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

An image of a dark grey single-family home with neat lawn against a blue sky, an ideal first-time rental home.

The Beginner's Guide To Renting Out Your House: 7 Mistakes To Avoid

Before renting out a house for the first time, find out what other first-time landlords wish they knew before they started and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 25, 2024

A Gen Z woman enjoys a cup of tea in the windowsill with her pet dog

What Gen Z Wants: A Homeowner’s Guide to the New Wave of Renters

Millennial renters have peaked. As Gen Z floods the rental market, it’s time to look at their wants and needs to future-proof demand for your rental home.

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 21, 2024

A model of a house besides coins and bags of money, depicting passive income earned by property on the rental market

Your Guide To Earning Passive Income On A Rental Property

Is a rental home a good way to earn passive income? This quick guide answers 5 FAQs on earning passive income from a rental home and the US tax implications.

Finance and Investments

Written By Tyler Infelise

Last Updated Jul 16, 2024

An iphone shows a home screen with AI apps ChatGPT and Google Gemini

Could AI Make You a Better Rental Homeowner?

What are the pros and cons of using AI in property management? Discover where AI can streamline tasks for your rental home & where human touch is irreplaceable.

Tech & Innovation

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 9, 2024

A woman in a sage-green jacket reviews a lease agreement for her rental home at a computer desk, her face is not visible

7 Important Clauses to Include in Your Lease or Rental Agreement

Creating a lease or rental agreement isn't as simple as downloading a form. Before you start, here's 7 important clauses and disclosures you'll want to include.

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 4, 2024

An image of spilled coffee - a common way accidental damage can occur to rental home carpets and flooring from stains

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage: How To Assess Your Rental Home

What is normal wear and tear on a rental house vs. tenant damage? Find out how to assess for and protect your rental home from costly damages in between tenants

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 3, 2024

A woman showing concern while moving in to a new rental

11 Legal Mistakes To Avoid As a Rental Homeowner

Legal mistakes are common for new landlords renting their homes. Avoid the headaches by getting ahead of 11 common legal mistakes and learn how to avoid them.

Legal & Regulatory

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 3, 2024

A renter checks her home security system on a tablet

The Dos and Don’ts of Home Security in a Rental Property

Is it worth the cost of installing a security system for a rental property? See 4 benefits of home security for rentals and the dos and don’t for landlords.

Property Management

Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jul 1, 2024

A real estate photo of grey and white homes in the US, accompanying an article about rent control for landlords

How Much Rent is Too Much? A Homeowner’s Guide To Rental Increases in Rent-Controlled Cities

How much can a landlord increase rent in California? Or Texas? What are the CPI rates for 2024? We answer homeowner questions on rent increases across the US.

Property Management

California

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Written By Melanie Kershaw

Last Updated Jun 26, 2024

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