lock is damaged or security is compromised.

Question 56

Can I paint or modify the property?

Accepted Answer

Residents generally must obtain written permission before painting, installing fixtures, or making property alterations, subject to applicable law and lease terms.

Question 57

Can I add another occupant to the lease?

Accepted Answer

Contact Zima Management before adding an occupant. Additional occupants may need to complete applicable screening and lease documentation.

Question 58

How are water, sewer, and utility bills handled?

Accepted Answer

Utility responsibility is determined by the lease and the property's utility arrangements. Where applicable, charges may be billed separately or prorated based on the occupancy period.

Question 59

How do I update my contact information?

Accepted Answer

Notify Zima Management and update your resident portal information where that option is available.

Question 60

Who should I contact if I have a question about my lease or account?

Accepted Answer

You can contact our team through the resident portal, email info@zimamgmt.com, or call 301-636-7377.

Question 61

What happens when my lease expires?

Accepted Answer

Our team may contact you regarding renewal opportunities or required move-out procedures. Notice requirements depend on the lease, property location, and applicable law.

Question 62

Can I terminate my lease early?

Accepted Answer

Early termination depends on the lease and applicable law. Contact management to review the available options and any potential responsibilities.

Question 63

How much notice must I give before moving out?

Accepted Answer

The required notice varies by lease and jurisdiction. Review your rental agreement and contact management before submitting your notice.

Question 64

What should I do before moving out?

Accepted Answer

Remove all personal belongings, clean the property, address any tenant-responsible damage, return keys, and follow the move-out instructions supplied by management.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started & service areas

Fees & pricing

Leasing & tenant placement

Rent, collections & evictions

Maintenance & inspections

Owner finances & reporting

Still have a question?