The landlord-tenant relationship is critical to successful property management, and like any relationship, a good one requires care to foster mutual respect. You want a tenant who is respectful of amenities and responsible with upkeeping tasks—changing the air filter, maintaining a pest-free living space, or making sure the water is running in winter. And a […]
The current rental market is tight. Many renters are finding that, on a single income, they may not meet the income requirements for their dream apartment. Getting a roommate to help with expenses can a smart option that allows you to apply for rentals that you would otherwise not be able to afford. This can be […]
Before I moved into my first apartment, I spent hours daydreaming about the fabulous decorations that would help me achieve the independent woman lifestyle I was craving. I poured over magazines and Ikea catalogs, making idea boards and hand-drawn design layouts with my soon-to-be-roommates. I thought I would finally be free of the limitations […]
As a general rule renting sight unseen is far from ideal, and, overall, is considered inadvisable. There is only so much that you can determine through photographs and enticing unit descriptions; that may not tell the full story. A thorough walk-through of a property is crucial to ensure that the unit has up-to-date safety measures […]
One of the biggest surprises first-time renters run into is underestimating the true cost of living on their own and how to budget for expenses beyond a monthly rent payment. It is important that every renter understand there are expenses that need to be factored into their budgets in addition to a rent payment. […]
Asking the right questions when meeting your potential landlord or property manager will give you insight on relevant information relating to a future housing situation and set the framework for further interactions with management. Renting a new home is technically a business transaction and you will benefit from treating your interactions with any potential managers […]
Moving to a new city can be as daunting as it is exciting. Whether work, school, family or adventure drives you to relocate to an unknown town, proper preparation is the best way to make a smooth transition into a new location. One of the biggest steps for every mover is finding a new […]
In a competitive rental market, getting approved your next apartment can depend on more than just your credit score and income. A rental hopeful should always put their best foot forward when trying to impress a future landlord. In fact, apartment hunting can be as competitive as landing your dream job. Some tenants have […]
We’ve all heard our share of tenant horror stories, but outside of a few bad eggs, damage caused by tenants is often not the result of rowdy behavior or blatant disregard for property care, but is caused due to ignorant and negligent tenants. The average tenant will be unlikely to punch a hole in your […]
Spring has arrived, and that means it’s finally time to open our windows to clear the must caused by a harsh winter. While landlords may be knocking on your door to assist with important spring maintenance, tenants should begin preparing their homes for spring cleaning. Now is the perfect time for renters to tackle any […]
Maintaining a residential property requires active care and preventive maintenance to ensure the longevity of your home. In the case of rental housing, most owners do not live onsite and rely on tenants and management to maintain the condition of their investment property. Despite one’s best effort to screen applicants in order to find […]
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, […]