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Questions
Frequently asked questions.
The questions we are asked most, by owners and by residents. If yours is not here, the contact page reaches a person.
For property owners
What does management cost?
Usually a percentage of the rent collected, plus a leasing fee when a new tenant is placed. The pricing page sets out indicative rates and everything that could appear on a statement. Your written quote is what applies.
How are tenants screened?
Every applicant is professionally vetted and required to meet strict written criteria — income, credit, references and rental history — before a lease is signed. The same criteria are applied to every applicant, which is also what fair housing law requires.
What happens if a tenant stops paying?
Payment reminders, then formal notice, then the process California law provides. You are informed at each step, and any legal cost is quoted before it is incurred.
Do you markup maintenance?
No. Vendor invoices are passed through at cost and attached to the work order, so you can see who charged what.
Can I set a limit on repair spending?
Yes, and you should. You set an approval threshold at onboarding. Work below it is handled and reported; work above it is quoted to you first. Emergencies are the exception, since habitability law requires urgent repairs to be made.
How do I see how the property is doing?
The owner dashboard shows rent collected, expenses, work orders, inspections and asset condition. You also get a monthly statement and a year-end summary. See the owner page.
Do you manage property outside Sacramento?
Our management operation is in Sacramento. If a property is elsewhere, ask anyway — we will tell you honestly whether we can manage it properly.
For residents and applicants
How do I book a viewing?
Request a time through the self-showing system and a vetted host will meet you at the property. Same-day and next-day viewings are often possible. See how self-showing works.
How do I pay rent or report a repair?
Both through the resident portal. A repair reported with a photograph usually takes one visit instead of two. See the resident page.
What counts as an emergency?
Fire, flooding, gas, no heat or hot water, a security failure such as a broken lock, or anything making the home unsafe. Call the emergency line for those rather than using the portal.
What information do you need from an applicant?
Identity, income documentation, references and consent for a credit and background check. We assess against published criteria and give you a clear answer.
How much notice before someone enters my home?
California law sets the notice period, and we observe it. Emergencies are the exception. Scheduled inspections and showings always come with notice.
About the company
What is Chalet Labs?
A technology-enabled property management company founded in 2016. We build our own web and mobile platform and run full-service management in Sacramento, California. See about us.
What is Expa Labs?
An early-stage program run by Expa, the San Francisco studio founded by Garrett Camp. Chalet was one of six companies in the first session, which began on 6 June 2016.
Are you a licensed property management company?
We operate as a property management company in California and comply with the licensing, trust-accounting and disclosure requirements that apply to managing property for others. Ask us for detail relevant to your situation.
Ask something not covered here.
Send the question and it reaches the team that would handle it — property operations for owners and residents, or engineering for the platform.