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

June 22, 2022

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!

Simple Tips To Prevent Pests From Invading Your Rental Home

April 27, 2022

Spring has sprung, and summer is on its way! With warmer weather on the horizon, this may open up an invitation to some very unwanted houseguests- pests! Unfortunately, pests are a common nuisance no matter where you live. Everyone will have to deal with pests at one point or another. Not only are pests a huge annoyance, but there can also be potential health risks.

When you are a tenant, you may be wondering who is responsible for pest control at your home. It is always best to check your lease agreement to understand the requirements for keeping these unwelcome guests under control. Some property managers will offer a nominal payment option that includes treatment of your home, inside and out. Regardless of what your lease states, there are a few surefire ways to minimize the risk of having a pest invasion.

Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming often may seem silly and is likely something you are already doing. Things like crumbs and dust can accumulate in carpet fibers or under appliances and become the latest hot spot for an ant or roach party. It is guaranteed that these guys will invite the rest of the neighborhood to make themselves at home.

Take Out Your Trash

This is another tip that many of you are likely doing on an almost daily basis. Pests treat anything smelly such as trash as an open invitation to come in. Emptying your trash bins as soon as they become full will take some of the fun out of it for any roaches, ants, flies, and their friends. It is also a good idea to disinfect and rinse out your trash bins every month to remove any residue left behind.

Keep Kitchen & Bathrooms Clean

Implementing a daily cleaning routine for your kitchen and bathrooms will immensely reduce the risk of pests congregating there. Be sure to put food away as soon as you are finished. Wipe down the countertops at the end of every day. Be certain to empty the garbage disposal and keep the drains clean. Not only will a clean kitchen and bathroom boost your mood, but it can also provide some peace of mind that you’re putting up a roadblock from attracting pests.

Check Secondhand Furniture & Clothing

I think we can all agree that nothing beats a great deal! You went to a yard sale or your favorite thrift shop and found your dream couch and a new outfit too! Unfortunately bringing items into your home that have been in someone’s residence opens up the potential for pests such as fleas, bed bugs, roaches, and spiders. Your dream couch could have been in storage for many months and your new outfit could have been in a trash bag in their garage. Fully inspecting and cleaning and even spraying pest repellent on the new furniture can work wonders in keeping those creepy crawlies out.

Remove Clutter and Debris- Inside and Out

There is nothing better for unwelcome insects and pests than a pile of clothing, a stack of boxes, and a woodpile. Picking these items up and keeping your home tidy will deter pests from making these things their newest home.

Proper cleaning regularly goes a long way in preventing a pest party from starting in your home. If you should find yourself in a situation where some unwelcome guests are residing in your home, inform your property immediately so that you may work together to solve the problem before it gets out of hand. Visit us at www.rentwisepm.com for more information on our pest control program and how we strive to make every experience LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY!

Renters Insurance: Why Do You Need It? What Does It Cover?

March 2, 2022

You finally found your dream home! You paid your deposit, signed your lease, and have a move-in date. Your property manager gives you a checklist of things to take care of prior to moving in. On that list, likely near the top, is purchasing renters insurance and providing them a copy of the policy. Does this sound familiar?

At one point or another, most renters likely are wondering why they need renters insurance for a property they don’t own. Insurance can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. When an investor owns a property, they have a separate policy protecting the structure of the home itself as well as providing liability coverage. Renters insurance is financial protection for the tenant and their belongings.

There Are Three Main Components Of Renters Insurance Coverage

Personal Property

When applying for renters insurance, you will choose a dollar amount that will cover to replace all of your belongings inside your home. Personal property coverage will cover replacing your belongings such as furniture, clothes, appliances, etc. in the event that a covered claim situation has arisen. Covered claims will be instances such as fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm/hail. Coverage for your personal belongings will also be in effect even when you are not at home. For example, if you are on vacation or moving and you have something stolen, your policy coverage would kick in.

Personal Liability

If you have friends over and someone gets injured at your home, who is responsible? In instances such as a trip and fall, or a dog bite, you would be responsible, or liable. Your policy would help pay for some of their medical bills up to the dollar amount listed on your policy. What if this person decides to sue you? Well, good news. Your policy has liability protection to help assist with legal expenses.

Here is another scenario: you left a candle burning and it caught your apartment building on fire. What happens next? Your liability coverage protects you against lawsuits and expenses from unintentional damage to your rental property. Liability protection within a renters insurance policy can protect a renter from financial disaster and ruin. Most property managers require at least $100,000 in liability coverage, some requiring $300,000. Be sure to read your property’s requirements to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Loss Of Use

If your home has become uninhabitable, you have protection for that as well! Loss of use coverage provides you with a temporary place to live above and beyond your normal monthly expenses, up to a certain dollar amount that is predetermined in your policy. If your hotel doesn’t have a kitchen, your loss of use coverage can also help to cover meals at restaurants. Your loss of use coverage can even cover the additional cost of gas if you are driving further to work or doctor’s appointments.

Other Coverage Considerations

There are a few other things that you may have not thought about, that your renter’s insurance policy may provide coverage for. Certain items such as jewelry, firearms, business equipment, and electronics have different coverage limits than the blanket coverage your personal property provides

Identity Theft
Jewelry
Firearms
Property that belongs to others on your property
Your property in a storage unit
Monetary replacement of food due to a mechanical breakdown or power outage

It is a good idea to check your policy to ensure that there are no gaps.

What Is Not Covered?

We have discussed what is covered, but now it’s time to go over what may not be covered so that you may avoid any surprises.

Flooding
Damage caused by pests
High-value items such as artwork, expensive pieces of jewelry, collectibles
Your vehicle
Earthquake (this typically can be added as an endorsement)

Before Purchasing Renters Insurance

It is always a great idea to take a detailed inventory of your personal belongings, with photos. In the event that your home is damaged or even deemed a total loss, it will be difficult to try and remember everything you’ve lost. Also, read the fine print on your renter’s insurance policy. There are two types of policies: replacement cost and actual cash value. While an actual cash value policy may be more affordable on the front end, claim payouts will be depreciated. Replacement cost policies will pay what it costs to replace with like and kind in today’s dollar.

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

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!

Five Decorating Hacks For Renters!

January 5, 2022

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.

Tips For Lawn Care for Renters

May 19, 2021

Are you a new renter and looking for tips for lawn care?

Lawn care is something that can easily overwhelm a new renter. Maybe, you’ve come accustomed to living the condo or apartment life where that type of maintenance has been taken care of for you. However, now, you have a yard with flower beds and mulching and weeding to do, and you don’t know where to start with summer right around the corner. But don’t let the lawn stress you out. Today, we are sharing tips for lawn care for renters.

Generally, it’s your responsibility to maintain the lawn, shrubs, perennials, and trees as a renter. You can learn more about what lawn care is the renter’s responsibility HERE. But today, we are going to discuss tips for lawn care. We want to help you take the guesswork out of it all. Therefore, trying to make your maintenance as easy as possible.

Grass

It’s important to know what type of grass you have existing, so you know what to expect as the summer temperatures rise. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and rye, you will find more in the Mountain, Midwest, and Northern regions. And Warm-season grasses, such as zoysia, bermuda can be found in the Southern, Transition, Western, and Florida regions.

These tips for lawn care are essential. Understanding what grass you have also dictate how tall or short to keep your grass as you mow through the season. Cooler grass types you can keep a little longer; warmer-grass types you can typically cut shorter.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing during the right time pre-summer (late spring) can help significantly. Your goal by fertilizing is to provide your grass the chance to grow thick and healthy and help allow it to be more drought and heat tolerant. But be careful not to over-fertilize your grass, make sure you understand the space you’re covering and read the directions on your bag – too much fertilizer can cause you to burn your grass. That will take months to recover and sometimes cost you your yard for the season.

Water

This is where most people lose their yard during the summer season. Not understanding when or how much water to use can make or break your yard. We all want that beautiful luscious green grass to sit back and look at and be proud of. But that grass needs love. It needs food and water just like we do.

Now that you’ve fertilized your grass, it needs water and sitting in the heat daily; you can imagine it gets thirsty. Based on your location and the amount of direct sunlight it gets will vary on how much you need to water it. At a minimum, your yard should get 1-2 inches of water a week.

It would help if you also were watering your yard in the early morning hours. Scotts suggest watering your lawn before 10 am, allowing your grass to soak up the water before the heat of the day sets in, and also saves in your electric bill, keeping the heat from making the water evaporate as it sprays from your sprinklers onto your grass.

Pests and Weeds

We will keep this short because there are all kinds of variants for pests and weeds regarding lawn care. Weeds can quickly take over your yard. Here’s a helpful article on killing weeds. Pests like grubs and Japanese beetles can quickly do significant damage to your lawn. Learn how to identify pests and take care of them HERE.

We hope this was helpful. For more blogs for renters, visit our blog.