A Smarter Start to 2027: Your Rental Property Checklist How property owners can prepare for the year ahead and protect their real estate investments. As 2026 comes to a close, the end of the year presents a valuable opportunity for rental property owners to evaluate their investments and plan for the year ahead. From reviewing rental rates to scheduling preventative maintenance, a little preparation today can make a meaningful difference in 2027.  Whether you own a single-family rental in San Diego, a condominium in San Francisco, or a multifamily investment property, these five steps can help you start the new year with confidence. 1. Review Your Rental Pricing Strategy Rental markets are constantly evolving, and a rate that was competitive at the beginning of 2026 may not reflect current conditions. Before entering 2027, consider reviewing comparable rental properties in your neighborhood, recent leasing activity, and the amenities your property offers. A competitive rental price can help attract qualified tenants, reduce vacancy periods, and support consistent rental income. AMSI Tip: Rental pricing should reflect local market conditions, property features, and current demand rather than relying solely on previous rental rates. 2. Prioritize Preventative Maintenance Small maintenance issues can quickly become costly repairs when left unaddressed. The end of the year is a great opportunity to assess your property's condition and identify improvements that may be needed. Key areas to review include: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems Plumbing fixtures and potential leaks Roofing, gutters, and drainage Windows, doors, and weatherproofing Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Exterior landscaping and common areas Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can help preserve property value while creating a safer, more comfortable living environment for tenants. 3. Evaluate Your Property's Financial Performance Understanding how your rental property performed throughout 2026 can help you make more informed decisions for 2027. Review your rental income, operating expenses, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, property taxes, and any periods of vacancy. Consider whether your current budget accounts for unexpected repairs or future improvements. Having a clear picture of your property's financial performance makes it easier to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and long-term profitability. 4. Focus on Tenant Retention Finding new tenants requires time, marketing, and preparation. Maintaining positive relationships with existing tenants can help reduce turnover and the expenses associated with vacancy. As the new year approaches, consider how your property is performing from a tenant's perspective. Are maintenance requests being addressed promptly? Is communication clear and consistent? Are there reasonable improvements that could enhance the living experience? A proactive approach to tenant satisfaction can contribute to longer tenancies and more stable rental income. 5. Set Your Investment Goals for 2027 Every rental property serves a different purpose, and your goals may evolve over time. Some owners may want to maximize rental income, while others may be focused on reducing expenses, completing renovations, or expanding their real estate portfolio. Consider asking yourself: Is my property performing as expected? Are there improvements that could strengthen its rental appeal? Should I adjust my maintenance or operating budget? Do I have a long-term strategy for this investment? Establishing clear goals can help guide decisions throughout the coming year. Looking Ahead: Make 2027 a Stronger Year for Your Investment Successful rental property ownership involves more than collecting rent. It requires thoughtful planning, consistent maintenance, market awareness, and an understanding of what tenants value. Taking time to review your property's performance before the new year can help you identify opportunities, anticipate expenses, and position your investment for long-term success. At AMSI , we provide professional property management and leasing services to help owners navigate the responsibilities of rental property ownership. Whether you're preparing your property for new tenants or evaluating your investment strategy for 2027, our team is here to help. Explore our property management services at www.amsires.com .

AMSI in the Spotlight: Alex Goffo on San Francisco's Changing Rental Market AMSI's Alex Goffo shares his perspective on the evolving role of leasing agents in the September 2026 issue of SF Apartment Magazine. San Francisco's rental market has experienced significant changes over the past several years, reshaping how property owners attract tenants, market their listings, and navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. In his article, Leasing the Way, published in the September 2026 issue of SF Apartment Magazine, AMSI's Alex Goffo explores how professional leasing agents have become an essential connection between property owners, renters, and the changing market. A Changing Rental Landscape Before the pandemic, many San Francisco property owners managed their own rental listings. As vacancies increased and competition intensified, professional marketing, pricing strategies, and leasing support became increasingly valuable. Today, with rental demand strengthening and workers returning to offices, Alex highlights how the leasing process has evolved beyond simply filling vacancies. Why Professional Representation Matters According to Alex, successful leasing requires more than setting an asking price and publishing a listing. Professional agents help property owners position their properties competitively, coordinate showings, communicate with prospective tenants, and evaluate applications while maintaining fair housing compliance. The goal isn't simply to secure the highest possible rent. It's to make informed decisions that protect a property's long-term value. Looking Ahead As San Francisco's rental market continues to evolve, Alex emphasizes the importance of knowledgeable, responsible representation. His article reinforces a central principle of AMSI's approach: combining local market expertise with thoughtful, personalized service for property owners and renters. We're proud to recognize Alex for contributing his perspective to the San Francisco real estate community. Read Alex's full article, Leasing the Way, in the September 2026 issue of SF Apartment Magazine, pages 34–36 and 48. READ THE FULL ARTICLE →

Good Homes. Happy Tails. Homemade Meals.

San Diego Development Projects to Close Out 2026

Robb Fleischer Calls for a Fresh Look at San Francisco Housing Policy Featured in the August 2026 edition of the San Francisco Apartment Association Magazine In the August 2026 edition of the San Francisco Apartment Association (SFAA) Magazine, AMSI Corporate Broker Robb Fleischer shares his perspective on the future of San Francisco's rental housing market in an open letter titled “A Call to Reexamine Housing Policy, Property Rights, and the Future of San Francisco.” Drawing on more than 45 years of experience as a San Francisco resident and property management professional, Robb examines the growing challenges facing housing providers and the importance of balancing tenant protections with the long-term sustainability of rental housing. The Challenges Facing San Francisco Housing In his letter, Robb discusses the financial pressures affecting rental property owners, including rising insurance premiums, maintenance expenses, regulatory requirements, and construction costs. He also explores how rent regulations, development barriers, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment can influence housing investment and the availability of rental properties. A Call for Constructive Dialogue At the heart of Robb's message is the belief that protecting tenants and maintaining a healthy rental housing market should not be competing objectives. Rather than advocating for the elimination of tenant protections, he encourages policymakers to reexamine the cumulative impact of existing regulations and consider approaches that support affordability, responsible property ownership, and future housing development. His letter calls for a thoughtful conversation about how San Francisco can address its housing challenges while creating a more sustainable environment for both residents and housing providers. Read the Full Article Robb's letter offers a perspective shaped by decades of firsthand experience in San Francisco's rental housing industry. Read “A Call to Reexamine Housing Policy, Property Rights, and the Future of San Francisco” in the August 2026 SFAA Magazine, beginning on page 54. Read the Full Article in SFAA Magazine

San Francisco multifamily market, September 2026: vacancy at 3.2%, rents up 13.3%, and median per-unit prices from 694 apartment building sales on the SFAR MLS.

Why the End of the Year Can Be a Smart Time to Move

San Francisco Holiday Happenings 2026: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Events

San Diego Holiday Happenings 2026: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Events