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Staff Writer, Stacker

Journalist, Stacker

What is a Renter Bill of Rights and how is it shaping tenant rights in 2024?

Renter Rights Are Changing: What Homeowners Need To Know In 2024

Tenant rights are in the spotlight in 2024. From rent stabilization to air conditioning, it seems every month there is a new vote or proposal for renter rights. 

But while some homeowners feel nervous about the impact or limitation on their rental income, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Renting is a two-way street. Treating your residents well makes good financial sense for the profitability and longevity of your rental home. 

To make it easier to uphold the homeowner-resident relationship (and stay on the right side of the law) here are some tenant rights and changes to be aware of in 2024. 

5 changes to tenant rights that all landlords should know

1. More cities are adopting a ‘Renter Bill of Rights’

In 2023, The White House issued a blueprint for a ‘Renters Bill of Rights’. It’s not federal policy or law, but it did kickstart a number of tenants rights campaigns at a local level. 

The Renter Bill of Rights outlines five principles for rental housing:

Safe, quality, accessible and affordable housing

Education, enforcement, and enhancement of renter rights

Eviction prevention, diversion, and relief

As a homeowner, it’s worth being aware of these recommendations as your local city might propose ways to make them law. There are already many tenant ordinances being introduced across the country (e.g. San Diego and Tacoma). 

Related: California Rental Laws Are Changing in 2024: What Landlords Need To Know

When COVID-19 protections ended, a number of cities opted to keep ‘just cause evictions’'. In 2024, more homeowners need to have a justifiable reason for evicting a tenant from their rental home. This is to protect good residents from being ousted for the purpose of raising rent above local caps or stabilization measures. 

Tenant protection laws are also seeing evictions evolve to include things like:

Offering relocation payment if residents can’t afford new rent or you want to move back into the home

Limitations on evictions of educators and families during school terms

The right to hold eviction proceedings remotely

Changes to notice periods or period to resolve issues before an eviction is filed

If you ever need to file an eviction, be sure to check your local city ordinances to see how 2024 changes may impact this decision. 

If you’re a Belong homeowner, contact us first so we can advise the best course of action and shield you from legal costs with eviction protection. 

Related: How To Avoid Costly Evictions With Belong’s Game-Changing Safety Net For Homeowners

3. Screening and discrimination laws have changed

If you manage your own tenant screening, you need a standard applied to all applicants to avoid discrimination under Fair Housing Laws. But in 2024, you should also check for local extensions to this law. 

For example, ‘Source of Income’ discrimination is where an applicant is rejected for using government housing vouchers/rental subsidies. New York outlaws this and as of January 1st, California requires homeowners to accept evidence other than credit history for voucher holders to show they can pay their portion of the rent (such as a benefit or bank statement). 

Then there are new ‘first come, first served’ laws, like the City of Seattle’s ‘First in Time’ requirement. Seattle homeowners need to accept the first qualified applicant, rather than pooling applications. This means less choice and control for homeowners, but it also reduces the risk of bias and potential discrimination against renters.  

Pro Tip: Eliminate the screening headaches and legal minefield by letting Belong find you the best long-term residents for your home. We’ll even guarantee their rent and protect you from any costly evictions. Learn more about becoming a Belong homeowner. 

4. “Junk fees” are under the microscope

Some homeowners and property management companies (not Belong!) charge an application fee or screening costs to potential renters when looking for new tenants. In July 2023, The White House also called out the hidden costs of renting and the “junk fees” that plague the industry. 

Since President Biden brought the problem to light, several states have introduced bills to crack down on hidden rental housing fees. Expect to see more in 2024 and real estate search platforms commit to showing the true cost of renting in the listed fees.

Massachusetts and Vermont have already outlawed application fees. Virginia, Wisconsin, California and New York cap what homeowners can pass on and some cities give applicants the right to have the fee returned if they aren’t successful.  

Before listing a rental home in 2024, make sure you’re on top of any local changes and be prepared to include all extra costs upfront in your price, especially if you’re charging extra fees. 

If your home is looked after by Belong, you can relax. Transparency is one of the many issues that Belong addresses for homeowners and their residents. 

Discover Belong: See why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco, Austin, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando and more.

5. Security deposits are getting a shake-up 

Many tenant-landlord laws permit homeowners to ask whatever they like for a security deposit. There have been few controls over when to return the money or how damages were claimed. 

This is still the case for some regions, but many jurisdictions are tightening their policies on security deposits to avoid exploitation of residents. Local legislation varies, but new rulings include: 

Capping the maximum amount of security deposits

Reducing the deadline for when security deposits need to be returned

Providing documented evidence for damage claims

Giving an option to pay a month fee in lieu of a security deposit


Pro Tip: Belong gives residents the flexible option to pay their security deposit in installments, so you don’t need to forgo this safety net for the sake of breaking down costs.

Local laws can override your lease agreement

While lease agreements are legally binding, you can’t sneak in a disclaimer about your property to change the rules e.g. accepting the home in a poor condition or changes to the security deposit. Local ordinances and state laws override any agreement in your lease. It’s important to ensure that everything is above board before you sign on any new residents. 

This can also be an issue when using one of the many free lease agreement templates available online. Be wary that these documents may not be updated to 2024 standards or may be void by local laws. The safest way to ensure you have a legally binding contract is to engage professional services such as a real estate lawyer or an experienced management company like Belong. 

What is a Renter Bill of Rights and how is it shaping tenant rights in 2024? This guide for landlords shows five ways renter rights and law are evolving in 2024.

Get Great Residents and Guaranteed Rent with Belong

To improve cash flow for your rental home, listing at times of peak demand will help you achieve the best rent long-term. Learn why summer 2024 is that time.

Peak Cash Flow: How To Achieve The Best Rent By Listing In Summer 2024

Summer rentals often make us think of vacation homes. After all, it’s when holidaymakers are out and when short-term rentals make the most cash. But while short-term rentals may give a quick cash boost, a long-term approach may serve your financial needs better throughout the year. 

Summer is also when rents peak in the long-term market. By securing residents for the next 12 months (especially with guaranteed rent), you can have predictable income year-around. This will let you plan your financial goals with certainty, while also providing an invaluable service to the community — a place to call home. 

In this article, we’ll dive into why summer is the best time to market your rental home and how to get it ready to optimize your pricing. 


Short-term vs long-term strategy for renting a home over summer

Summer used to be a sure-thing for cash-flow on vacation homes. But with a glut of stock now available, many owners of short-term rentals are struggling with a huge drop-off in bookings over peak periods. 

Then there’s the headache of licensing, caps, fees and taxes, which are only increasing as cities like Seattle and San Diego make moves to curb short-term rentals from eating up a much-needed housing supply. Per-night or per-week rates seem attractive, but vacancies, fees and running costs can eat into extra profit. 

This is why it’s worth doing the math on renting out your home long-term for summer, when demand and pricing peaks. On the Belong network, we see rents and applicants rise over Spring before peaking in September and declining again from October. This makes summer the perfect time to lock in long-term residents. And if you trust your home to Belong, we’ll help you achieve the best possible price and then guarantee that it’s paid like clockwork, regardless of when residents pay. 

If you have a vacation home, spring is the ideal time to consider if switching to a long-term rental could help achieve your financial goals. This gives you time to find the ideal residents and lock in the best possible rental price when demand is at its highest. 

Read more: Short-Term Rental vs. Long-Term Rental: The Pros and Cons

6 tips for getting your rental home move-in ready for summer

Whether you’re switching to a long-term lease or are preparing to attract a new wave of applicants, here are six things you can do in spring to get your home move-in ready. Tackling maintenance jobs now will save money in the long run and help to secure good cash flow for the next 12 months and beyond. 

1. Get an inspection for long-term livability


For millions of people across the US, renting isn’t a temporary measure. With housing affordability at some of the lowest levels ever, more people are looking to rentals as a place to call home. 

Even if your home is already a rental, it’s a good idea to have a pre-lease inspection that focuses on two main areas: safety and resident experience. Homes that are inviting and comfortable attract more interest, helping to secure a better price long-term. 

At a minimum it means making sure air conditioning units are working, pipes aren’t leaking, pests controlled and no safety hazards or mold. But you may also consider a fresh coat of paint, new shower heads or little upgrades to make the house feel like a home. If you haven’t budgeted for this, Belong can help with flexible payment options on home maintenance and access to over 10,000 vetted contractors. 

Read More: How Belong Inspections Reduce Vacancy and Prepare Your Home For New Residents

If your rental home has a swimming pool, make sure it’s clean and functional ahead of summer. Include specifics in the lease agreement to be clear on who handles the cost and upkeep of the pool. 


Spring can encourage lawns to get a little out of control, so gardens and plants will need attention. Ensure any sprinkler systems are working and provide instructions for residents on how to best care for any garden you have in place.

4. Prepare for storm and hurricane season


Southern states like Florida are prone to severe storms and hurricanes, with the season peaking around August - September. You can check your address on FEMA’s Flood Map to find your flood zone category and risk of property damage during summer and fall. If you are at risk, check your insurance coverage and look at the National Flood Insurance Program. 


Check the home for any loose fittings that could become an issue during storm season. Installing or maintaining hurricane shutters is another good idea to protect your investment from flying debris and damage. They also offer great insulation and protection from burglaries for your residents.  

5. Protect your rental home against fire risk


The dry heat of summer brings fire risks, especially in states like California. To best protect your rental home from summer fires, take the following steps:

Test smoke detectors and ensure they are up to code

Remove debris from your property such as dry leaves and overgrown grass

Have a fire extinguisher and source of water available to protect the home

Have a fire evacuation plan for residents

Choose an insurance policy that includes fire coverage

When updating or maintaining the home, budget for risk-mitigation features such as fire-resistant roof and siding, or fire-resistant landscaping 

Read More: Creating a Rental Property Safety Plan

6. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage


If you’re about to rent out your house for the first time, homeowners insurance won’t cut it. Homeowners insurance is designed only for owner-occupied homes, so if you’re putting it on the rental market (short term or long term) you will need dedicated landlords insurance. This will help protect you against damage caused by residents as well as unexpected issues that could arise over summer such as fire, theft, vandalism and water damage.   

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

Let Belong optimize your rental pricing for summer

Instead of relying on comps from winter and spring, let Belong optimize your cash flow by listing at the right price for summer. Belong leverages real-time demand signals from the market to help maximize rental income and keep homeowners cash flow positive. 


Do the math on long-term renting with Belong and find out if your home is eligible here.

What Proptech tools are saving homeowners time and money in 2024?

The Future of Property Management: 5 PropTech Innovations Changing The Game

Property technology (or ‘PropTech’) has done a lot to streamline communication, but when it comes to reducing workload or changing the outdated model of property management — innovation has lagged behind. Day-to-day, managing a rental property is still a demanding job.

In 2024, this is changing. Innovation is shifting beyond record-keeping platforms to further reduce the workload for busy rental home owners. PropTech is also expanding homeowner options beyond traditional property management companies. 

From never missing a rental payment to getting a competitive edge in the rental market, here are 5 top PropTech innovations that all landlords should know about in 2024. 

5 PropTech trends for landlords to try in 2024

PropTech has changed that, with online real estate companies putting new data and research at our fingertips. Platforms such as Zillow, Redfin and Zumper publish rental data every month, making it easier than ever to look at trends in your local market. 

There are also innovators that are taking that a step further. Sophisticated algorithms and machine learning can make pricing more accurate than ever. In 2024 this offers a competitive edge, going beyond the square-footage calculation and uncovering what people are paying for. 

Belong for example, uses a clever combination of technology and human smarts to create accurate rental pricing for our homeowners. This includes looking at real-time demand for rentals, ensuring you’re getting the best price and adapting quickly to shifts in the market. 

The pandemic pushed along mass adoption of financial technology, which simplified one of the biggest headaches of renting out a home: rent collection. 

But the biggest game-changing innovation to rent collection isn’t accepting online payments. It’s guaranteed rent. 

Belong pays their homeowners at the same time every month, regardless of when rent is paid by residents. This offers unique flexibility to residents, allowing them to use the Belong app to pay on a schedule that suits them, without impacting your cash flow. 

Belong’s payment innovations also offer homeowners the flexibility to manage their cash-flow and rental home expenses by splitting them over 12 months. Deducting an installment from rent each month, homeowners can use the Belong app to spread costs like insurance, maintenance, and those unexpected repairs that inevitably pop up. 

For landlords taking a DIY approach, apps can make rent collection safer, more flexible and traceable if you choose the right one. Popular apps like PayPal, Venmo and Zelle are simple and user-friendly, but aren’t designed for rent collection. This leaves homeowners open to disputes and rent payment fraud. Self-managing landlords can look at property management software such as RentPayment, Innago, Rentalfy, AppFolio, or LeaseRunner. 

Read More: How Flexible Payment Options Are Unlocking Positive Cash Flow for Landlords in 2024

Home automation was once too expensive for tenant-occupied homes, with little incentive for owners to invest in them for rental properties. But as tech becomes more accessible and affordable, this is changing. 

Smart home tech and devices can provide great time and cost saving benefits to owners of rental homes, such as:

Security devices that improve resident safety and reduce insurance premiums

Smart key locks that allow remote access for home tours, inspections and maintenance work to reduce your travel to the home

Smoke detectors that check carbon monoxide levels, allowing you to evacuate residents if levels are dangerous

Water sensors that alert of leaks to avoid flooding and excessive damage to your home

Doorbells with video and/or motion sensor cameras that notify you of unauthorized access to the property when it's vacant



HVAC monitoring to alert of filter changes and maintenance alerts, reducing the long-term costs of repairs

Newer smart appliances can also improve sustainability and reduce the daily running costs of your home — an appealing perk to your residents. If supply increases, this could give you a competitive edge over rentals full of older appliances that are costly to run. 

Read More: What Smart Home Tech Do Renters Want Most

Inspections are a great way to stay connected with residents and uncover any fixable issues before they become expensive repairs. Only problem is they can be hard to manage if you’re time poor or live in another state. 

That’s a whole lot easier in 2024, thanks to rental inspection platforms. From tech-forward companies that manage inspections and reporting to software that allows your tenants to complete their own, innovators in this space include Inspectify, Happy Co and zInspector. 

For Belong homeowners, we start our renting process with a comprehensive inspection that focuses on creating livable, move-in ready homes. This reduces vacancies by attracting (and keeping!) long-term residents. 

5. Extended contact hours with AI and chatbots

Being available around the clock is a tough reality for property managers. Life happens out of hours, so it’s also when renters discover a burst pipe or broken water heater. 

For residents, getting hold of someone urgently is easier said than done. Most property management companies rely on voicemail service for logging emergencies after hours. Tech innovations changing this include AI and chatbots, with some property managers opting to use technology to answer basic questions and log requests out of hours. 

Helpful…though we’re a long way off AI saving the day if residents need to speak to someone urgently! This is why Belong offers something that feels revolutionary but shouldn’t be: actual help, when you need it. Our support teams are available 24/7 to both homeowners and residents through the Belong app. 

Discover the tech-forward alternative to old-school property management

Belong is helping homeowners reach their financial goals with a better renting experience. Innovations like guaranteed rent add to a host of industry-disrupting services that Belong already offers, including:

Fast access to maintenance and services, provided by vetted partners in our 10,000+ strong network

Transparency over fees with no sneaky extras like setup costs or lease renewal charges

Protection for homeowners against evictions with up to $15,000 of coverage to shield you from costly legal fees



Access to dedicated landlords insurance to protect your asset (as well as coverage for your residents)

Integration with the most popular rental platforms to get your home loved faster



Visit our homeowner's page to see why people are ditching old school property management in Seattle, Austin, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami and many more.

Disclaimer: We don’t enjoy using the word ‘landlord’. We prefer to refer to members in our network as homeowners and residents, since we’re on a mission to upend and redefine the traditional landlord-tenant relationship. That said, this article is for homeowners taking the rental leap for the first time or are looking for answers with more common industry terms, which is why we have included them. This article is an overview of tech trends and is not an endorsement of any of the companies mentioned. 

PropTech streamlined communications, but what are the tools saving time and money for individual landlords? We dig out 5 innovations you can use in 2024.

Discover a Tech-Forward Alternative to Property Management

Remote work is still thriving, so what impact is this having on the rental market in 2024? Here are 3 trends in remote work and how landlords can cater to them.

How 2024’s Remote Work Trends Are Impacting Rental Demand

Proximity to workplaces has long driven rental demand, with hot job markets linked to lower vacancy and higher rents. This never changed — but the way we work did. When remote work became a necessity during the pandemic, people found themselves untethered from crowded cities. They headed further afield, chasing more space, family-friendly amenities and lower cost lifestyles. 

But a lot has shifted in a short few years, so let’s look at the impact that remote work is having on rental demand in 2024. Has remote work peaked as employers call staff back to the office? Are renters returning to cities or still rocking the suburbs?

Here are three of 2024’s remote work trends and their impact on rental demand across the US. 

1. Hybrid work is trending over remote-only


There’s been so much talk about employers pushing staff to return to offices in 2024 that it has its own acronym now — RTO. The Return To Office trend is seeing a decline in remote work from the pandemic highs of 2020-2021. Fewer than 26% of US households still have someone working remotely at least one day a week, down from 37% in early 2021. 

What’s emerging now is a hybrid work model. Many workers still enjoy the flexibility of working from home, but have a routine or required office hours for in-person collaboration. 



What this means for the rental market in 2024:

Remote work may have dipped, but it’s here to stay. With flexibility a mainstay, more renters will place a premium on the comfort of their rental homes. Homes that are comfortable enough to both live in and work in will be in demand. As commuting returns, even part-time, proximity to offices and transport will also be as important as they were pre-pandemic. 

As a homeowner, you can help your home to attract long-term, hybrid-working residents by:

Providing flexible spaces for living and working

Optimizing natural light in the home with the right blinds, light fixtures, and paintwork

Paying attention to comfort factors like heating and cooling in the home

Making sustainability upgrades to lower the running costs of the home

Allowing pets, as many hybrid workers have canine “coworkers”

Promoting transport options and local amenities in your rental listing

In a recent article on how remote work has shaped the economy, U.S. News notes a ‘chicken and egg’ scenario. People are relocating to remote-work friendly places where housing costs are more affordable. But these are also places where jobs are growing the fastest in 2024. Cities mentioned include:

It used to be that people always moved where the work was, but it seems work is also moving to where the people are. Look at areas like North Carolina in particular, which is seeing major growth in the finance, education, and technology sectors (Apple even moved in).  


Population growth in mid-size cities is great news for individual rental owners, who can’t always compete with corporate landlords or the entry cost of major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle. Mid-size cities in states (sometimes called “18-hour cities”) offer a similar quality of public services and job opportunities, attracting strong rental demand. 

If you own a rental home in a state like Texas, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, it would be wise to get your place move-in ready for long-term renters looking for a place to settle comfortably to live and work. Belong can help. Focused on individual homeowners and reliable, long-term residents, we can help you attract the best people (and price) for your rental home. Learn more about becoming a Belong homeowner and securing guaranteed rent. 

3. The ‘California exodus’ is overstated

There have been mixed reports on the ‘California exodus’. Some studies report that people are leaving the state in droves. Many pointed to the dramatic drop in rents in the Bay Area that hit in 2020. But none of these tell the whole story. 

For starters, San Francisco rents are still some of the highest in the nation. The Bay Area in particular is seeing rental growth, according to Zumper’s April rent report. There was even a report from CBS News that suggested that while many people have left California, there’s also plenty coming in from Texas, rather than just flowing out. 

Remote work also encourages people to ditch their roommates — creating a higher number of households. This is what saw rents rebound previously, with more households being created even when the population changes.  

It means owners of rental homes in California, particularly San Francisco’s Bay Area, don’t need to panic. Reported drops in asking rents of November-December 2023 are consistent with seasonal dips that were always experienced pre-pandemic. 

Homeowners looking to lock in the best rental price to achieve their financial goals should look to:

List their rental in spring and summer months, when rental prices peak

Follow the livability tips mentioned above to attract remote/hybrid workers in smaller households

Secure guaranteed rent to ensure consistent cash-flow 



Get your home remote-work ready with Belong

If you’re looking for a long-term solution and stability in your rental experience, Belong has you covered. We’re making rental finances predictable by offering stable, guaranteed rent. We’re providing flexible payment options to keep your cash flow steady. And we’re doing it while providing a better way of living for the millions of Americans who rent. 


See why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco,San Diego, Seattle, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando and many more.

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.

Natalie McNeal

Flora Fiorillo

Dom Difurio

Ashleigh Graf

Lauren Slagter

Natalie McNeal

Flora Fiorillo

Dom Difurio

Ashleigh Graf

Lauren Slagter