Staff Writer, Stacker

Journalist, Stacker

With high migration and lower price point than Miami, learn more about investing in a Tampa rental home.

The Local Investors’ Guide to Tampa Real Estate

With stunning beaches and an enviable outdoor lifestyle (without the price tag of Miami), Florida’s Tampa is a market on the rise. While it’s true that Tampa doesn’t attract the same sky-high rents as Miami, the lower entry point makes Tampa an attractive destination for real estate investment as it becomes an enticing alternative for homeowners and residents priced out of other markets. 

If you own a single-family home or condo in Tampa, or are considering a rental investment in the city, this guide will direct you to tips on everything from property taxes and rental management for Tampa. 

Is Tampa a good place to invest in real estate?

PwC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report places Tampa and St.Petersburg at #5 in the top-ranked real estate markets. This is because this market is large and diverse, while being more affordable than neighboring cities. The report places Tampa in the “Super Sun Belt” market category. Cities in the Super Sun Belt market are among the fastest growing in the US, with solid economic performance and fast recovery from pandemic-led downturns.

While price growth is slowing, it remains an appealing market long-term that will continue to attract new residents, with the the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reporting that job growth is sitting above the national average at 4.8% and the unemployment rate trending down at a low 2.2%. 

With a strong job market and continued demand for single-family homes to rent, if you own or have inherited a Tampa property and are considering putting it up for rent, now is a great time. 

Discover the modern-day alternative to property management in Tampa. 

The last few years have been a wild ride for the housing market in the US. With huge shifts in migration, inflation, interest rates and property prices, the simple fact is that the housing market in Tampa isn’t the same market of years past. The rental market is no different. Property values have changed too much, we’re all playing a different game now. Yet, it seems this is news to the property management industry, who are still using a handful of comps to price Tampa homes in this complex market.

Belong addresses these rapid changes in real-time, by taking a modern approach to pricing homes on the rental market. In fact, Belong has ditched the property management model to offer a completely new approach to the rental market.

When helping homeowners in Tampa, Belong uses technology to blend live market data with an all-important metric: real demand for each home. We determine the right price for your home that will maximize rental income and keep vacancies low, long-term. And because we extend our services to renters as part of our community, we attract the best of the best to place in your rental property. Learn more about real-time rental valuations for Tampa in this article. 

Read More: The Realistic Way To Price a Miami Rental Home When The Market is Mad 

How much property tax will I pay in Tampa?

Property taxes in Tampa are collected by Hillsborough County. While the tax will vary per property, the average property tax rate for Florida is 0.89% (accurate as of August 2022). Compared to other states, this places Florida around the middle-range, ranked 23 out of 50 for the lowest property tax rate. You can get a more accurate estimate using the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser search function. 

Who are the best property management companies in Tampa?

The best way to ensure your investment home is well-kept and profitable is to find the best company to help you manage it. But when comparing the best property management companies across Florida, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. Things like how much they charge in management fees and how often you are going to get slogged for more (if they even tell you!). 

With Belong, there’s no comparison. Because Belong isn’t a property management company, it’s a completely unique experience that is humanizing the rental market. 

Belong does things differently in Tampa, by offering:

Guaranteed Rent: Receive your rent on time, every month, regardless of when it’s paid by residents.



24/7 Concierge Support: Both homeowners and residents have access to real-time support, going beyond emergency maintenance requests.



Transparent fees: No hidden costs like setup fees or lease renewal charges.



Modern-day marketing: Virtual tours and video marketing is included in listings.



User-friendly app: Belong's app provides convenient access to documentation, cash flow insights, and financial and insurance solutions. 



Long-term residents: Belong takes a personalized approach to match the right people, so they stay longer and feel at home.



Innovative financial solutions: Homeowners can manage cash flow effectively, even splitting the cost of maintenance and placement fees.



Eviction protection: Owners are shielded from legal costs if we ever place the wrong people.



Extensive vendor network: Belong connects homeowners with a vetted network of over 10,000 professionals for repairs and renovations.



Comprehensive insurance solutions: Belong offers insurance options that protect homeowners, their properties, and residents.


Market-driven insights: Belong utilizes market data and real-time interest to maximize the value of your home.


Even though Belong topped the Florida list (you can see the rankings here) when we compared Tampa’s top-ranked property managers, it became clear we were comparing apples with oranges. 

Read More: Why Florida's Top-Rated Property Managers Are More 80s Than Miami Vice

As a land of sunshine and low taxes, Florida is an attractive state for real estate investors and a great place for homeowners to enter the rental market. If you own a home in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee or Jacksonville, now is the time to find out if you’re eligible to join the Belong residential network. We specialize in single-family homes and condos, helping individual homeowners to achieve their financial goals in the rental market. 

Here is a snapshot of what Florida homeowners are saying about Belong…

Great personal experience with Belong. They treat you like people versus other agencies that are focused on numbers. I recommend Belong 110%” - SBF 

Wonderful experience with Belong Property management. They are taking wonderful care of my tenants. The level of professionalism they have shown is impressive, I will continue working with them as long as I have properties.” - Thalina V

Think your Florida home belongs with us? Check out one of our local homeowner pages below to see if you qualify:

To speak to someone about listing your rental home, you can also call 786-628-0600 (English) or 786-786-1073 (Español). 

Is Tampa Florida a good place to invest in real estate? With high migration and lower price point than Miami, learn more about investing in a Tampa rental home.

Find out with our guide on how to budget and plan for a kitchen renovation for your home or rental property.

What is the Average Cost of a Kitchen Remodel?

The kitchen is the heart and hub of any home. Owning or renting, coupled up or with a big family, even single and having friends over — it’s the one place where people gather every day. As one of the spaces you need to use the most, they also wear and date fast. 

An old kitchen with outdated appliances is a big turnoff for homeowners and renters alike, which is why it’s an important place to start when considering projects that will add both short and long-term value to the home. 

Whether you’re looking to remodel your own kitchen or planning to upgrade the investment in your rental home, this guide looks at the average costs of a kitchen remodel and how to plan for one. Costs are based on national averages and are accurate as of December 2022, subject to change from inflation and material costs. 

What should I budget for a kitchen remodel?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association says the industry standard for a kitchen remodel budget is around 10% of the value of your home. 

By this standard, if your home is worth $500,000, you should be comfortable with spending up to $50,000 to remodel your kitchen. However, with home prices skyrocketing in recent years, this figure may not be quite as straightforward. If your home is worth $1.3million dollars, do you need to budget $130,000 for the kitchen renovation? You certainly can, but depending on what you want to do and the finishes you choose, you may get away with spending half of that. 

The age and condition of the existing kitchen

Do you need a major remodel or will a minor remodel suffice to modernize the space?

Does the space need to be reconfigured or expanded?

The return on investment you expect when you sell the home — whether that is in the near future or in years to come

The type of finishes you choose for your home will also impact how much you need to budget for a kitchen remodel. You might be able to save money with mid-range finishes and off-the-shelf cabinetry that will suit your remodeling needs. If you live in an area with high-end homes that attract a luxury price tag, investing in higher end finishes or custom work may be a sound investment because potential buyers will expect more for their money. 

To get a better picture of what people are spending on kitchen remodeling, we have pulled together some average costs across the country. 

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?

In its annual Cost vs Value report for 2022, Remodeling Magazine lists the following average costs for a kitchen remodel. 

National average cost of a kitchen remodel:

Minor Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $28,279

Major Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $80,809

Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale): $158,015

Where your home is located will also have an impact on price. The costs of labor and materials will vary depending on where you live, with homes in California and Washington state costing around 10 - 15% more to remodel than homes in Florida. 

Average cost of a kitchen remodel in Pacific states such as California and Washington:

Minor Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $31,413

Major Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $88,229

Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale): $171,150

Average cost of a kitchen remodel in South Atlantic states such as Florida:

Minor Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $26,921

Major Kitchen Remodel (mid-range): $77,770

Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale): $152,672

HomeGuide lists the national average spent on kitchen remodeling at $100 – $250 per square foot, with a range of approximately $12,800 - $21,200 spent in total. Because of the huge variation in types of kitchen remodels — not to mention rising inflation and stock shortages spiking prices — this doesn’t give a full picture of what people might be spending in 2022. 

Going back to the Remodeling Magazine figures, a reasonable budget for a minor kitchen remodel with mid-range finishes is around $30,000, whereas a major kitchen remodel should be around $70,000 - $90,000. If you’re looking for a more upscale kitchen, you should be prepared to spend upwards of $150,000 for a major renovation. 

Of course, the only way to truly know what you’re in for cost-wise is to speak to qualified professionals for a quote. To get someone in your home to provide an accurate estimate, Belong can put you in touch with the best local contractors in your area from our extensive network. 

It’s also important to have a buffer in your budget. Especially in this era of wild inflation, a tight labor market and global stock shortages, prepare that you will need to spend more than you may have planned. Once you’ve set what you want to spend, you should plan to keep around 10-20% of that aside for unexpected expenses. If you suddenly find out that your dream backsplash went up by $5 sq/ft or that wall you wanted knocked down is load-bearing, having a buffer will take the stress out of the unexpected. 

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

When planning a kitchen remodel, there are four factors that will heavily influence the cost of your renovation:

Kitchen cabinetry makes up a large portion of your kitchen, as well as your kitchen remodel costs. Prepare for cabinetry to take up 20 - 40% of your budget. Obviously if you need custom-designed cabinets to fit your kitchen, this will be on the higher end than if you select a flat-pack, ready to assemble option. If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition, you may be able to save money by having them refinished. Consider how long you need them to last and what buyers and residents in the area would expect to see when it comes to getting a return on your investment. 

Installation and on-site labor will take around 20% of your remodeling budget. Depending on how much you’re changing the kitchen will impact how many contractors you will need on site. Changing the layout to create an open plan concept for example may require a designer, structural engineer, electrician and plumber to reconfigure the home. 

When replacing the appliances in your home, the costs can really vary. There are plenty of budget options for refrigerators and ovens, but if you want something with real wow-factor that is going to last for years to come — it could eat up to 15% of your kitchen remodel costs. 

High-end appliances and large stoves make cooking and entertaining a dream, which is why they’re incredibly popular with homeowners and renters. If you’re looking to reign in the budget, consider splashing out on a key item that will elevate the whole kitchen (such as a great stovetop) and saving money on items like the microwave and premium slow juicer. 

Pro Tip: Energy-efficient appliances may be increase the value of your rental home while reducing your residents' carbon footprint. Read more in 7 Cost-Effective Ways To Make Your Rental Home Sustainable in 2023.

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel? Find out with our guide on how to budget and plan for a kitchen renovation for your home or rental property.

With high demand for long-term rentals, learn more about investing in and pricing LA property for rent.

The Local Investors' Guide to Los Angeles Real Estate

Whether it’s for fame, fortune, or just a good old dose of sunshine, Los Angeles has an allure that attracts people from across the country and the world. 

This means the rental market stays incredibly tight, with properties always in demand. This is excellent news for homeowners who have — or are considering putting — a property on the rental market. 

Most homeowners weigh up their options between using their home as a long-term rental under a lease agreement or using the property for short-term vacation rentals on a platform such as Airbnb. In LA, this decision is fairly straightforward due to the city cracking down on short-term rentals to make more investment properties available for LA residents. 

Whether you’re now considering the long-term rental market or are considering purchasing an investment property in Los Angeles, this guide brings together some handy resources to help you get the most out of your home. 

Is it better to have a long-term rental or short-term vacation home in Los Angeles? 

In 2019, Los Angeles introduced the Home-Sharing Ordinance that eliminated the use of investment properties as short-term vacation rentals. In order to apply for a short-term rental ordinance, you must provide evidence that you reside in the home for at least six months of the year. If you don’t, and you want to use the home exclusively for rental income — long-term rental is the way to go. Homes found to be operating as a short-term rental without a permit or in breach of the eligibility criteria risk daily fines.  

The good news is that if you rent your home on a lease agreement, you can benefit from a steady income for 12 months and are eligible for generous tax benefits that don’t apply to short-term rentals or homes used part-time by friends and family. You’ll also have significantly less turnover and reduce the cost of wear and tear on your property from having the same residents in place for a year or more. 

Own a condo or single-family home in Los Angeles? Belong offers a unique home management service and residential experience to all LA neighborhoods from Alameda and Berkeley to Chula Vista and everything in between. 

How much property tax will I pay on a home in Los Angeles?

The average property tax rate for California is 0.76% (accurate as of August 2022), though as a large state this can vary between counties. For LA County, you can learn more about property taxes and run address searches through their online property tax portal here.

How much rent should I charge for a home in LA?

Los Angeles rents are often reported to be among the highest in the nation. But does that mean you can go big and ask for sky-high rents? Or is it a better strategy to be more reasonable and attract a resident at a price they can afford for the long-term? 

When looking at median rents and stats available online, it’s worth remembering that these are asking-rents for available properties only and aren't reflective of what is actually being paid in the market. These medians often incorporate high-end luxury properties that aren't indicative of all rents, especially with LA’s rent control laws in effect.

When helping homeowners price Los Angeles rental properties, Belong uses technology to blend live market data with an all-important metric: real demand for each home. We determine the right price for your home that will maximize rental income and keep vacancies low, long-term. 

Once your home is on Belong, we get a true measure of the market by looking at impressions, clicks, tour sign-ups and how many people have started applications. With all that data at our fingertips — plus local-market benchmarks — we can work with homeowners to react quickly and maximize rental value, while minimizing vacancy. 

As a result, we trump the property management industry with 66% less vacancy. And our residents want to stay, with 71% renewing their 1-year lease (and unlike property management companies, this is done at no cost to homeowners). 

Read More: How to Price Your LA Rental Property To Attract Long-Term Residents

Who are the best property management companies in Los Angeles?

The best way to ensure your new investment home is well-kept and profitable is to find the best company to help you manage it. But when comparing the best property management companies across California, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. Things like how much they charge for management fees and how often you’re going to get slogged for more (if they even tell you!). 

Providing cutting-edge marketing and video tours to everyone, not just those who pay the most

Not charging hidden fees like setup costs and lease renewal charges

Offering real 24/7 concierge-level support, not just logging maintenance emergencies 

Offering innovative financial solutions for managing cash-flow on your terms

Helping you to maximize your ROI with personalized asset management advice

Going beyond the owner portal for maintenance logging with a mobile app designed for both homeowners and residents to manage their entire renting experience

Using true market data and real-time interest from potential residents to maximize the value of your home

Connecting you to an extensive vendor network of more than 10,000 vetted professional contractors


Even though Belong topped the list when we compared Calirfornia’s top-ranked property managers, it became clear we were comparing apples with oranges. Find out if your LA property is eligible for Belong here. 

Read More: We Outrank The Best Property Management Companies in California

Discover why Los Angeles la-la-loves Belong

We love LA — our local Belong team has over 40+ years of real estate industry experience in the Los Angeles area. From the waterfront living in the Venice canals and the mid-century modern villas in the Hollywood Hills, to the traditional neighborhoods sprawled along Ventura and the Wilshire Corridor condos, our residential network is open to single-family homes and condos right across Los Angeles. LA loves us too…but don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some local homeowners are saying about Belong...

First, I will say being a "landlord" is not easy, so handing over the reigns to Belong is the best decision I could have made!  From renting my place at a great rate, to moving in the new renter, everything was taken care of.  I no longer have to worry about calls on nights and weekends with a request from my tenant. Belong handles repairs, including finding vendors.  So far, it has worked well.” - Lea HS

My experience with Belong has been great. Very responsive, definitely on top of their game.” - Anas D

Think your LA home belongs with us? Find out if you qualify here.

Is Los Angeles a good place to invest in real estate? With high demand for long-term rentals, learn more about investing in and pricing LA property for rent.

California rental owners take note: These regular and seasonal maintenance jobs are key to keeping your rental property profitable and in good shape all year.

The Annual Maintenance Checklist for Rental Homes in California

Blessed with opportunity and gorgeous weather year-round, California enjoys a strong demand for rentals from around the world, making it an ideal place to own a rental property. But a home in disrepair isn’t going to attract good residents or the right price for the market. Regular maintenance on a rental is key to keeping the home profitable and in good shape. 

While the weather varies across the state (yes, we’re looking at you San Francisco), this annual maintenance calendar will give you a general idea of the kind of repair and maintenance items you should cross off your list every year for a rental home in Cali. Staying on top of the condition of your home can save time and money in the long run, helping to identify any issues and necessary repairs before they become costly headaches. 

Some of these items you can ask your residents to look after for you, but some you will need to check for yourself in annual or quarterly inspections. Or, if your home is looked after with Belong PRO, we can handle the lot — from speaking with the residents about issues to connecting you with one of 10,000+ professional contractors in our extensive vendor network. 

Winter Maintenance Checklist for California Rental Homes

While winters in California are mild, you still have a responsibility to your residents to provide heat, especially hot water. Don’t neglect the water heater in your rental home — a yearly flush can prevent pipes from bursting and let you identify problems or leaks before they get worse. 

Unless your home is in the mountain ranges, there’s a good chance you won’t have to worry about snow removal or planning for frozen pipes. What your residents might do though is keep their homes locked up tight and crank the heat. The contrast of temperatures mixed with a lack of ventilation = mold and mildew. Remind residents to keep the home well ventilated, such as running exhaust fans in the bathroom after a hot shower and opening windows on sunny days.

Check and/or service heating to the home to ensure it’s operating

Check for leaks in the ceiling or any signs of water damage to repair before winter and spring rains set in and problems deepen 

Check for mold and moisture issues, remind residents about the importance of ventilation 

Check house siding for damage and/or leaks

Spring Maintenance Checklist for California Rental Homes

Most of California is considered to only have two seasons: summer and winter. Alas, spring does exist and brings with it plenty of sun, rain, and opportunities for your yard to grow out of control. If your rental home has a lawn and yard, spring is a good time to give it some love to ensure you maintain curb appeal and function. 

Summer in California can also bring on wildfires, so it’s a good time to inspect smoke alarms, plus any fire extinguishers, CO detectors, and sprinklers to make sure they are working properly. 

Mow the laws and remove any weeds as they start to appear

Mulch lawns as needed to improve water retention and minimize hose watering

Check the HVAC or air conditioning unit and clean filters before summer hits

Inspect and test any fire safety systems such as fire extinguishers, CO detectors and sprinklers 

Check the exterior of the house for any signs of damage or dirt buildup over winter — it might be a good time to give sidings a clean 

For homes with pools, have the water checked and cleaned to prepare for summer

Hose down any decks — if they need maintenance, now is a good time to reseal and treat for rot 

Summer Maintenance for California Rental Homes

Summer brings out the heat — and the pests. If your home is prone to infestation, or your residents have concerns, now is the time to inspect for insects and rodents. 

When the humidity rises, so too does the mold so be sure to make sure there’s no damp spots or moisture damage in the home too. You can recommend that residents use basic moisture absorbers (such as DampRid) in dark areas that attract mold, like closets and laundry rooms. 

If you have hedges or trees that are burning in the summer heat, resist the temptation to trim them until the heat has passed. Pruning stimulates growth, so removing burnt branches will encourage new growth, which may also burn in the heat. 

Inspect and control any pest infestations such as insects and rodents

Check any supplied appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines

Operate automated sprinkler systems if your home has one

Fall Maintenance for California Rental Homes

The leaves are starting to fall and where do they land? Straight in the gutters. If gutters get clogged and water can’t flow, it could saturate the roof and lead to deterioration or leaks. The first item on your fall maintenance checklist is to make sure the home’s gutters are clean and clear — and check the roof condition for damage or leaks well  before winter sets in. 

If your property has a chimney, it will also need a regular checkup. Chimneys remove dangerous gasses from the fireplace or furnace to keep the air breathable, so even if it’s not used regularly, it needs to be inspected. 

Inspect roof and gutters, clearing out any debris 

Check bathroom caulk and grout for any potential issues and leaks before winter

Check garbage disposals as these get frequently clogged and lead to repair issues

Check any chimneys and ensure they are clear and functioning

Prune trees and plants of any heat damage from the summer heat 

Shut off any automatic sprinkler systems that have run through the summer

Check insulation and drafts around windows and doors to fix before winter

Belong eliminates the hassle of rental property maintenance

When your home is cared for with Belong PRO, it will always stay well-maintained thanks to our extensive vendor network of over 10,000 professional contractors. You can make repair requests through the app or even subscribe to regular maintenance services so nothing ever falls in disrepair. 

If unexpected repairs or emergency maintenance costs do arrive, Belong has that covered too. All Belong homeowners are pre-approved for our Split It program, which spreads the cost of repairs across the term of your lease. This means you’ll always stay cash flow positive, receiving guaranteed rent every month minus a Split It repayment.

To learn more about how Belong PRO is making renting loveable for homeowners with flexible financing, rewarding perks and constant innovation, check out our homeowners page.

Or visit one of our many local pages to learn more about services in your neighborhood:

Melanie Kershaw

Mel Kershaw is a Content Lead at Belong. With an extensive background working with technology companies including Eventbrite and Yelp, she’s always looking for ways to create educational and informative articles that simplifies tech and solves problems for her audience.

Ashleigh Graf

Belong

Afton Brazzoni

Dom Difurio

Lauren Slagter

Ashleigh Graf

Belong

Afton Brazzoni

Dom Difurio

Lauren Slagter