Brentnie is a contributor for Rentec Direct. She occasionally stops by to deliver practical industry tips, providing guidance for tenants and landlords alike.
Recently, a civil jury awarded a family scarred by bedbugs $1.6 million–the highest amount ever paid to a single family in a bed bug case in the United States, according to the family’s lawyer. In 2012, the Martinez family–living in an apartment in Inglewood, California–began noticing red spots all over their three-year-old’s body and face. […]
Renting for the first time can be exciting. Unfortunately, in the process, it can be all too easy for new renters to ignore the fine details and make expensive mistakes. Thankfully, avoiding the top mistakes new renters make is easy with a bit of extra attention and some preplanning. Don’t let your excitement get the […]
Property management is not for the faint of heart; at times the job can involve frantic work and unusual hours, all while balancing the day-to-day aspects of working with a diverse group of clientele and ensuring great customer service in the process. In the midst of these details, management companies can make mistakes that set […]
Hiring someone to care for your rental property is a big decision. You need to make sure that whoever you choose to manage the property is as committed to your investment as you are, and also knows the legal ins-and-outs involved with the rental process. Hiring the wrong manager can have a substantial negative impact […]
No one sets out to become a nightmare tenant. But for new (or even seasoned) renters, it can feel difficult ensuring that you’re on your landlord’s good side. The key to checking if you’re a dream renter, and to avoiding becoming a bad one, is often a little extra knowledge and follow-through. TO avoid giving […]
Becoming a landlord can sound great on paper, and nothing sounds better than ensuring a steady stream of passive income. However, there’s more to landlording than you may think, and ensuring that you know the basics can prevent a cash-flow or legal issue down the road. Set yourself up for success as a new landlord […]
If you’re a property manager responsible for a large portfolio, or just a landlord with an attached rental space on your property, it’s important for you to know your potential renters well. Zillow recently released a quiz testing just how well you know your renters, based off of the Renters section of the 2017 Zillow […]
It’s no secret that spring is on its way. And while some of you might still be viewing blankets of snow when looking out your window and may not be ready to think about spring maintenance, now truly is the time for most landlords and owners to ensure that their properties are ready for the […]
For many future homeowners, renting is an important step at the beginning of the buying process. If you’ve ever weighed the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a home, you may find that renting now and saving up for a home in the future is the best plan for you. There are certainly a […]
Hosting a resident event is a classic way to put your appreciation for your tenants on display and to encourage a great resident community. You may feel inclined to avoid hosting the same old event, but know that planning can be a time-sink. Truthfully, hosting a great resident event is not difficult. Even a small […]
Property managers that thrive execute one thing very well: Efficiency. Because there are so many moving parts that go into running a successful rental business, property managers need have a system that keeps them efficient and effective. Property management software gives landlords and property managers a convenient solution to organize their rental business and streamline […]
Congratulations on making the leap towards owning an investment property. Real estate investments are often seen as one of the most reliable (and profitable) investment opportunities due to the tax benefits and income potential. However, a reliable and profitable investment will only become safe and lucrative if managed properly. A new landlord needs to take […]
Make a lasting first impression with a Rental Resume to make sure your landlord remembers you during the rental application process. Applying for a rental home can be as competitive as landing your dream job. The best properties will attract the most qualified tenants, and as a renter, the application process should be approached like applying […]
Landlords and property managers are required to follow their federal, state and local laws about informing tenants of policies, facts, and rules about the property. Any information that is shared with a renter about the property or a renter’s rights are considered disclosures. Landlord disclosures can either be included in the lease or rental agreement, […]
Picking the best property management software isn’t easy. Why? Because you’re constantly bombarded with misleading advertising, trumped up demos, and bad information … from high-pressure sales to overpriced platforms to promises of “one size fits all.” How do you ever find the software that’s right for you? You start by asking the best of the […]