
Owner Resources
Do you currently own a property and require a highly skilled and professional team to manage it? Whether you have a multi-unit property, a single-family home, or a portfolio full of investment properties, Hometown is here to help. From property owners putting their first property up for rent to experienced property investors looking to gain back time by offloading the management of properties in their portfolio, our team can handle it and meet your needs. This is a collection of owner resources and information to help you, whether you are a property owner exploring property management services or a current owner-client accessing your owner portal.
Owner Portal
Are you a current owner-client? You can access the Owner Portal here (password required). From within your account, you can monitor investments and properties from one centralized hub with 24/7 online access. You can set up free direct deposit, view statements and financial reports, obtain tax forms, monitor active maintenance requests and repair progress, view lease documents, e-sign documents, and more.
If you would like to become a client, please contact us.
Owner Services
We offer a variety of property management services to meet the unique, individual needs of our owner-clients and their properties. Hometown's property management services include:
- Full-Service Property & Rental Management
- Available for various rentals, whether they are multi-unit properties or single-family homes.
- Includes rental unit marketing & advertising services.
- We handle tenant screening and placement.
- Our team manages, executes, and enforces the lease.
- We also collect rent and complete owner disbursements.
- Includes 24/7 property maintenance services and maintenance request management for both one-time repairs and ongoing maintenance needs.
- Designed for worry-free, efficient property management.
- Standalone Tenant Placement Service
- Designed for property owners who still want to manage their own properties and want someone else to manage tenant screening and placement.
- Includes rental unit marketing & advertising.
- Our team handles tenant screening and tours of the property.
- We execute the lease on your behalf.
- Our team collects the security deposit and first-month's rent and disburses them promptly to you.

Tenant Placement, Leasing & Marketing
Hometown understands that tenant eligibility is of the utmost importance. Our rigorous screening process and eligibility requirements contribute to our very low delinquency rate. Lease agreements are typically one year in length with monthly auto-renewals, and we require all tenants to acquire a renter's insurance policy.
Our marketing practices for properties available to rent are both effective and efficient. We utilize the best marketing methods available so that the widest audience is reached. This allows us to lease both available and upcoming units very quickly. In most cases, advertising is free of charge to owner-clients. Our reputation for providing quality rental units results in endless referrals among area renters, many of whom stay with us for long periods of time.
To learn more about how our services can make your life a little easier, please contact us.
Property Maintenance
From tenant-submitted maintenance requests to emergency repairs, Hometown is vigilant the moment a situation presents itself. An important responsibility to our owner-clients is to protect their property by quickly analyzing the issue at hand and dispatching the proper professional to bring the problem to a quick resolution.
Prior to signing on as your Property Manager, we conduct an initial exterior and interior assessment of your property free of charge, helping you to predict future problems. Hometown also provides one-stop shopping for urgent and ongoing property needs, and preventive care through routine inspections and maintenance service checks. Our systematic inspections after a property is leased also ensure that the current renter is properly caring for your property.
Consumer Notice
It is important that all potential customers read and understand the Pennsylvania Consumer Notice. Please click here to download the Consumer Notice.
Why Invest in Lancaster County
Lancaster County is good for property investment and real estate because Lancaster residents are engaged, focused on moving the community forward and making life better. The collaborations between entities, both public and private, in Lancaster County are unique and continue to drive the region forward with strong momentum. It's this dedication to progress that has resulted in a very strong market, and home values in Lancaster County continue to rise.
Lancaster has rural living, urban convenience, and cultural diversity all in one charming locale. Our county's character complements an underpinning of national relevance and classical architecture with a history dating back to the American Revolution. Both President James Buchanan and Thaddeus Stevens made their homes here.
Walkable, Bikeable, and Plenty of Attractions
Updated culturally, without compromising its legacy, Lancaster is a "walkable" and "bikeable" city. Known for its robust arts community (Gallery Row) and fantastic restaurant scene, the city's downtown also houses the Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the nation, and hosts its own Lancaster Stormers baseball team.

Travel and Industry Hub
The Lancaster community has modern mobility and is centrally located to five major metropolitan areas. Easy travel to Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City makes Lancaster County an industry hub for both the printing and entertainment industries. The presence of Amtrak makes surrounding cities accessible to residents with affordable travel options.
Versatile Living Options With Convenient Access
Lancaster County is defined by the diversity of its people and their lifestyles. There is as much of a demand for living in rural areas as there is for the urban dweller. Referred to as a "mini-Brooklyn" by the New York Post, Lancaster County allows you to rent a quiet place with two acres and no neighbors and still be at Lancaster Central Market in a matter of minutes.
Or, you can live downtown and hardly ever require a car. All of Lancaster's suburban neighborhoods are conveniently located to major arteries and downtown. Some areas meld suburban with urban for a pleasant walk to the downtown city center, or one of Lancaster's many beautiful county parks.
Owner FAQs
These are some of our most frequently asked questions by owners. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding your property management investments:
How is my rent money disbursed to me?
Delivering your rental income is Hometown's priority. Most owner disbursements are done by electronic transaction and are completed during the first week of each month. Since residents have a free option to pay online, many sign up for automatic monthly payments, which further speeds up the owner disbursement process. Paper checks, if elected, are sent via USPS.
When do I receive my monthly statements?
Hometown monthly statements are sent when your rental income is disbursed to you. If you have elected to receive electronic disbursements, monthly statements are sent via email. For owner-clients that receive paper checks, the monthly statement is included with the check via USPS. Current and past statements can be viewed online 24/7 through our easy-to-use Owner Portal.
How are repairs handled?
Property maintenance and repairs are a reality in real estate. Protecting your property is an important responsibility for Hometown. We quickly analyze repair issues and dispatch the proper professional to bring the problem to resolution. Most tenant repair concerns are communicated to Hometown via their online Tenant Portal. These electronic work orders are received immediately and enable our team to react without delay.
Our carefully vetted network of vendors not only performs quality work but also invoices at preferred pricing due to overall repair volume. Because Hometown does not directly employ maintenance contractors, we receive the most competitive prices in the market. Our service agreements and vendor relationships allow us to pass along other perks to property owners, such as waived service call fees for appliance replacements or other major fixtures.
All repair items will appear with a detailed description on your monthly statement. However, a Hometown team member will contact you when something other than a minor repair issue occurs.
What if my property requires an emergency repair?
Hometown has a 24/7/365 emergency maintenance line for calls that come in after-hours and on weekends. Worry-free property management is Hometown's goal, and it is our job to handle emergency situations when the timing is less than ideal.
Of course, after-hours emergency concerns may need immediate attention and are dealt with accordingly. However, our on-call maintenance crew is trained to stabilize other situations until they can be fully addressed during normal business hours (when service fees are less expensive) and when the property owner is more accessible.
How do I know that my property is being properly maintained?
Hometown knows that a properly maintained property creates a higher return for our clients. Prior to signing on as your Property Manager, we conduct an initial exterior and interior assessment of your property free of charge. This helps to address more immediate issues right away and to prepare for problems that may occur down the road.
Hometown also conducts systematic routine inspections and maintenance service checks. This ensures that all properties are being cared for by the renter and helps catch a developing maintenance issue that may need to be addressed.
How much do you charge?
Hometown is confident that our fee structure is among the most competitive in the market. Our fees vary by circumstance and property type, which is best explained through a free on-site or phone consultation. Please call (717) 617-2108 to speak with one of our licensed property managers.
How do you screen prospective tenants?
Hometown prides itself on using the most thorough screening process in the industry. Our standards for qualification are equal for every individual, as we fully comply with the Fair Housing Act.
All potential tenants must apply through our online application and screening system. Individuals are evaluated by analyzing credit rating, credit history, rental history, income, and employment situation.
A licensed real estate agent from our office always accompanies prospective tenants while touring your property. Once the tenant is qualified, we collect the security deposit and secure the first month's rent. We closely coordinate the move-in process to be sure the property is clean and the tenant has keys and working utilities.
What does the Hometown lease agreement look like?
Hometown uses the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors lease agreement (form LR) with addendums covering Crime and Drug-Free Housing and also specific Rules & Regulations. Lease agreements are typically one year in length with monthly auto renewals.
All tenants are required to acquire renters insurance.
Pets are negotiable where allowed; Hometown prepares a lease addendum specifically for pets and collects an extra refundable pet security deposit.
Security deposits, as required by law, are held in escrow in a bank separate from operating funds and owner funds.
How do you handle problems with tenants?
At Hometown, we are fortunate that we have few problems with tenants, which is a direct result of our robust screening process. Still, issues do arise from time to time. We are equipped to handle these issues by first attempting to solve the problem.
If it is money-related, we are familiar with the court system and eviction process. Hometown will file the proper paperwork and attend hearings to reclaim property if necessary. This is just one of the reasons why Hometown is your answer when you are looking for a professional to manage your property.
How do I get started with Hometown managing my property?
It's actually quite easy. Although every situation is different, we have seen it all, so we are ready to manage your property right away. From handling the entirety of property management to listing properties for rent, we deploy very quickly in our property management services. Call us at (717) 617-2108 for a free consultation or contact us to make an appointment.
What type of technology do you use?
Hometown uses industry-standard property management software technology. This software handles all aspects of the management process and allows us to handle our day-to-day business with ease. Advantages include being able to market vacant properties, make lease signing appointments, process electronic work order submissions, and provide free direct deposit for owners and tenants alike.
Are you taking on new clients?
We sure are! And there is nothing we need from you except the keys.
Additionally, Hometown is known for helping our clients find the best investments available, among other things such as liability insurance, home inspectors, and recommended mortgage providers. Call us at (717) 617-2108 to make an appointment or contact us here.
What is your process when a property becomes vacant?
Hometown prides itself on having a vacancy rate well below the national average. Our well-maintained properties lead to more responsible tenants who stay in your rental units longer and make turnover faster.
It's unfortunate when it happens, but tenants do give notice to terminate their lease agreement and move out. Hometown has it handled. We immediately list the property on our website and analyze if the property is rent-ready. If so, we immediately market the property to minimize any downtime.
When the move-out is complete, we inspect the property thoroughly for any damage, necessary repairs, and cleaning prior to processing the security deposit. We work diligently and quickly to have the property ready for the next tenant. Our minimal downtime is the lowest in the industry. And there is never a charge if your property sits vacant; if you don't make money, neither do we!