Appliances in a Rental Property | Caring For and Maintaining Your Investment

February 24, 2023

Rental Property Owners who provide appliances to their tenants are taking a big step to ensure their tenants have a comfortable and enjoyable living experience. These appliances can be as simple as a refrigerator, stove, or washing machine or more complex items like a dishwasher, air conditioner, or clothes dryer. Having these appliances available to tenants can make a big difference in the quality of life for those living on the property. Not only does it make living in the property more convenient, but it can also help save tenants money in the long run as they won’t have to purchase and maintain their own appliances.

Investing in quality appliances for your tenants helps you to maintain a competitive edge and, in turn, results in higher rents. Unfortunately, not everyone will treat your investment with the same care that you would. While it is impossible to watch tenants 24/7, it’s important to understand which appliances are prone to damage and when you can expect to replace them.

We’ve covered a few of the top appliances and how you can make the most of your investment.

Refrigerator

The refrigerator is one of the most common pieces of rental property that tends to receive damage. Refrigerators can experience a number of issues, from dents and scratches to water damage and even potential issues with the compressor. Most refrigerators are designed with a life span of 10-20 years, so if it’s an older model, it may be due for an upgrade.

Here are some things that tenants can do to increase the lifespan of the refrigerator with minimal issues:

Keep Things Dust Free. Always ensuring that the refrigerator is clean and remains free of dust will help to keep the compressor running smoothly. This can be accomplished by vacuuming the coils, and wiping down the interior and exterior surfaces of the fridge. Additionally, keeping the fridge away from heat sources and pulling the unit from the wall to maintain a safe distance will keep the fridge from working too hard.
Overstuffing. Poor circulation in a refrigerator and freezer comes from packing the units to the max. It is a great idea to notice where the interior fans are and ensure that your groceries are not blocking any of them. This will help prevent the motor from overworking and burning out too quickly.

Dishwasher

Another appliance that often requires attention is the dishwasher. Dishwashers can suffer from various issues, including clogged drains, rusting, and issues with the heating elements. Dishwashers tend to last around 9-12 years, and here are some things you can do to make the most of this handy appliance:

Clean the Filter Regularly. Clean the filter regularly to ensure that food particles and other debris aren’t clogging up the system.
Don’t Overload. Overloading the dishwasher can cause the system to run inefficiently and can cause it to overheat, leading to damage.
Run a Cycle with Vinegar. Running a cycle with a cup of vinegar every few months can help to reduce the buildup of limescale, rust, and other materials.

Stove

Stoves usually last around 12-15 years with the proper care and attention. If you’re renting a home with an older model, it’s important to keep an eye on it. There are a few tried and true ways to keep your unit in tip-top shape for many years.

Keep it Clean. Make sure to clean your stove and oven regularly to remove any grease or residue that can build up over time. Be sure to use a stove/oven safe cleaner to ensure that you are not damaging the cooktop or interior of the unit. Cleaning the drip pans often. Further, be sure to check the door seal. This keeps the oven from working overtime and protects the heating elements.
Regularly Inspect the Burners and Heating Elements. A quick once-over at least twice per year will help to address any functionality issues.

Washer & Dryer

Washers and dryers typically last around 10-15 years , so it’s important to be mindful of the age if you’re providing these appliances to renters. Staying on top of regular maintenance will ensure that your washer and dryer have a long and productive life.

Don’t Overload. One of the most common maintenance issues with a washing machine is that they can go off balance from time-to-time. Filling the unit with the proper amount of laundry and not overloading will help to prevent this.
Clean the Vents. Ensure that the venting of the dryer is cleaned out at least twice a year and that the lint trap is emptied after each use.
Inspect the Water Hoses. It’s important to ensure that the water supply hoses are inspected every six months and replaced every five years.

It’s important for landlords to plan for wear and tear in a rental property. Regularly inspecting the flooring and appliances, as well as establishing a preventative maintenance plan, can help reduce the need for repairs and replacements. By taking the time to plan ahead, landlords can save time and money in the long run.

In Conclusion, here at RentWise Property Management, our entire focus is providing a positive experience for both our residents and our property owners. We complete Bi-Annual Inspections on every property we manage so that we can get ahead of any concerns. To learn more about our property management services, visit us at www.rentwisepm.com

Amenities & Tenant Safety | Tips For Child-Proofing Your Rental Property

October 12, 2022

It’s no secret families with children and pets are ideal long-term tenants. Once families begin to expand, it is difficult for them to unnecessarily move from one place to the next every year or so. Recent statistics show that families generally stay put on average for three years. Those are great odds for rental property investors.

When searching for their next home, families typically have a few key points at the front of their minds. Location, schools, and safety are huge components of any home search. While thinking about safety, many property owners don’t consider that this can mean a child-proofed home for their prospective tenants. This often overlooked amenity can be a huge selling point when a family is viewing at home. If you’re looking to keep your vacancy rate low, there is no better way than to keep your tenants happy. And what better way to appeal to families than to protect their loved ones? More amenities and attention to detail equals a higher monthly rent, which in turn will boost your monthly passive income.

If you’re unsure where to start in the child-proofing game, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a short list of easy ways you can implement safety features into your rental property.

Windows + Window Treatments

Many rental properties have window coverings, or blinds, with long pull strings that can hang low to the ground. This makes it easy for young children to get tangled in the cords, and unfortunately, small children have died from strangulation. Many state legislatures are fighting to outlaw corded blinds in homes.

If you are looking for a great way to dip your toes into the child-proofing game without making it obvious, installing cordless blinds at your rental is a beautiful place to begin. They are visually appealing and are constructed infinitely better.

If you do not have the budget to overhaul every window treatment, there are still steps you can take to enhance safety around the blinds.

Install a small hook where the cord can be tied up and out of reach of a child or pet
Provide curtain cord covers that clip any excess cord from the blind

Additionally, ensure that the windows in your rental are secure and that the locks are in good working order. Inspecting the stability of the window panes and screens will eliminate the risk of a window falling on a child.

Electrical Outlet Covers

Once babies are on the move, there is no stopping them from exploring anything and everything they can get their hands on. Electrical outlets are no exception. Electrical outlets are a magnet for little fingers due to being eye level with a little tot. Babies and toddlers are infamous for wanting to touch outlets and stick their fingers and/or toys into the little sockets.

To protect against accidents, installing outlet covers is one of the easiest child-proofing measures you can take. There are many different options, all of which do not affect the functionality of the outlet. While this is a very inexpensive and easy fix, saving the tenant the hassle of doing it themselves is a huge bonus in showing that their landlord cares enough to take care of it for them.

Pools

If your investment property has a pool, there are steps that you must take to make accidental drowning a non-issue for tenants with children. Child-proofing the pool area will provide value for prospective tenants and protect your liability as the owner should an accident occur. Peace of mind is priceless for parents who not only want to provide a fun space for their children that is safe.

Signage. Post signs on how the pool should be used, maximum occupancy, and any emergency directions.
Pool Surroundings. Your property’s pool should have a fence with a tall, locked door that will prevent children from swimming unattended. The fence should be tall enough that even the most agile kiddos cannot climb over and sneak in.
Pool Covers. When looking at safety, there are many different options for pool covers. To protect the integrity of the pool, you may opt for a hardcover, which also can withstand a person’s weight. Another option is netting, specifically designed to securely stretch across a pool and eliminate the risk of drowning if someone falls in.
Pool Alarm. Designed to sound a loud alarm when the pool water is disturbed, this feature may make parents feel safer about having their child living in a home with a pool.

Falls

Not every rental property is one-story, and it is imperative to consider fall risks and safety when child-proofing a home.

Inspect the stability of all fences and railing to ensure that nothing is loose.
Be sure that balcony fencing does not have a wide enough space where a child could slide through.
Ensure the railing is tall enough that a small child cannot fall over the edge.

Other Considerations

While we have hit on some of the significant items, there are still many things you do to up your child-proofing game.

Install cabinet locks
Add child-proof door locks to all exterior doors
Install removable, walk-through gates at the top and bottom of each staircase
- Encourage your tenant that they are welcome to do the same
Add hand railings to exterior stairs and porches to discourage falling
Install appliance locks and appliance anchors to ensure that they cannot fall if a child climbs on them
Add rubber bumpers to sharp corners and edges

Going that extra mile to provide safety precautions and thus some childproofing strategies can positively affect your potential tenant’s family’s desire to lease your investment property.

If you have more questions or you want to find out more about our services and how you can have LESS HASSLE. MORE HAPPY when it comes to owning an investment property; visit our website at www.rentwisepm.com or give us a call at 208-949-3083.

Fall Overhaul | Our Seasonal Cleaning Guide for Renters in the Treasure Valley

September 28, 2022

Fall has officially arrived! Our favorite season! The mornings are feeling cooler, the days are getting shorter, and there are pumpkins everywhere. You’ll likely spend more time indoors as the temperatures drop. As you snuggle up on the couch with some hot cider, you may look around and realize it is time to tidy up your rental. Spring gets all the credit for the “cleaning season”; however, we think that fall is the perfect time to organize and declutter.

Proactively getting ahead of the cleaning game is essential as we will soon enter a new holiday season. Here is some motivation; there is a good chance you’ll be hosting friends and family for the holidays and will soon pull out all those beautiful decorations. Regrouping and decluttering before you add gifts and guests will make the fall and winter seasons even sweeter! These fall overhaul tips can boost your mood while providing a welcoming place to relax as the seasons’ change.

Decluttering & Organization

1. Take Charge of Your Closet

One of the easiest ways to know if you’re wearing most of what is hanging in your closet is to reverse your hangers the opposite way. Each time that you wear an item turn the hanger the right way. At the end of the season, you’ll have a solid idea of what needs to go due to not being worn.

2. Donate, Regift, or Recycle Unused Household Items

Donate gently used clothes & toys to shelters and other community-focused organizations that accept donations if possible.

3. Organize in Storage Totes

Keeping organized is no easy feat, and we’ve all been there. Separating and storing seasonal items, craft supplies, decorations, and more into their designated storage totes will make things easy to find when the time comes.

Fall Cleaning Tips

Living Areas

Vacuum all carpets and rugs, and vacuum your furniture. If you have a carpet cleaner, steam your floors and furniture.
Dust and wipe down all the hard surfaces such as bookshelves, end tables, dressers, and so on.
Wash all blankets and throw pillows
Wash all curtains and dust blinds
Clean all windows inside & out
Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, handrails, counters, and faucets with a disinfectant
Wipe down all baseboards
Dust off ceiling fans

Kitchen

Clean and disinfect the microwave, inside and out
Change the hood vent filter above your stove and clean off any grease from the hood
Use a plumbing safe cleaner for your garbage disposal
Pull the refrigerator out and vacuum the coils and the floor behind the unit
Clean out your pantry and, wipe down the shelves, donate any items that you may not use
Wash and disinfect your trash can
Clean out from under your sink and throw away any old cleaners
Clean out and disinfect the inside of the refrigerator and freezer
If applicable, run a self-clean cycle on your oven

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Scrub your sink and remove any build-up
Disinfect the shower and tub
Scrub all the grout in the shower with a grout safe cleaner
Clean the inside and outside of the toilet
Sweep and scrub the floors
Wipe down cabinets and vanity
Clean all of the mirrors
Wash your shower curtain and shower curtain liner

Exterior & Safety

Keep gutters free of leaves and tree branches
Sweep your patio and/or deck and keep free of leaves that could damage the finish
Power wash your outdoor lawn furniture and outdoor toys and prepare to store them for the winter
Change the batteries in your smoke and CO2 alarms throughout the home
Change your HVAC filter at least once every 30 days
Test your furnace and thermostat to make sure that it is properly functioning

Free Printable Checklist

We’ve included a free printable checklist just in case you are anything like us and want to keep a reminder hanging around.

It is our ultimate goal here at RentWise to be the best in the business. We take pride in our team and the properties that we manage. If you would like more information on how we can help make owning an investment property “Less Hassle, More Happy”- we would love to speak with you! Give us a call at 208-949-3083 or email courtney@rentwisepm.com

What is a Maintenance Emergency? | Your Guide to Identifying Emergency vs Routine Maintenance Requests

August 31, 2022

Undoubtedly, living at any property, you can expect things to break from time to time. Do you know what is considered an emergency maintenance situation? Sometimes, it can be undeniable in situations such as a severely leaking roof causing it to rain outside and inside your home. This certainly qualifies as an emergency, and requests must be submitted quickly. Other times, it may seem unclear as to what needs urgent attention. What if your oven stops working? Or your air conditioner isn’t cooling the home? Are these emergencies? What is considered an enormous inconvenience and emergency to a resident may not be an emergency when looking at the bigger picture. But, how can you identify an emergency or not? First, it is always a good idea to pull out your lease and read maintenance requests’ verbiage. Emergency maintenance may be identified as fire, flood, uncontrollable water, backed up sewer, electrical problem endangering life, or smell of gas. None of that sounds like fun. Let us break down a few situations that may fall under an emergency.

Emergency Maintenance

A maintenance emergency is something that, if it isn’t remedied immediately, could cause injury, pose a health threat, or cause severe property damage.

A few examples of maintenance emergencies can include:

A sewer back-up if it is flooding your home
A fire that is unable to be put out with your in-home fire extinguisher
The smell of gas / broken gas line / or suspicion of a gas leak (natural gas has an identifiable smell of rotten eggs)
Your roof is leaking and causes flooding and damage to the interior of the home
A broken pipe, waterline, or flooding inside your home
Air conditioning not working in sweltering weather
Furnace not heating home in frigid weather
Other electrical issues that, if not immediately repaired, could result in lasting damage, such as a fire

Routine Maintenance

Every maintenance issue is not an emergency. For example, if you have a leak from your toilet that is minor and can be contained with a bucket or some towels, this is considered a routine maintenance issue but not an emergency. Furthermore, a small leak, while annoying, would be considered a routine maintenance request.

Here are a few examples of situations where you can submit a routine maintenance request:

Your dishwasher isn’t properly draining
The garbage disposal is buzzing
There’s no hot water
Your stove burner won’t light or heat up
You have a clogged drain
Your ceiling fan stopped working
Your refrigerator is not cooling quickly
Your HVAC system isn’t heating or cooling in weather above 50 and below 90 degrees

Troubleshooting Maintenance

Many landlords and property managers expect their tenants to troubleshoot some issues before submitting a routine maintenance request. This isn’t because your maintenance team doesn’t want to help. Sometimes, things can be easily remedied with a quick DIY and will save you and the maintenance team time to tend to larger issues.

Below you will find detailed instructions on how to mitigate small maintenance issues in your home:

1. Smoke Detector won’t work when tested: Test with approved smoke detector smoke spray and replace the battery.

2. Smoke Detector beeps: Replace the battery and check for proper wire termination connection.

3. No power to plugs or switches: Check and reset breaker panel or replace blown fuses. Check and rest all GFI outlets (located in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms, and garages). Check if the plug works off a wall switch.

4. Garbage disposal doesn’t work: When on, do you hear a buzz? If you do not hear a buzz, hit the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and test. If you hear a buzz, turn off the disposal and unplug it from the wall. Mounted on the side of the disposal or side of the cabinet is an Allen wrench. Put the wrench in the center shaft and twist back and forth (this un-jams the disposal). Remove the object, turn it back on, and test. Repeat until the object is removed.

5. No hot water: Check the thermostat on the tank for proper temperature setting. Check that thermostat is not set to “vacation.” Check and reset the breaker in the power panel. Check and reset the button next to the thermostat.

6. Hot water is too hot: Check the thermostat on the tank and turn it down.

7. Plumbing or fixtures leak: Turn off the water fixture, turn off the water at the supply line and notify Landlord immediately.

8. Toilet is plugged: Plunge and test.

9. No heat: Check the thermostat. Check that furnace covers are in properly. Check that a switch that looks like an ordinary light switch is turned on (located in or near the furnace room). Did you pay or disconnect the utility? Clean and replace filter and test.

10. Dishwasher won’t drain clean food out of the bottom of the dishwasher.

11. Dishwasher grinds or no water is coming in. Turn off; if there is no water on the bottom, pour two large glasses of water into the bottom and re-start. If the problem continues, call Landlord and discontinue use.

12. Refrigerator too warm or too cold: Check thermostat in the refrigerator is set correctly.

13. Water drips from the freezer to the refrigerator compartment. Remove all food and store it in a cooler. Turn off the refrigerator and allow it to defrost. Turn the refrigerator back on and replace food.

14. No Air Conditioning: Check all circuit breakers. Clean and replace filter and test.

Filing a Maintenance Request

Do not avoid maintenance requests! Although, some tenants feel as though they don’t want to bother their property manager with maintenance requests, so they don’t notify anyone. Any maintenance request that the property management team is responsible for should be filed as soon as possible. Further, if you fail to submit a maintenance request and the issue has escalated, resulting in damage to the property, you may be held responsible for any damages for neglecting to turn it in. A small issue now could turn into an emergency if it isn’t handled properly.

Additionally, if you have noticed an issue but are unsure of how to proceed, reach out to your property manager! Likewise, they will be glad to hear from you and can direct you toward a solution or suggestion. Your property manager will be able to explain if your issue is considered an emergency or routine maintenance.

Furthermore, if your property manager utilizes online maintenance requests, be certain to familiarize yourself with the platform. Undoubtedly, knowing how to submit a request will make your life less stressful should a maintenance issue arise.

At RentWise Property Management, we promise that we make every effort to act in our client’s best interests in every situation.

Interested in learning more about our services and how we can provide you with this type of service? RentWise Property Management. Less Hassle. More Happy.

Should You Hire a Professional Property Manager?

March 30, 2022

So you have purchased a rental property. Congratulations! Or maybe you own multiple rental properties that you’ve been self-managing for an extended period of time. And you’ve been tossing around the idea of hiring a professional property manager. Not all rental properties require property managers. If you are beginning to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even a little confused about how to handle a situation, it may be time to start talking with an expert in the business.

According to Businesswire, 51% of investment property owners work with a property manager and another 24% are actively searching for a professional property manager. The rental market is booming across the United States and more investors are utilizing property managers than at any time in the past. But, what exactly does a property manager do? Property managers handle much more than just collecting rent for you each month. Here are some of the top responsibilities that a professional property manager will take care of for you.

Marketing Your Rental

Property managers are experts at marketing investment properties. They are trained professionals in real estate. It is their priority to get a rental property tenanted quickly. Not only will they take professional photos of your property for marketing, but they also have access to many tools that non-real estate professionals do not have access to. If you are on your own, it can be a huge headache to try and market your property. Platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easier in some ways, but you can’t always guarantee that the responses are legitimate.

Finding Quality Tenants

Pivoting off of the last statement of receiving legitimate responses to a rental listing, property managers are responsible to thoroughly screen applicants. Finding quality tenants can feel like an uphill battle. You don’t have to make that climb alone when you have a property manager on your team. Property managers handle background checks, credit checks, references, income verification, pet verification, drafting the lease, and more. All of this will be included in your property management agreement and can take a huge weight off of your shoulders.

Day-To-Day Management

You may have noticed that some of the everyday tasks of managing your rental can add up quickly. Property managers assist with shortening your to-do list. In fact, property managers actually make your to-do list virtually nonexistent! Your property manager will handle things such as collecting rents, handling tenant requests, scheduling routine maintenance, bookkeeping, and accounting! Your property manager will essentially turn your stresses into successes!

Maintenance

If you are a lucky investor, your property won’t need any major repairs any time soon! You can bet on the inevitable, however, that your tenants will make a call to the maintenance team at some point. Since you have been self-managing, it is almost certain that you have received a late-night call or text from a tenant with an emergent situation. You will never appreciate your property manager more, than when you don’t have to jump out of bed and respond right away. Property managers have a list of fully vetted and insured contractors that they can call on-demand to handle any maintenance issues. In some property management agreements, you are required to keep a reserve on file so that maintenance issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently without reaching you for pre-approval.

Evictions and Legalities

Last, but certainly not least, your property manager will bear the responsibility for any legal issues that could arise. There are many laws that are specific to protecting the tenant and landlord. Your property manager is required to stay on top of any changes and updates to these laws. If your tenant wants to break a lease early, or an eviction situation has come up, your property manager will know just how to handle this. If you are self-managing, you may be unsure how to proceed and have to constantly consult an attorney. Your property manager thankfully has systems in place to avoid additional legal expenses.

There are many reasons why you may be considering hiring a property manager. Maybe you are a new investor. Maybe you have another job. Maybe you are having issues finding and retaining quality tenants. Whatever the case may be, you can guarantee that a professional property manager will be on your team and work hard to ensure your rental remains profitable. If you would like more information on our property management services and receive a free rental estimate, visit us at www.rentwisepm. RentWise can handle all the details of managing your property. We provide COMPLETE property management in Boise, Star, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, and Middleton.

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

February 2, 2022

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!