Resident Benefits Package | Benefits So Good, You May Never Want to Leave

June 9, 2023

Every resident deserves to feel secure and supported in their home. That’s why we’re excited to share our Resident Benefits Package by Second Nature, which includes a variety of valuable services! At RentWise Property Management, all of our residents get the #1, most-awarded experience for tenants!

What is a Resident Benefits Package & Who is Second Nature?

Filter Delivery Service

Our residents will automatically receive their HVAC filter delivered right to their door! This saves up to $250 per year and helps to maintain the integrity of the HVAC system for efficiency.

Credit Building

We’ll report every rent payment that you make so that you can continue to build your credit! We also can report up to the past 24 months for an immediate boost in your score. This will come in especially handy if, down the road you decide it’s time to purchase a home. Lenders love to see a strong credit history and timely payments being made.

$1M in Identity Protection

1 in 4 Americans are victims of identity fraud. All adult leaseholders get $1M in identity protection!

Resident Rewards

Each time you make an on-time rent payment, you’ll be rewarded! Residents can earn gift cards and substantial savings while shopping in the marketplace!

Additional Benefits for Residents

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.

10 Essential Tips for a Smooth Move into Your New Rental Home

May 16, 2023

Moving into a new rental home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned renter, there are always new challenges and experiences to navigate. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and insights to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

Take an inventory of the condition of the premises: Before you start moving your belongings into the rental home, take a walk around and check for any damages or existing issues. Document any damage you find with photos and notes. This will help you avoid any disputes with the landlord over damage you didn’t cause.

Clean the rental home: Even if the rental home looks clean, it’s always a good idea to give it a deep clean before you start unpacking. Scrub the floors, clean the windows, wipe down the surfaces, and make sure everything is spotless.

Set up utilities: Make sure you take care of any utilities that need to be set up in your name, such as electricity, gas, and internet. You don’t want to move into a new home and be stuck without any power or internet.

Change your address: Notify the post office, your bank, and other important contacts of your new address. This will help ensure that you receive your mail and important documents at your new rental home.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. If they’re not, notify your landlord immediately so they can be fixed or replaced.

Check the locks: Test all locks on doors and windows to make sure they’re working properly. If any locks are not secure, notify your landlord immediately.

Get renter’s insurance: Renter’s insurance can help protect your belongings in case of theft or damage. Getting this set up before you move in is a good idea and is usually required by your landlord.

Meet your neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and get to know them. They can be a valuable resource if you need help or have any questions about the area.

Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood: Take a walk around the neighborhood to get familiar with the area. Find out where the nearest grocery store, gas station, and other important locations are.

Set up your furniture and belongings: Finally, it’s time to start moving in your furniture and other belongings. Take your time setting up everything in the way that works best for you.

Moving into a new rental home is a significant milestone, and we hope that the information we’ve shared has been helpful to you. Remember to take things one step at a time, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be settled into your new home before you know it! If you are in the market for your next dream home, please be sure to visit our Available Properties and schedule a viewing! It is our motto to make the moving process LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY!

Your Rental Home Search | Tips For First-Time Renters

April 27, 2023

Searching for your first rental home, whether an apartment or single-family home, can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. There are a lot of things to consider before signing a lease, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips for first-time renters.

Set a budget: Before you start looking for a rental home, it’s important to set a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent each month, and stick to it. Don’t forget to factor in other expenses like utilities, parking, and transportation.
Location, location, location: Consider the location of the apartment. Is it close to work or school? Is it in a safe neighborhood? Is it near public transportation? These are all important factors to consider when choosing an apartment.
Gather all of the proper application requirements prior to submitting for consideration of a home. Property managers appreciate thorough and complete applications. Your application will typically require you to pay a processing fee, provide proof of income (4 of your most recent paystubs), conduct pet screening and deposit, rental history verification, and check references.
Read the lease carefully: Before signing a lease, make sure to read it carefully. Make a note of any restrictions or rules, such as no pets or no smoking. If you’re unsure about anything, ask the landlord or property manager.
Prepare your security deposit. Typically, a rental security deposit will be equal to one month’s rent and will need to be paid at the time of application. You will also need to plan to pay your first’s months rent or a pro-rated amount depending on when you move into a property.
Check out the amenities: Take a tour of the apartment complex and check out the amenities. Is there a gym or pool? Is there a laundry facility on-site? These can be important factors to consider when choosing an apartment.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate: If you find an apartment you love, but the rent is a little out of your budget, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Landlords may be willing to lower the rent or offer other incentives to get you to sign a lease.
Get renters insurance: Renters insurance is a must-have for any renter. It can protect your belongings in case of theft, fire, or other disasters. It’s usually affordable and can give you peace of mind.
Know your rights: As a renter, it’s important to know your rights. Work with a professional management company that abides by the Equal Opportunity Housing Regulations. Familiarize yourself with local tenant laws and regulations to know what to do if something goes wrong.
Last but not least, check out the technology that your new property manager uses. This will include paying your rent, submitting a work order, communicating with your management team, programs you’re enrolled in, and more! Most property management companies have embraced technology, and this makes the relationship between the renter and management team seamless and efficient.

Renting your first place can be a great experience if you do your research and take the time to find the right place. Use these tips to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect home for you. We would love to help you find your dream rental home or apartment! You can view our Available Listings or reach out at office@rentwisepm.com!

How to Declutter Like a Pro: Making the Most of Your Rental Space

January 26, 2023

Decluttering is scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase the ability to focus, and helps to combat feelings of depression. If you’re a renter, then you know how difficult it can be to keep your living space organized and clutter-free. It’s easy to let things pile up over time, especially when you don’t own the space and don’t plan to stay in it for too long. But don’t worry because there are plenty of simple and effective decluttering tips you can use to help you keep your rented space organized!

Take a walk through your home and identify the items you don’t need. This might include anything from clothes and shoes to old magazines, DVDs, and even furniture. Make a list of all the items you plan to get rid of, and then decide what you’ll do with them. You might choose to donate them, sell them, or simply throw them away.

Once you’ve identified the items you don’t need, it’s time to start organizing the things you do want to keep. Take advantage of vertical storage solutions like shelves, bookcases, and over-the-door hooks to maximize your space and make it easier to find things. You can also use bins and baskets to store items that don’t need to be seen.

When it comes to bigger items like furniture, try to choose pieces that won’t take up too much room. Invest in multi-functional items like an ottoman with storage, a coffee table with drawers, or a futon that can be used as both a sofa and a bed.

Finally, don’t forget to keep your living space tidy regularly. Make it a habit to take 10-15 minutes each day to pick up clutter, dust, and vacuum. This small investment of time can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.

Here is a breakdown of our 10 Favorite Decluttering Tips:

Donate, sell, or give away any items you no longer need or use.
Create a designated spot for frequently used items, like keys, phone chargers, and mail.
Utilize storage bins or baskets to keep items like blankets, pillows, and books organized.
Utilize vertical space with shelves and racks to store items like spices, canned goods, and cleaning supplies.
Use drawer and cabinet organizers to keep items like cutlery and dishes orderly.
Invest in furniture that has additional storage like ottomans, armoires, and sofas with built-in drawers.
Hang items like coats and hats on wall hooks, or in closets.
Utilize the back of doors to store items like cleaning supplies and scarves.
Consolidate similar items, like craft or office supplies, into one storage container
Label storage containers, shelves, and bins to make items easier to find.

If you’re like us, we love a good list or guide to help with visual progress. Here are two fantastic guides to help you on your journey of a wonderfully organized home.

If you would like to know more about how RentWise Property Management does property management, visit us at www.rentwisepm.com, where we make finding your dream rental a LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY experience!

We hope these decluttering tips help you keep your rented space organized and clutter-free. Good luck!

Don’t Get Your Tinsel In A Tangle | Easy Damage-Free Holiday Decorating Tips For Renters

November 30, 2022

The holiday season is officially upon us. There are few things more exciting than decorating your home for the holidays, putting up the lights, and decorating the tree. As property managers, we always want our residents to feel at home! We also need to ensure that our owner’s properties remain in good condition and minimize any maintenance issues. Aside from checking your lease and complying with decorating standards, we’ve provided a few quick and easy tips for damage-free decorating!

Damage-Free Decorating Tips and Ideas

Tension Rods for Garland

Framing your front door with garland looks gorgeous! However, it may seem impossible to hang without nails or screws, right? Consider using a tension rod (shower or curtain) and hang the garland from that! This one is so easy and takes hardly any time at all. Measure your doorway, find a tension rod that meets your taste, and suspend the garland from the tension rod for a beautiful, holiday-themed entryway. There will be zero damage to the door frame, and you can use this trick for years to come!

You can purchase a high-quality tension rod like this one on Amazon for under $30.

Adhesive Hooks & Strips for Wreaths and Wall Decor

Piggybacking off of beautiful garland, every holiday door loves a good wreath! You don’t need a nail and hammer to hang a wreath. Simply place a damage-free adhesive hook on the door, and you have a beautiful home for your holiday wreath in one minute or less. You can also use adhesive strips to hang wall decor on the interior of your home year-round!

Flameless Candles

Nothing says holiday ambiance like a beautiful tablescape with candles to make a home feel warm and cozy. Am I right? The holiday season brings the most significant risk of house fires than any time throughout the rest of the year. Removing open flames from your home and replacing them with beautiful flameless candle options is one way to mitigate this risk. There are so many wonderful options out there! You can even get a large package of candles with timers and remotes, like these, and have your home glowing each day when you return!

Adhesive clips, Shingle Clips, and Gutter Hooks

Hanging Christmas lights can feel like a headache, right? Even on the best of days, something is tangled, or one bulb is missing. Once you get through that, these S-shaped clips will make decking the halls a breeze! Adhesive clips will work on smooth vinyl siding, and single clips will help to frame your home by positioning the lights near the roofline. Be sure not to put too much weight on the clips placed on the gutters, as the weight of snow/ice/and lights could cause the gutter to detach and fall.

Window Cling Theme Setters

One of the most beautiful sights to see during the holidays are windows that have been decorated and glowing in the night light. Window clings are one of the easiest ways to set the scene are with window clings such as these. These decorations are applied to the interior side of your window and can easily be peeled off at the end of the season without leaving any residue. Window clings are also a safe and fun way to include younger family members in decorating by allowing them to place the decorations themselves.

Wrapping Up

See what we did there? Our entire motto here at RentWise Property Management is LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY! We believe that should apply to all things in life. The relationships, business practices and process we have built and continue to build guarantees our focus is on providing the best possible experience and pricing in our industry. Furthermore, if you want more information on incorporating our LESS HASSLE, MORE HAPPY motto into your investment property portfolio, 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.