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Creative Temporary Gardening | Tips for Renters to Keep Your Landlord Happy!

Summer has arrived, and you are seeing all of the gorgeous flowers and plants lining the porches and decks of all of the surrounding homes. Am I right? In addition to looking beautiful, planting flowers and plants have some huge health benefits. Not only is gardening a great way to get some exercise, but it also can help to reduce stress and anxiety.  If you are renting your home, you may also be wondering how you can achieve optimum green space without compromising the terms of your lease. There are many creative ways you can incorporate temporary gardening into your rental. The best news is that when you’re ready to move, you can take all of this with you! Here are a few tried and true options for temporary gardening.

Mini Porch Greenhouse

 

Our first option is this Tiered Mini-Greenhouse from Amazon. This is is an all-season structure that you can place indoors or out. It contains 5 tiered shelving options and provides a PVC cover to contain the humidity and moisture required for successful gardening. This small but mighty mini greenhouse won’t take up much space at all on your porch or in your backyard and easily stores when you are ready to move or take it down for the winter months. This is the perfect way to grow herbs and small vegetables in individual pots without having to worry about making space in your yard if you have one.

Raised Garden Bed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raised garden beds are a fun option to incorporate greenery and plants into your landscape without having to do much digging. You can buy a manufactured raised garden bed at any garden supply store. Also, if you are ready to take on a DIY project, you can make one yourself with a little sweat equity, such as this one.

If you choose to purchase a raised garden bed with a higher elevation, this can be handy for keeping wildlife out of your fruits and vegetables. Additionally, raised garden beds that rest on the ground can be a great way to create a temporary landscape option. Raised garden beds are often more productive than if you were digging in the ground due to better drainage and the soil gets warmer quicker. One consideration with the ground option is to ensure that once you are ready to remove, you aren’t placing the bed over existing grass or landscaping. This could cause potential damage that may result in your landlord holding you responsible for remedy.

Verticle Stacking Planters

Verticle gardens such as this one from Home Depot are all of the rage in the world of temporary gardens! They are easy to install and easy to remove at the end of the season. Verticle gardens fit well in the corner of a deck or porch. Vegetables such as tomatoes, peas, and squash grow best in verticle gardens such as this. One thing to keep in mind is that these planters don’t drain as well as other conventional options so you must monitor for moisture containment and soil rot. Also, if not careful, this could leak on your neighbors below if you are on the second story.

Over-The-Rail Planter Boxes

Over-the-rail planter boxes are one of the absolute easiest ways to spice up your curb appeal and increase your plant presence without causing any damage. This will be a surefire way to make your landlord pleased! There are so many options for these planters including plastic, wrought iron, and wooden, and many different mounting options. If you have a deck or porch with a railing, these are the perfect option for you! Typically, sun-loving plants will thrive best in these planter boxes. Be sure that your planter box has drainage holes to ensure that moisture isn’t staying stationary on top of your railing.

Upside Down Gardens

Last, but certainly not least on our tips and tricks list of temporary gardening options are the quirky and visually appealing upside-down gardens! These hit the market as an ‘As Seen On TV’ product several years ago and have picked up a ton of steam with consumers trying to grow fruits and vegetables in an easy, mess-free, damage-free, environment. The planters are made of high-quality felt and are washable and reusable. The success of upside-down gardening comes from the shape of the hanging planters and that they promote excellent drainage and prevent root entanglement. This is the perfect option for a renter who doesn’t have a lot of space to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. You can hang these planters from a shepherd’s hook or from your porch or deck with no damage!

Making your rental home feel like your own can sometimes feel like a challenge. If you have a porch, balcony, deck, or small yard, there is a surprising amount of space that you can get creative with temporary gardening options. Greenery, flowers, fruits, and vegetables are one way that you can personalize the exterior of your home to your liking, all while keeping your landlord happy!

We fully support making your house feel like a home. If you are a prospective tenant in the Treasure Valley, our team would love to speak with you. Additionally, we can help you navigate through your home search and application procedures! View our available listings and schedule a time to view your dream home here! Our motto here at RentWise Property Management is LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY!

Beat The Heat | Tips For Renters To Increase Energy Efficiency

Summer has officially arrived in the Treasure Valley! Over the last few years, the United States has collectively experienced some of the hottest summers. 2021 set a record as the hottest summer EVER! In Boise, the average daily temperature throughout the summer months is in the upper 90s! As a renter, it may sometimes seem like you don’t have a lot of control over the energy efficiency in your home. It appears we are gearing up for another warm summer! We have put together a quick user-friendly list of ways to increase the energy efficiency of your rental home.

Change Your HVAC Filter

As a general rule of thumb, you should change your HVAC filter once every 90 days. In the midst of summer, it is a good idea to change your filter at least every 30-45 days. Dirty filters block airflow and decrease the air conditioner’s ability to absorb heat and produce cooler air. Clean air filters can help to improve the energy efficiency of your home by 15% or more. Many property managers have opted into automatic filter delivery programs as part of their leasing package. This means that your new filters will arrive right on your doorstep!

Adjust Your Thermostat

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that for optimum energy efficiency your thermostat should be set to 78 Degrees during the summer months. 78 Degrees is the ideal spot between staying cool and keeping your energy bill low. Many property owners are installing SMART thermostats in their rental homes. These thermostats not only increase energy efficiency, but they can also heat and cool by learning your habits at home. This means that your home will be kept warmer when no one is home, and cooler when everyone arrives!

Use Appliances Strategically

It is no secret that ovens generate a ton of heat. If possible, try to use your oven later on in the afternoon to preserve the efficiency of your air conditioning. In the previous years, countertop appliances such as air fryers and toaster ovens can replace a conventional oven and do not generate the amount of heat that an oven will distribute around your home. Other considerations to make during the summer months are washing your clothes in cold water and hang drying rather than using your dryer. You may also consider decreasing the temperature of your hot water heater to decrease your energy use by up to 25%!

Fight The Sunlight

Natural light is one of the best features of any home. The heat generated from the sunlight can also be the enemy of those trying to increase their energy efficiency. Investing in quality shades, and thermal or blackout curtains can assist with reducing your energy costs by 10-25%. Using blackout curtains during the hottest times of the day can keep sunlight-generated heat out, and contain the cool air from your fans and air conditioner inside. While the initial investment isn’t cheap, you will find that over time they will more than pay for themselves with reduced energy bills.

Unplug

This one is easy to forget. From your television to your computer, to even your gaming system, all electronics will generate heat when plugged in. Even if your electronics are switched off, there are still levels of heat that are maintained in the wiring. It may not seem like much, but if you add up all of your unused electronics, every little bit helps!

Switch To LEDs

Most households have begun to make the switch to LED lightbulbs. If you are still using incandescent lights, they are extremely inefficient. LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option that is currently available. They do cost a little more upfront but will pay for themselves quickly with energy savings. LED lights last 25 percent longer than incandescent lights, and use 75% less energy.

Many of these tips will help you to save energy year-round, not just in the summer! When you create positive energy habits, you will improve efficiency and experience money savings on your energy bills! If you would like more information from RentWise Property Management on our services and tenant benefit bundles, please visit us at www.rentwisepm.com

Should I Turn My Home Into A Rental?

There are many reasons that you may be considering putting your home up for rent. Maybe you found your dream home and it’s time to move your family. Maybe the market isn’t thriving in your location. Or maybe you are looking to dip your toes into the real estate investing market and this is your first step!

Whatever your reason may be, there are a few things that you need to consider prior to jumping in feet first. Sure, it isn’t difficult to find a thousand landlord horror stories. It doesn’t have to be that way if you are proactive and do your homework. Keep reading and find out a few steps to take prior to putting the ‘For Rent’ sign in your yard!

Know The Laws

This is a big one to start with. Tenants have a lot of rights under The Fair Housing Act. You will want to be sure that you are familiar with the discrimination laws and the laws are constantly changing. These laws advise you how you are allowed to list your property and also what is considered prohibited. You will also want to be sure to check with your local city permit office. Many municipalities require rental homes to file special permits. Permitting is specifically focused on safety and an inspector will come out and inspect and be certain that there aren’t any safety hazards in your home.

Upgrades and Repairs

Once you have received your permitting inspection, there may be things that need your attention. Furthermore, you may want to update a few things to keep up with the current demands of the market. Upgrades don’t always have to be expensive and can be easy! Inexpensive upgrades may look like anything from a fresh coat of paint, to adding a smart thermostat in the home. Not only will this show well in a rental listing, but upgrades will also keep your home competitive in a booming rental market! The more pride that is shown in upkeeping your home, the higher rent you’ll be able to collect! Everyone wins.

Research Property Management

It is no secret that managing your own rental can cause some major headaches. You will be the ‘everything’ person. Accountant, maintenance department, legal representative, on-call for communication, and more! Hiring a reputable property manager will help alleviate some of these pain points! They will work on your behalf and you will likely be able to collect higher rents based on the amenities they can provide your tenants- and they will even screen potential tenants for you so that you don’t have to. Property managers can provide you with a market analysis and an estimate of what your property may rent for. Property managers will also be able to assist with any legal processes such as an eviction or past due rent collection.

Establish Ground Rules

Do you want to allow pets? Who is responsible for yard maintenance? How many people do you want to occupy your home? What about swimming pools, hot tubs, and fire pits? These are all things to heavily consider when you are looking at renting out your home as these are things that could end up costing you later if not handled properly. Property managers can most definitely build all of your wants into your lease to ensure that your property is protected and maintained.

Check With Your Insurance Agent

You already have the home insured, so why would you need to review your insurance? Insurance for rental properties is a different policy than an owner-occupied home. If you kept the same policy but were not living in the home, and a claim situation arose, your insurance provider may not cover the claim. That could equate to a financial disaster depending on the damage.  A rental dwelling policy includes coverage for the structure, liability protection, and also very limited contents protection. Your tenant will need to have renters insurance to protect their belongings.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when deciding to rent your home. It is always a good idea to gather the facts and make sure this is the best financial decision for your situation. Here at RentWise Property Management, we care for every property like it is our own from day one! If you would like more information on how to make the transition to property investor LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY, visit us at www.rentwisepm.com

Top Amenities On A Renters Wishlist That Make A Profitable Rental Property

According to a recent survey from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there currently are 100.9 million people living in a rental home. The rate of homeownership has steadily declined over the past few years and younger generations are opting to rent vs purchasing a primary residence.

The majority of rental properties are owned by individual investors rather than large corporations. This opens up a large window for a personal touch and value add when an individual investor is involved. Large corporate areas may create every rental unit they own to be uniform with the same features. An individual investor has the flexibility to tailor some amenities and upgrades in a rental property according to demand and market trends. When it comes to rentals, knowing what your tenants want and like will not only quickly secure tenants, but retain them as well.

There are obvious amenities that all of us would love to offer, such as a balcony view over the ocean. This list is focused on the things that are largely able to be controlled by an investor.

Top Amenities on a Renters Wishlist

1. Parking

If you’re renting in an urban area, parking can be somewhat of an issue. For tenants who have cars, especially in a community, parking is of the utmost importance. No one likes to come home from a busy day at work, after spending time in a traffic jam and having to worry about parking 20 minutes away from home. Designated parking also makes your tenants feel safer and secure because they will always be familiar with the area and surroundings.

2. A Good Pet Policy

According to the III- Insurance Information Institute, 70% of American households, or 90.5 million people own a pet. It is no surprise that people love their furry friends. Renters are no exception. Having a policy in place where you allow pets will eliminate some of the stress for a tenant searching for a home. Being smart and having a thorough pet screening policy is the best way to protect yourself as a property owner. Having a flexible pet policy will secure tenants quickly.

3. On-Site Laundry

In today’s world, it isn’t always feasible to spend a few hours a week at a local laundromat. Loading your car up and traveling to a laundromat is not only a hassle, but can also create unnecessary stress with the additional cost. Having a washer/dryer in the unit would be an ideal situation for most renters. At a minimum, offering a few on-site washers and dryers, even if they are paid, will suffice and fill that void. In most residential areas, I think it is safe to say that many people would not even consider renting a place without access to laundry facilities.

4. Outdoor Areas

This one isn’t always within your control. As a property investor, keep this one in mind when purchasing a rental property. Many renters will be satisfied with any outdoor space whether it is a balcony, deck, or porch. Not only is an outdoor area an extension of the property, but it also can pack some really big value if the space is kept in great condition. If your property doesn’t have a great outdoor space, look toward community areas such as parks and recreation nearby.

5. Storage Space

While it can be expensive and challenging to modify an existing floorplan to create additional storage, you can always get creative. Adding additional shelving units in closets creates extra storage space. Ensuring that kitchen cabinets have ample shelving inside to maximize storage space is a huge bonus. Over-the-door hooks and racks will allow for shoe storage, towel storage, and even odds and ends. Also, if you plan to update your bathroom vanities, be sure to select one that has maximum drawer and cabinet space.

6. Appliances

The majority of renters will not come into a property-owning a full set of appliances. Including an oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher in your tenant package will certainly add immense value and attract quality tenants quickly.

7. Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is probably one of the most desirable amenities, especially in hot and humid climates. If your property does not currently have an air conditioning unit, you may need to consult with an HVAC specialist and put it into your budget. Consulting with a specialist may cost more upfront, but it pays to do it right the first time so that yearly maintenance costs will be lower. If your property lacks the capacity for a central air conditioning unit, exploring other options such as providing a window unit, or an individual room cooling system may be the next best thing.

These are just a few of the top amenities that renters across the United States have expressed as being valuable in their search for the perfect home. If you’re looking to rent your home and would like a free estimate on what your property would rent for, we can help! Additionally, we can provide professional and expert service to your tenants, such as a designated maintenance team, easy ways to pay rent, credit for on-time payments, and more! The RentWise motto is ‘Less Hassle, More Happy’ and we stand by that in every interaction we have with property owners and tenants alike!

Fire Safety In The Winter Months

The winter season brings beautiful scenery, fun activities, and traditions. It also means more time indoors. Spending more time indoors to stay warm and snug also comes with an increased risk of a fire in the home. The National Fire Protection Agency states that 48,530 house fires involving heating equipment occurred between 2014-2018 with nearly all fires occurring in December, January, and February.  Below, we have outlined some of the leading causes of house fires as well as some preventative measures to keep your property safe!

Portable Space Heaters

Portable heaters are involved in about 1,700 fires per year, resulting in about 80 deaths and 160 injuries, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates. When the weather turns cold, portable heaters are one of the quickest ways to supplement heat in a home. If you plan to use a space heater in your home, choose one that has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory and that will automatically shut off if the heater tips over. While you are using a space heater, plug it into the wall outlet, rather than using an extension cord or multi-plug adaptor. Place it at least three feet away from anything that can burn such as furniture, bedding, rugs, and clothing.  Be sure to turn it off and unplug it before you leave the room.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal. Anytime a gas-fueled appliance is used, such as a gas furnace, there is, unfortunately, an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fire protection experts recommend having your gas furnace inspected and serviced annually. Ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your home and test them once monthly. Avoid starting your vehicle inside your garage to get it warmed up as this can also release carbon monoxide into the home.

Keep Your Chimney Clean

There are over 25,000 reported chimney fires a year in the U.S. They are almost always preventable. Make sure that a Certified Chimney Sweep inspects your fireplace, venting, and chimney annually prior to lighting a fire.

Fire Extinguisher

In about 80 percent of property fires, a fire extinguisher is all that’s needed to put out a fire. It is estimated that thousands of lives are saved with fire extinguishers each year. Fire extinguishers have an expiration date of 10-12 years and need to be recharged after every use.

Electrical Outlets

Fires caused by electrical outlets are typically due to worn wiring behind sockets breaking off. Inspecting outlets every few years can prevent this from happening and the potential for fire. Additionally, if your home is over 20 years old, the electrical outlets will need to be replaced and are unlikely able to handle the workload of today’s electronics and technology. Avoid overloading electrical outlets as this is also a fire hazard.

Insurance Coverage

This one is not a fire prevention tip, but more so a preparation tip if the unexpected happens. Check with your insurance provider to make sure that there is adequate fire coverage on your policy regardless of you are a property owner or tenant. Reviewing your insurance coverage each year will offer peace of mind and prevent any surprises if something were to happen.

We take managing properties very seriously from onboarding to exit for clients and tenants alike. If you would like more information about our services, visit our website or give us a call! Less Hassle. More Happy.

 

 

Five Decorating Hacks For Renters!

Happy New Year! Whether you just moved into your dream rental home, or you just cleared out all the holiday decor- we know that decorating as a renter can be a challenge. Starting off the new year with some fresh, new decor can brighten the mood in the winter months and even make your space feel more open and light! We have compiled a shortlist of our landlord-friendly decorating tips to make your house feel like home!

Temporary Wallpaper

Wallpaper? YES! Wallpaper is making a comeback! Peel and stick removable wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add a pop of color to your rental home! Since you are likely unable to paint the walls, this is a quick and affordable way to make your space stylish! Websites like Amazon have hundreds of options and are filled with inspiration! When you are ready to remove, just peel the design and be sure to wipe the walls down!

Area Rugs

When you are renting a space, you do not get to choose the floor coverings and they may not completely match your taste. Your landlord is very unlikely to change the flooring if it is still in good condition, so the renter will need to improvise. Area rugs are a great way to make a space come together with very little effort. The hardest part will be choosing the perfect design! Area rugs will also keep flooring in tip-top shape & prevent wear and tear of the flooring in your rental.

Photo Tiles

Nothing says “home” like personal photos! Your landlord may have strict restrictions on nail holes which can limit your decorating options. Websites like Snapfish and Mixtiles and many other photo sites have helped to solve this problem! While we have no affiliation to any specific provider, we have used these ourselves! You can upload your favorite photos, and they come printed on a lightweight surface and are ready to hang with double-sided photo tape. Photo tiles also create a clean, uniform look that solves the issue of mixing and matching photo frames.

House Plants

Whether you have a green thumb, or just prefer the look of an artificial plant, house plants are a stress-free decorating option for renters! If you opt for artificial plants, you do not have to worry about watering them or getting dirt anywhere. If you prefer live plants, be sure to keep a watch for bugs or leaks in the pots to ensure no damage occurs in the property.

Battery Operated Flameless Candles

Relaxing at home almost always includes lighting a candle. When you are a renter, you have to be especially conscious about fire hazards and your lease may even have specific terms against candles. Thankfully, there are many options out there to create the same ambiance of candles, but without the risk! Some flameless candles come scented and even have lifelike flickering flames. Battery Operated Flameless Candles usually come with timers so you can even set a daily timer so your candles are lit each night at dark! Pretty cool, right? You can find flameless candles almost anywhere that sells traditional candles. A side note, flameless candles are a huge bonus if the power goes out!

We hope you loved these easy-to-manage tips on how to beautify your rental home as well as keep your landlord happy! Want to learn more about our services or how to become one of our happy tenants? Contact us at 208-949-3083 or check out our website at www.rentwisepm.com. Less Hassle. More Happy.