by United Properties of West Michigan | Mar 24, 2015 | Owner Education
Each property management company has its own way of handling maintenance. Some companies will allow owners to do their own repairs while a tenant is in the house. That’s a practice you’ll find with new, start-up companies that don’t have a lot of experience in...
by United Properties of West Michigan | Mar 17, 2015 | Owner Education
Today’s topic is how to evict a tenant who isn’t paying rent. One of the best ways to drastically reduce your exposure is thorough tenant screening. You want to make sure the tenants earn enough money to pay rent on time every month, and you want to make sure they...
by United Properties of West Michigan | Mar 12, 2015 | Owner Education
The screening process is the most important part of placing tenants into a rental property. Individuals managing their own properties often have trouble with this because they don’t have the resources or the standards to screen tenants properly. Property owners...
United Properties provides rental home and apartment management and is considered the Leader is Service in the Grand Rapids area. We offer single-family homes, townhomes, condos, duplexes, fourplexes, apartments, and other multi-plexes.
One of the most important decisions you can make when deciding on a rental home is “Who is your landlord?” As the Leader in Service, we are the most knowledgeable, courteous and customer service-oriented property management company in the area. Our company works very hard to out-compete individual landlords and provide the highest quality resident services you’ll ever experience.
All of our properties are ready when you move in. We use insured professional vendors (painters, handymen, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc) to ensure that your unit is in good condition. We inspect the work performed to ensure that everything is rent ready before you move in.
We provide you repair request forms, electronic repair requests through our website 24/7, and a fax machine line to ensure that we can receive your repair requests and other needs at any time.
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day to handle your emergency maintenance repairs.
We provide detailed Move-in and Move-out Inventory forms for proper documentation of the condition of your rental.
All deposits that are retained by us are kept in a FDIC insured bank.
We make paying your rent easy, from providing self-addressed payment envelopes, accepting on line payments, and a drop slot.
Our office hours are 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding normal holidays. For after hours, we have a mail slot in our suite door.
All the maintenance contractors sent to your home are insured professionals who must meet strict standards set by us. Many have been giving our tenants excellent service for many years.
When you sign your lease, you have a meeting with a property manager to go over all parts of the lease to help ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities under the lease.
United Properties belongs to many national organizations to keep up on the most current laws and ordinances. Whatever you end up doing make sure your landlord isa RPOA member.
We hope by providing all the services above that you will recognize that a good landlord can make all the difference in your rental experience.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
In Sergio’s spare time it would not be a surprise to see him playing one of four different instruments, fueled by his love for music. The Saxophone and the electric guitar are Sergio’s preferred instruments. Sergio is married and has an amazing 8-year-old boy. Together they enjoy playing video games and watching movies as a family.
E: sergio@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 318
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
E: eden@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 309
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
David grew up in Northeast Michigan and moved to the Grand Rapids area after attending Alpena Community College. He is happily married to his beautiful wife and has 4 children. In his spare time, he enjoys watching new shows, cooking, traveling, and letting his wife beat him in games. His hobbies now closely align with his children and include Pokemon Go, anything Star Wars related, and tea parties (although don’t be fooled, those were his hobbies prior to children).
He looks forward to many successful years at United Properties and hopes to help you in the near future.
E: david@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 305
Tiffany Bergy joined United Properties in 2020 bringing over 17 years of experience in leadership and management throughout a variety of customer service-based industries. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in September 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She’s been in the Property Management industry since 2017, servicing multi-family housing and is now eagerly expanding her knowledge and experience in single-family. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and three dogs, or doing just about anything that involves being outside or spending time with loved ones.
E: tiffany@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 307
Tim began working for United Properties in 2011 as a maintenance technician, gaining valuable experience in resolving maintenance issues and a deep understanding of property management and City of Grand Rapids code compliance. Over time, he expanded his role to include leasing and eventually took on the responsibility of Managing Partner.
In April 2024, Tim became the proud owner of United Properties, having purchased the company from his father. As a dedicated industry leader, he is committed to serving his clients, tenants, and team with excellence.
In addition to his work with United Properties, Tim founded United Realty, a brokerage that assists investors with the acquisition of investment properties. He primarily focuses on back-end operations, the growth of the company, and the brokerage, while his Directors manage the day-to-day operations.
In his free time, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as hunting and golfing.
E: tim@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 304
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Matthew enjoys working in his wood shop and building furniture. He also loves anything to do with the outdoors: hiking, biking, and kayaking. He is originally from the South, so see if you can catch his accent if you ever speak with him.
P: 616.965.2300 ext 303
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Useful Links & Resources
It is the responsibility of our residents, unless they are included in the lease, to secure utilities for their residence. It is the responsibility of every resident to supply confirmation from the utility company showing an active account prior to picking up the keys to their new home. Please find below information and links to the major utilities serving our area.
Consumers Energy – 800.477.5050
DTE Energy – 800.477.4747
Bobs Disposal – 616.455.1155
Caledonia, Cutlerville, Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Leighton Township, Middleville, Moline, Wayland, Wyoming
City of Grand Rapids – 616.456.3000
Quality Disposal – 616.334.8957
Most of the Greater Grand Rapids Area including the majority of Kent and Ottawa Counties
Republic Services of Grand Rapids – 616.669.7888
Call for Specific Cities
Rosendall Disposal Inc – 616.454.9250
Call for specific areas
Waste Management – 866.929.4106
AT&T – 800-288-2020
Comcast – 800.266.2278
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To submit a maintenance issue, visit the tenant portal.
Rent Shield
Do you want the security of knowing that you will receive the FULL rental payment amount regardless of if the tenant has paid rent at the beginning of every month? If so, this program may be for you. If the tenant chronically pays late or if the tenant doesn’t pay at all and we have to pursue them in court, United Properties will guarantee rental income on your occupied property every month with the first distribution.
Loss of rental income to your investment property due to a non-paying tenant can be difficult hardship for many landlords to endure. As the leader in full service residential property management, United Properties goes to great lengths to screen and lease your property to reliable and responsible tenants, however; unforeseen life circumstances can impact even the best tenants’ ability to make their monthly rent payment at any time. To provide you with a level of protection and coverage that other property management companies do not provide, we are proud to offer the Rent Shield.
For clients enrolled in the Rent Shield, United properties will pay you for the amount of unpaid rent, up to, but not exceeding the equivalent of two month’s rent as specified in the existing tenant lease agreement.
Affordable Rates:
100% reimbursement for up to 2 months of rent- Cost: 25% of one month’s rent
Enrollment in the Rent Collection Guarantee is permitted for United Properties placed tenants or after 6 months of management for non-United Properties placed tenants.
For more information about this additional service, and to take full advantage of the protections we offer for your rental property, call us today at 616-965-2300.
Eviction Rent Shield
Eviction Protection Program (EPP) offered by United Properties of West Michigan
Uninterrupted cash flow is one of our top priorities; United Properties is proud to to offer the the “Eviction Protection Program” (EPP). This program was developed in response to concerns expressed by our owners/clients over the rising costs of evictions.
As the leader in full-service residential property management, United Properties makes every effort possible to screen our tenants and go the extra mile to avoid potential problems. However, it is inevitable that there may come a time when some renters will need to be evicted due to their life circumstances or poor decisions.
If you are enrolled in the EPP, United Properties will assume the up-front financial burden of the eviction as a company expense, not to be charged to the owner like other property management companies.
This cost effective program protects owners from the high cost and the time consuming headaches that come with evicting a tenant. For a small monthly fee of only $10.00 per month per unit, our EPP will cover the cost of virtually all evictions. This could save you between $200.00-$400.00 or more.
By enrolling in the EPP, security deposits can be preserved and applied directly to any lost rent, damages, and/or any other fees you are entitled to recover from the tenant as you would expect–United Properties pays for your eviction in full.
Fees Covered Include:
– Administrative costs to prepare and send the 7-day notice
– Accumulation of all necessary documents to send to the attorney
– Court filing fee for eviction
– Court officer serving fee per defendant
– Original attorney fee
– Filing fee for writ of possession
– Writ of possession
– Court officer service for writ of possession
Fees Not Covered Include:
– Cost of a jury trial
– Lost rents
– Damage to the property
– Cost to physically remove the tenant
NOTE: If the property is currently rented/occupied when the management agreement is signed then this program will not become effective until the start of the seventh month of United Properties being your rental property manager.
Eviction Rent Shield
Eviction Shield Protection (ESP) is offered by United Properties of West Michigan. Uninterrupted cash flow for our owners is one of our top priorities. This program was developed in response to concerns expressed by our owners/clients over the rising costs of evictions. As the leader in full-service residential property management, United Properties makes every effort possible to screen our tenants and go the extra mile to avoid potential problems. However, it is inevitable that there may come a time when some renters will need to be evicted due to their life circumstances or poor decisions. If you are enrolled in the ESP, United Properties will assume the up-front financial burden of the eviction as a company expense, not to be charged to the owner like other property management companies.
The cost-effective program protects owners from the high cost and the time-consuming headaches that come with evicting a tenant.
For a small monthly fee of only $10.00 per month/per unit, our ESP will cover the cost of virtually all evictions. This could save you between $200-400 or more. By enrolling in the ESP, security deposits can be preserved and applied directly to any lost rent, damages, and/or any other fees you are entitled to recover from the tenant as you would expect United Properties pays for your eviction in full.
Fees Covered Include:
– Administrative costs to prepare and send the 7-day notice
– Accumulation of all necessary documents to send to the attorney
– Court filing fee for eviction
– Court officer serving fee per defendant
– Original attorney fee
– Filing fee for writ of possession
– Writ of possession
– Court officer service for writ of possession
Fees Not Covered Include:
– Cost of a jury trial
– Lost rents
– Damage to the property
– Cost to physically remove the tenant
Denise has been with United Properties since early 2018. She has a Bachelors Degree in International Businesses and serves as the application coordinator. She speaks English and Spanish. She and her husband are raising a pair of twins. She loves walking on the beach and drinking coconut water.
E: applications@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 308
Israel has been part of the United family since 2018 and has worked in various roles within the team. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and loves challenges and being pushed mentally. Israel also enjoys CrossFit and anything related to fitness and the outdoors.
E: israela@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 312
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Carla is a kind of jack of all trades, having worked in tourism, school fundraising, and medical interpreting among other areas. Carla started teaching English when I was 18 and in general love sharing any knowledge she has learned along the way.
Carla loves technology, movies, TV-series, and books. In addition to her hobbies, Carla is a single mother of one human, a dog, and a monster cat.
E: carla@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 316
Cristina joined United Properties as the Accounting and Billing Team Lead in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Cristina loves to travel, read, watch movies, and spend time with her family whenever she can.
E: cristina@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 321
Rick joined United Properties in 2020 as a Service Coordinator and then later transitioned to the Collections team, where his customer service shines. Rick has an extensive background in customer service and enjoys being able to resolve issues. He and his wife are raising their two kids and in his free time, Rick enjoys making his own homemade jerky.
E: customerservice@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 315
Harriet joined United Properties as a Accounting & Billing Specialist in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
E: harriet@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 322
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
Property Management.
He’s always willing to help others, is diligent, and provides top-notch customer service. He feels good when he can contribute to reaching collective goals. In his free time, he likes to watch historic documentaries, watching sports and cooking.
E: diegoz@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 340
Paulina joined United in early 2021 as a Leasing Assistant. She has a background studying social work, with several years of experience in customer service. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves to learn. Paulina enjoys small road trips and cold, rainy weather. Her dog is her favorite thing in the world.
E: paulinag@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 314
Bailey works in Leasing as our Leasing & Office Assistant. She will often be answering your phone calls and sending emails about your move-ins and outs.
Bailey spends her time outside of work reading with her cat on her shoulder or taking her dog to the dog park, both with a coffee in hand.
E: baileyp@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 301
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
E: jessica@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 323
Alex joined United Properties in March of 2022. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, majoring in business economics and minoring in public relations and advertising. Alex loves to spend time outdoors: fishing, hiking, or backcountry camping. That being said, Grand Rapids has always been home, and he enjoys living in the city. He looks forward to many prosperous years at United Properties.
E: alexk@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 303
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Chris graduated with a Business Management degree from Cedarville University and lives in Rockford with his wife and 3 kids that are actively involved in sports and church activities. His hobbies include Camping, playing Pickleball and raising chickens. To blend it all, he’d like to help an investor develop a chicken farm where electricians and real estate agents can park their RV and play pickleball.
E: chrisg@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 327
C: 616.862.2761
Jeanette joined United Properties in late 2022 as a Accounting & Billing Specialist. She ensures inspections, contractor, and vendor bills are properly captured in our system enabling them to be paid and billed in a timely fashion.
Jeanette, fluent in English, German and Spanish, is a psychologist. She is very attentive to details and loves human interaction. Jeanette loves counseling, traveling, reading, gardening, sewing, knitting, and cooking. Another fun fact: she ran her own personal business in the wellness and healthcare industry for 10 years.
E: jeanetten@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 339
Stephanie joined United in July 2020 after graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. In her spare time, she enjoys wrapping up in a cozy blanket with her dogs and cat on the couch while reading her newest book. As the Operations Assistant with experience working in the leasing department and service department, she works alongside the Service Director and Office Manager with operations and HR-related tasks.
E: stephu@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 330
Fiona joined United in 2021 as a Accounting & Billing Specialist and is married with one daughter. She is a 2013 graduate from St. Paul University with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy . She loves watching thrilling and drama movies. She’s an islander girl, so beaches and the smell of the ocean is something she loves. Fiona is the 8th and the youngest child in her family. Making her family proud is the most important thing to her.
E: fiona@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 324
Melba Alvarez
Melba joined United Properties in 2022 as an Accounting & Billing Specialist, with experience in accounts payable, accounting, and customer service. She is happily married and a proud mother of two amazing boys. In her free time, Melba enjoys baking with her two sons and watching movies together. She also loves going on trips with her family to visit new places and experience new foods.
E: melbaa@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 329
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
Enrique Vergara joined the United team in 2023, bringing over 10 years of experience in property management, Including multi-family and single-family properties. He is passionate about helping people and providing quality customer service in every interaction. In his free time, Enrique enjoys all things outdoors including gardening, hiking, and exploring historic sites.
E: enriquev@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 317
Alyssa Conklin
Alyssa has been with United Properties since June of 2023. She recently graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing and Operations Management and serves as the leasing agent.
Alyssa grew up on the east side of the state and moved to the Grand Rapids area to attend GVSU and fell in love with the west side. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and taking her dog on walks.
E: alyssal@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 306
Ryan Roscoe joined United Properties in December of 2021 as the In-House Inspector and is now the Quality Assurance Inspector, conducting quality control checks on our Rent Ready turns. Ryan brings several years of construction experience to the team. He’s a proud father of two and enjoys fishing and disc golfing in his free time.
E: ryanr@rentupm.com
P: 616-965-2300 ext 325
With over 6 years of property management experience, Jason thrives by continuously learning and staying up-to-date on current industry trends and changes. Outside of work, Jason prioritizes family time and enjoys outdoor adventures like camping, kayaking, and stand-up paddlebaording, reflecting his love for exploration and an active lifestyle.
E: jasonp@rentupm.com
P: 616-965-2300 ext 313
Cleo joined United Properties in 2024 as an Accounting and Billing Specialist. She acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Management Accounting at the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos. Cleo worked as an accounts payable specialist and administrative assistant for a few different real estate companies prior to UPM. She is fascinated with the industry and has learned a lot from it. Cleo enjoys spending her weekends at home with her family baking goodies, watching movies, or reading her favorite books from Danielle Steel and Stephen King.
E: cleor@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 328
Jonathan joined United at the end of 2024 as a Service Coordinator, bringing industry experience with him. He was raised in the Chicago area but moved back to Mexico with his parents during high school. He met his wife in college and they now have a beautiful daughter together. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and camping.
E: jonathand@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 331
Cesar joined United as a Service Coordinator in 2024, bringing years of experience in Property management and Maintenance. He was promoted to Rent Ready Coordinator in early 2025. Cesar is a dedicated family man, blessed with two wonderful, intelligent children, and happily married to an incredible, beautiful woman who, by far, is out of his league as he says. Cesar balances a serious demeanor with a fun spirit, valuing peace and quiet in his life. He enjoys cooking his own meals and strives to lead a long, healthy life. He takes responsibility for his mistakes and is committed to learning and growing every day as he navigates this journey called life.
E: cesarr@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 319
Leo Lacson
Leo joined United Properties in September 2024 as one of our Leasing Assistants. In his free time, Leo enjoyed spending time with his family and making trips to the beach to watch the sunrises and sunsets. With a friendly personality, Leo enjoys interacting with and meeting new people and is always eager to help.
E: leol@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 331
Heron Olvera joined United Properties in November 2024, bringing over 13 years of expertise in customer service and property maintenance coordination. As the Inspections Coordinator, he will be responsible for overseeing, scheduling, and coordinating all City, subsidy, and UPM inspections. In his free time, Heron enjoys music, cooking, exercising and spending quality time with his son.
E: herono@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 311
Dhyana Aragon
Dhyana is a property management professional with over three years of experience optimizing operations and delivering exceptional service. With a degree in Tourism and expertise in hospitality and administration, she ensures efficiency and client satisfaction for U.S.-based companies.
Outside of work, Dhyana enjoys spending time with her child and is passionate about cats, coffee, and exploring the outdoors. A lover of travel and home improvement, she finds joy in housekeeping and renovating spaces to create a welcoming environment.
E: dhyanaa@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 341
Joksan GomezJoksan joined United in 2025, bringing extensive experience in customer service across various industries, always focusing on problem resolution. Outside of work, he has a passion for technology, having enjoyed working with computers since childhood. He is also an adventurous eater, always excited to try new foods. He is fluent in both Spanish and English.
E: joksang@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 326
Paloma joined United in 2025, bringing experience in property management and maintenance coordination. She loves exploring new places, swimming in natural pools and beaches, and trying new foods and adventures. A nature enthusiast and proud mother of three, she and her husband enjoy rural life and creating meaningful outdoor experiences with her family.
E: palomac@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 342
With years of experience in property management and leasing, Cindy thrives on helping people find the perfect place to call home. Cindy’s background includes tenant relations, lease management, and marketing properties to maximize occupancy. She’s bilingual in English and Spanish, making it easy to connect with a diverse range of clients.
Beyond work, Cindy is passionate about staying active—loves Pilates and enjoys afternoon walks with her cat. Cindy’s goal is always to bring a mix of professionalism and warmth to every interaction, ensuring a seamless leasing experience for residents.
E: cindyg@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 ext 341
Soroya has been with United Properties since March 2025. Her problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help her shine when working collaboratively with tenants and prospects. She is currently pursuing a degree in Cyber Security at Davenport University. Thanks to her tech-savviness, she excels at navigating and troubleshooting common technology and software issues.
Soroya balances her work and studies with hobbies she’s passionate about, including cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors. She especially enjoys trying out new recipes and exploring Michigan’s beautiful state parks.
E: soroyak@rentupm.com
P: 616.965.2300 Ext. 301