(831) 475-1355 After-Hours Emergency: (831) 621-1888

Property Management Learning Center

Property Management Resources

Portola Property Management is here to be your local resource for Santa Cruz rental properties.

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We have a number of educational blogs and articles that can help you be a better landlord and smarter investor. Check out the information we share in this Santa Cruz property management blog, and let us know if you would like us to address a particular topic in a future blog.

Property Management Coaching

If you’re a property manager or a landlord struggling to keep your business running, we understand.

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You likely purchased investment properties or a property management company to make your life easier. Is it? Kathleen Richards, the Property Management Coach, has been in your shoes. She can partner with you to systemize your process and help you work smarter – not harder. Contact the Property Management Coach.

Classes and Seminars

We offer landlord classes every summer and fall. If you’re a landlord or thinking about buying rental real estate, come to one of these classes.

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We’ll talk about your legal obligations, how to advertise and find tenants, and what you need to do when writing a great lease.

What Are The Most Common Santa Cruz Rental Repairs?

What Are The Most Common Santa Cruz Rental Repairs?

by | May 28, 2019

A lot of your rental property maintenance will depend on your property’s age and condition. Even with a new property that’s in excellent condition, you will occasionally need to make repairs. As professional Santa Cruz property managers, we have experience responding to maintenance needs every day. Today, we want to share some of the most common repairs that are needed at our clients’ rental properties.

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Common Questions for a Santa Cruz Property Manager

Common Questions for a Santa Cruz Property Manager

by | May 14, 2019

Deciding to hire a professional property management company to care for your investment property is a smart first step to a successful rental experience. The next step is choosing the right company. There are some important questions you should always ask a potential property manager before signing a management contract.

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How to Keep Your Santa Cruz Rental Property in Habitable Condition

How to Keep Your Santa Cruz Rental Property in Habitable Condition

by | Apr 30, 2019

Habitability needs to be a big concern for landlords in Santa Cruz because there are legal requirements that must be complied with. Landlords know they are legally required to provide a safe and habitable property, but it can sometimes be difficult to understand what that means. When certain maintenance issues are brought to your attention, you need to take immediate action. You cannot leave your property unmaintained when it poses a threat to your tenants.

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How to Protect Yourself Legally When Renting out Your Santa Cruz Home

How to Protect Yourself Legally When Renting out Your Santa Cruz Home

by | Apr 16, 2019

Whether you own one property or an entire portfolio, you know how profitable real estate investments can be. While they are good at helping you build wealth, one small mistake can put you and your investments in jeopardy. Today, we’re talking about the risk and liability that rental property owners are exposed to, and how to protect yourself against claims, disputes, and lawsuits.

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Why is My Santa Cruz Property Not Renting?

Why is My Santa Cruz Property Not Renting?

by | Mar 19, 2019

It can be frustrating when you’ve had your property on the market for a few weeks, but tenants aren’t calling or filling out applications. If your property isn’t renting as quickly as you expected, there may be a few things that point to the problem. We’re focusing on three of those today.

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Just wanted to check in, as we just got the deposit, which looks all fine and clear. So, we want to say goodbye and thank you guys for the friendly and professional service! It was a pleasure working with all of you and we want to wish you a great New Year ahead!

Maria And Jack

Areas We Serve

We serve all of Santa Cruz County including:

✓ Santa Cruz
✓ Capitola
✓ Aptos
✓ La Selva Beach
✓ Scotts Valley
✓ Watsonville

National Association of Residential Property Managers logo/badge
Equal Housing Opportunity logo/badge
Good Times -Best 2014 logo/badge
Good Times -Best 2014 logo/badge

What People Are Saying About Us

4.8/5
4.8 /5
32 Reviews
Google
5.0/5
Jan 13, 2022
Google • Portola Property Management • Sylvia
Great people to do business with, fast and friendly, Happy new year!!
Google
5.0/5
Jan 5, 2022
Google • Portola Property Management • SC
We have rented with PPM for over 2 years and they have been great to rent from. They are very responsive with maintenance requests. The portal they utilize for rent payments and maintenance requests is easy to use. We highly recommend renting with Portola Property management!
Survey
5.0/5
Dec 19, 2021
• Portola Property Management • Stacey
We have really enjoyed renting through Portola property management. They respond quickly to anything needed!
Google
5.0/5
Dec 7, 2021
Google • Portola Property Management • Michele
Portola Property Management has been very responsive and through in all aspects of our professional interactions and communication. They have helped guide and update us through this pandemic. We recently had a very challenging tenant and they focused on the big picture while being very concerned with our needs.
Google
5.0/5
Dec 1, 2021
Google • Portola Property Management • Ramona
Deposits are always on time. Details are also on time.
Google
5.0/5
Nov 27, 2021
Google • Portola Property Management • Dori
Whenever I’ve had a question or a problem concerning our property, a call or an email to “client care” resolved my concerns within the day.
Survey
5.0/5
Nov 23, 2021
• Portola Property Management • Ron
Fast, efficient service - thanks.
Survey
4.0/5
Nov 23, 2021
• Portola Property Management • Jimmy
Thanks for fixing the mailbox.
Google
5.0/5
Nov 23, 2021
Google • Portola Property Management • Will
Portola Property Management is best of class. As an owner, engaging their services for property management, they have been ahead of me in virtually every idea or suggestion, not only having done what I've suggested, but gone beyond. I happily endorse them as an outstanding company to work with, and hope to work with them more in the future. Bravo!
Google
5.0/5
Nov 23, 2021
Google • Portola Property Management • Tricia
Carissa at Portola Management does a great job making sure that my tenants get what they need in a timely manner.
Survey
5.0/5
Nov 15, 2021
• Portola Property Management • Nicholas
We appreciate Sue, Fred and and the rest of the team at Portola Property management. They have always been kind and professional when dealing with our lease renewal every year. Wishing everyone over there a happy holidays! Happy to post a five star review on Yelp if that helps : ) ~ Nick and Valerie
Survey
5.0/5
Nov 10, 2021
• Portola Property Management • Suzanne
It was very pleasant and did a good job.
Google
4.0/5
Apr 16, 2019
Google • Portola Property Management • Kathleen
I just was very impressed by the way I was greeted and welcomed by the agent, Kelly, today as I arrived to see 2 of (PPM's) properties for rent. I've been looking for a place to rent for over 8 months because I selling my home of 26 years and besides being in an already stressful situation,the additional stress of going back to becoming a "renter"again after 27 years, had me more than a bit worried about my future after being a homeowner. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the duplexes, that I'd had my eye on for 6 months,because I thought they had been already rented because they stopped being listed! I was thrilled to find out they were back on the market and the owner had done a beautiful renovation and upgrade on both units! I applying ASAP hoping for a chance to start a new chapter in my life with confidence that I'll be safe and comfortable in one of these properties for a long time to come.
Google
5.0/5
Feb 15, 2017
Google • Portola Property Management • Mark
We lived in a house managed by Portola for about three years. We have never experienced a more professional and responsive team. Often there is some degree of discussion about a broken part or repair here or there, but Portola seemed to have the tenants' best interests in mind and usually had workmen here to fix something very quickly, no questions asked. The online portal for reporting such issues is also fantastic - especially since problems tend to never happen during the business hours. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Google
5.0/5
May 28, 2015
Google • Portola Property Management • Stacy
First class company, I would highly recommend.
Google
5.0/5
Mar 12, 2015
Google • Portola Property Management • Karen
We have used Portola Management for tenant placement and consultation for many years. Kathleen has always been available with professional advise and exemplary service. We will continue to use her valuable services in the future.
Google
5.0/5
Aug 23, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Peter
I currently rent from this company. The application process was simple and straightforward. We've had a few minor maintenance issues, which have been promptly and professionally addressed. It's very refreshing to work with a property management service as well-organized and responsive as this group is.
Google
5.0/5
Aug 18, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Megan
Great company to rent under! They are very quick to respond to questions and once you have landed a place to rent - they are most helpful in helping you organize all the paperwork and formalities! It's the small things that make PPM special - they truly are just as excited as you are when you move in to your new place!
Google
5.0/5
Aug 11, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Cheryl
Portola Property Management took the headache (and pain) out of renting. After conducting renter interviews myself and ending up with several poor (and expensive) renters, a friend recommended PPM and I got smart. Kathleen and her team were professional, efficient and quick. The tenants they found have been excellent: clean, quiet, respectful of other tenants, pay rent on time, and no more calls from the police in the middle of the night! I literally sleep better thanks to PPM. I highly recommend Portola Property Mgmt. - you'll sleep better too!
Google
4.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Erik
I have friends who are landlords, and I have recommended that they reach out to Portola Property Management if they are looking for a property manager. I think the staff does a good job of balancing the needs of both the tenant and landlord.
Google
4.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Greg
Always very quick to respond to my needs and maintenance requests, Portola Property Management has been a very professional rental management company to work with. They had a great list of homes and ones identified as pet friendly, which was perfect for my wife and I and our two dogs. The home we have is awesome, and we couldn't have asked for a better situation in Santa Cruz!
Google
4.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Sharon
I enjoy renting from Portola Property. They are always friendly and any service request I submit is promptly answered.
Google
4.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Margaret
From the very beginning, the application process was clear and left few questions. The staff was friendly, yet very professional. They were most welcoming. A couple areas that needed attention and repair, since moving in were handled with expediency and efficiency. Upon moving in, I did have to attend to some cleaning details that had been perhaps overlooked before my arrival. But overall, I love my place and am happy to be living here.
Google
5.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Reid
Portola property management was very helpful to me and my wife over the years that we lived in the Santa Cruz area. For over three years, they promptly responded to our phone calls and found various ways to address our concerns. There was always a smile from them when we dropped off our rent and make us feel very welcome in the Santa Cruz area. There are a lot of bad people to rent from out there, but Portola Property Management is thankfully one of the good guys!
Google
5.0/5
Aug 8, 2014
Google • Portola Property Management • Jeremy
I was a tenant with portola property management for a year. They were always very nice and helpful. we had no issues for the entire year which never happens.

Community Affiliations

Portola Property Management has had the opportunity to make charitable donations and/or partner with the following organizations:

Community Affiliations of Portola Property Management

We Do Business in Accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law which states it is illegal to Discriminate Against Any Person Because of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Handicap, Familial Status, National Origin, or Sexual Orientation.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to learn more about our properties and what it’s like to work with Portola Property Management, get in touch. We’d be happy to talk more about our rental properties, our application requirements, and our leasing process.

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Portola Property Management

1210 Brommer St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 475-1355 | (831) 475-1428
rentals@portolarentals.com
After-Hours Emergency: (831) 621-1888
CA DRE #02124826

Affiliated Companies: 
Real Estate Connections: San Jose Property Management
Sunburst Properties: Sacramento Property Management

We are proud to share with you our very successful Pet Program!

I understand and agree that by applying for this property I will create a: (1) NO PET PROFILE, or (2) PET/ ANIMAL PROFILE by visiting: https://portolarentals.petscreening.com and pay the application processing fee. Application fee: $20 per pet/animal; tenants with no pets or service animals are free of charge. Your rental application with Portola Property Management will not be processed until this profile is complete. If approved as a tenant, a fee of $25/pet is due monthly with the rent payment.

Portola Property Management: Pet Program; a picture of a black and white catKathleen started this program to create more pet friendly housing for tenants, while also soothing any worries property owners may have about accepting pets.

We meet all pets before they move in. Upon approval, an additional $250 per pet is added to the tenant’s security deposit. Twice a year, a representative from Portola Property Management will complete a visual walkthrough of the home. The tenant fee for this is $50 per walkthrough at a total of $100 per year. It is VERY rare that we find any issues in the home, but if found, tenants must correct it at that time. When great tenants find great pet friendly housing, they tend to stay long term.

We take pride in offering about 50% pet friendly housing!

You can meet some of our furry tenants below.

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Cat Name: Charlie TigerName: Charlie Tiger
Interests: Daily Siesta, performs head butt tricks, and enjoys the finer things in life such as Pate.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: BlueName: Blue
Interests:play tug of war. Blue is social and happiest being the center of attention

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: GueroName: Guero

 

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: Peanut Butter and JellyName: Peanut Butter and Jelly
Interests: loves to cuddle up in a warm spot.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: Roman

Name: Roman
Interests: Running on the beach.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Cat Name: MollieName: Mollie
Interests: Going to the groomers and napping in the sun.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Cat Name: MittensName: Mittens
Interests: hunting for critters, playing with my favorite toys, purring on my owner’s lap and looking pretty.

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: MaxName: Max
Interests: Modeling, helping Santa when called upon, love kids of all ages

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: MaggieName: Maggie
Interests: Where’s the bird…I love being active, running, retrieving, swimming, jumping you name it. I am most happy outside but enjoy curling up on my bed and relaxing at the end of a long day.

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: KaleName: Kale
Interests: Cuddle, Sleep, Run in the forest, and Sun Bathe on the beach.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dogs Name: Jack & JillName: Jack & Jill
Interests: Chasing birds, retrieving balls and getting massages.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Cat Name: Hot Sauce

Name: Hot Sauce
Interests: Hunting socks.

 

 

Portola Property Management: Pet Program: Dog Name: DaphneName: Daphne
Interests: Going for long walks on the beach, sleeping by the fire, listening to music.

 

 

Rental Criteria
Basic Criteria
Selection of a resident is based on income, credit, and tenant history or ownership. Each applicant must qualify individually based on references and credit, while the income requirement can be met as a household. Negative findings on one or more of the three areas can cause denial of an application. Denial of one application results in the denial of all applications.
Income
  • Monthly household gross income must equal three (3) times the stated monthly rent. PPM must be able to verify all income sources and reserves the right to disqualify applicants for failure to prove income and/or supply adequate documentation.
  • You are required to supply reasonable, reliable, and legal documentation on all income in either of the following forms:
    Last two paycheck stubs.

    • Recent tax returns or W2.
    • Award letters (i.e. alimony, SSI, child support, new employment offer letter)
    • Self-employed individuals must be verified through State, or Federal tax returns.
Credit
  • PPM obtains a credit report for all applicants, and does not accept copies of credit reports from applicants, no exceptions. Good credit is required. Negative credit reports can be grounds for denial of an application.
  • Outstanding bad debts being reported on credit report of more than $100.00 but less than $1,000.00 may be accepted with proper explanation and proof.
  • After a bankruptcy has been discharged, applicant must show six (6) months of positive established credit.
Rental History or Property Ownership
PPM requires a minimum of two (2) years of rental history and/or proof of homeownership. Negative references can be grounds for denial of an application.
All references must be third party and verifiable.
PPM will make a reasonable attempt to contact references provided. PPM reserves the right to decline tenancy based on inability to contact reference provided.
Responsibility of Applicant
It is the responsibility of the applicant to inquire from PPM about any information on the application that they do not understand.
If notified, it is the responsibility of the applicant to accept the offer to rent by submitting a holding deposit.
Automatic Denials
1) Giving false information is automatic grounds for denial.
2) Three (3) or more 3-Day Notices within a 12 month period will result in denial.
3) Two (2) or more NSF checks within a 12 month period will result in denial.
4) Rental history reflecting any unpaid past due rent will result in denial.
5) Rental history reflecting any property damage or disturbance will result in denial.
6) Any collection filed by a property management company or landlord will result in denial.
7) Any applicant with unlawful detainer action or eviction within the past three (3) years will be denied.
8) If unable to verify the income necessary to pay rent, applicant will be denied.
9) Excessive collections will result in denial.
10) Outstanding debt to property management or landlord will result in denial.
11) Any applicant with a bankruptcy not shown as discharged will be denied until shown otherwise.

I understand and agree that by applying for this property I will create a: (1) NO PET PROFILE, or (2) PET/ ANIMAL PROFILE by visiting: https://portolarentals.petscreening.com and pay the application processing fee. Application fee: $20 per pet/animal; tenants with no pets or service animals are free of charge. Your rental application with Portola Property Management will not be processed until this profile is complete. If approved as a tenant, a fee of $25/pet is due monthly with the rent payment.

Fred Thompson - Maintenance ProfessionalFred Thompson

Maintenance Professional

Duties: Support Portola PM Owners/Tenants with their maintenance requests and provide excellent customer service.

“I am the “MacGyver” of Property Maintenance, providing creative solutions to all your unique property needs.”

Experience: Over 10 yrs experience in residential remodeling, repair, and property management in Santa Cruz County.

After Hours: Scuba diving, RV camping, and enjoying the local music scene with my wife & friends.

Steve Thompson - Construction SpecialistSteve Thompson

Construction Specialist

Duties: Construction and maintenance

Experience: Over 30 years of general building construction and maintenance.

After Hours: Spending time with Heidi, enjoying life’s adventures along the way. Surfing, Biking, Scuba Diving, Camping, and traveling.

Sue Gerwin - Client Care / Office ManagerSue Gerwin

Client Care / Office Manager

Duties: Provide Excellent Customer Service and Office Support

Experience: 11 years in customer service, admin support positions, 10 years as business owner and operations manager, 10 years experience in commerical and residential leasing.

After Hours: Cooking & Camping.

Michael Catalano - President

Michael Catalano

President

 

Duties: Strategic & Leadership Development, Operations Management.

Goal: To provide excellent customer service, to manage properties efficiently, to maximize the investors return, to provide tenants with quality housing.
Mike grew up in real estate and property management and learned at the age of 10 how to take a maintenance call. Mike has over 20 years’ professional experience in all facets of real estate and property management.

He is currently the CEO of NextGen Property Ventures, Inc., with offices in Roseville, CA & Real Estate Connections in Los Gatos, both real estate investment and property management firms. Mike sits on the boards of Fourandhalf, an internet marketing company specializing in property management and of HappyCo, a mobile application for property inspections. Mike is a sought after industry speaker on the topics of property management firm acquisitions, real estate investments, and real estate marketing best practices. He is a member of NAR (National Association of Realtors) and CAR (California Association of Realtors), and NAPRM (National Association of Residential Property Managers).

After Hours: Mike grew up in Saratoga and has family ties to Santa Cruz. Mike is married with 2 children and in his “free time”, he enjoys golf, coaching his kids’ sports teams, and relaxing with his family.

CA DRE: #01824514

[contact-form-7 id=”1063″ title=”Agreement”]

Call or text us at (831) 824-5199 during business hours.

We guarantee that a team member will be on the other end to answer any questions you may have.

Get A Free Rental Analysis

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How to Rent One of Our Properties!

Read the property listing
• We want you to know what is and is not included with the property!
Review our Criteria and a SAMPLE LEASE.
• We want you to self-evaluate whether it’s worth your time to apply and to be comfortable with the future lease you could be signing.
Drive by the property – Do not disturb any current residents
• We want you to like the neighborhood you might be moving to!
Call (831) 475-1282 or email rentals@portolarentals.com for a showing for ALL intended residents who are 18 and over.
• We cannot accept applications until everyone 18 and up in your party has attended a showing of the property.
Once you have completed these steps, you can provide all of the following online for each resident who is 18 and up by clicking on “Apply Now” on the property listing
• An Application
• Proof of income
• Copy of Photo ID
• Payment for the non-refundable $45 application fee
• [If you are unable to submit an application online, please notify our office at time of setting up showing]
Please allow 24-48 hours for the processing of an application (additional time may be needed during the busy season or if references do not return calls quickly).
We may receive multiple applications for this property. We do not necessarily select the first application submitted. Selection of a resident is based upon better credit history, rental references, Proof of Income, Number and type of pets if allowed, and Move-in date.
Next Steps:
1. You will hear from us whether your application is approved or denied.
2. If your application was in good standing, but another application was stronger, you can apply your application towards any of our other properties for 30 days for free (you will still need to attend a showing).
3. If you are offered to rent a property, you will need to turn in a Holding Deposit within 48 hours to secure it in the form of a cashier’s check or money order. This is always in the amount of a half month’s rent made out to PPM and is fully applied towards your move in funds.
4. By your established move in date, you will have started any necessary utilities, submitted proof of renter’s insurance, signed your lease, turned in your remaining move in funds, and can pick up keys! At this point we will have already completed a report of the property and you will have the opportunity to add any comments you would like; we do not do a walkthrough of the property with you.

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