Welcome to The Playroom

We've named our blog after the most joyful room in the house, because that's the feeling which best describes living in a Belong home. We'll be sharing tips, trends and stories from our community that capture the many ways in which we're making long-term renting a new way of life. One where all people Belong.

All Articles

A smiling woman sits in front of a laptop while her young daughter gives her a hug from behind

Do Home Warranties Really Save You Time And Money?

How to avoid overpaying for a service that won’t protect your rental home (and what you can do instead).

Maintenance

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 19, 2024

A photo of the skyline in Austin. Texas, reflected in water at dusk

Rental Success in the Lone Star State: 5 Tips for Texas Landlords

Maximize your cash flow, find better tenants and keep vacancies low.

Texas

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 12, 2024

An aerial photo of Kirkland in Washington State, where the eviction process is different between Seattle and other local counties.

Top 10 Homeowner Questions Answered On The Eviction Process in Washington State

This cheat sheet will answer 10 top questions for homeowners on what to expect from the eviction process for rental homes in Seattle and Washington State.

Washington

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 7, 2024

A photo of Miami condos, showing white balconies with blue trim and a blue sky and palm trees in the background

No, You Can't Change The Locks: 8 Must-Know Eviction Laws for Florida Landlords

How long does the eviction process take in Florida? What does it cost? This guide will step you through what owners can expect from Florida’s eviction process.

Florida

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 5, 2024

An image of a single-family home, which has different insurance needs depending on how it is rented out

What Type of Insurance Should I Get For My Rental Property?

Homeowners insurance vs landlord insurance vs short-term rental insurance. What’s the difference? Discover what you really need to protect your rental home.

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 3, 2024

An image of a home in America with brown brick and a white garage, flying an American flag on the lawn. Learn more about Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC for rental homes.

What is a Home Equity Line of Credit and How Can It Benefit Rental Owners?

FAQS on Home Equity Lines of Credit and common uses, requirements to qualify, tax deductions, and the pros and cons of taking out a HELOC on a rental home.

Real Estate Investing

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Mar 1, 2024

A pair of grey and white sneakers stands on concrete with "VOTE" spray painted on the ground

Red, White, and Real Estate: The Housing Market During the 2024 Election Year

Is the 2024 election bad news for the US housing market? Should homeowners and investors be concerned? Belong digs into the data and the bigger picture.

Real Estate

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Feb 28, 2024

A cropped close up shot of a man holding a paintbrush on a step ladder

Why Ignoring Rental Home Maintenance Could Cost You More Than Repairs

How well landlords can respond to rental home maintenance requests has a direct impact on cash flow, profitability, tenant relationships and legal liability.

Maintenance

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Feb 21, 2024

An image of a calculator and sheet tracking investment yields over time. Learn more about The Rule of 72 in relation to real estate investment.

Understanding Rule of 72 for Rental Property Calculations

What is the Rule of 72 in real estate? Assess how long your rental investment might take to double in value with this simple shortcut formula as a guide

Finance and Investments

Written By Jordan Newsom

Last Updated Feb 14, 2024

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