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

Do Home Warranties Really Save You Time And Money?

Home warranties promise peace of mind and potential cost savings for homeowners — but are they really worth it? With strict limitations, claim caps and snail-pace response times, the usefulness of home warranties for rental homes is debatable. 

Before purchasing a home warranty for your rental home, we take a look at some of the pitfalls and alternative ways to protect your investment. 

5 reasons why a home warranty might cost more than it's worth

1. The coverage of home warranties is limited

Home warranties should not be confused with home insurance. Warranties have very specific coverage and claim limitations, with caps as low as $2,000. It’s important to read the fine print and find out what you’re actually paying for. If you have new systems installed, you’re likely covered by the product's own warranty. If the system is old, you may have a claim denied based on wear-and-tear or lack of maintenance. 

In the instance of major damage, such as from a storm or accident, you would need to claim this on insurance anyway. Most homeowners would be better off investing in a good rental home insurance policy to get comprehensive coverage.

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

2. A home warranty might not save you any money

If you have appliances in your rental home, it’s worth considering the actual cost of repairing or replacing these items. It may be more cost-effective to replace the item than to have to pay to extend the warranty every year. You should also check the fine print for deductibles and fees that can add to the cost of using your warranty. 

As the District of Columbia points out in their consumer alert on home warranties, there are also caps on warranty claims. They give an example of a boiler costing $12,000 to replace, only for the home warranty coverage to be capped at $1,600. 

If something breaks, you (or your property manager) are still the first contact, not the warranty company. You will need to manage the issue and dealing with a warranty claim could add months to this time.  


Let’s face it, warranty companies aren’t exactly renowned for their speed, which could impact your ability to keep the home in a livable condition. For critical issues such as a broken furnace in winter — you need to act fast. If residents are waiting on a warranty claim, you could find yourself in breach of your own lease obligations. This could give them the right to withhold rent while waiting for repairs or to claim damages and relocation costs, depending on your local ordinances. 

Read More: Why Ignoring Rental Home Maintenance Could Cost You More Than Repairs

One of the conditions of a home warranty is that your appliances and home systems need to be properly maintained. That means if you don’t pay for regular maintenance and it breaks down, they could deny your claim. 

Not all home warranty companies are reputable. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has asked homeowners to report instances of fraud after numerous complaints about the coverage and quality of home warranty products. 

The FTC has also noted that some products called home warranties are actually service contracts. They warn that these service contracts often give the same coverage that the product already has included in the purchase price and that they can make the repair process more difficult than using your own contractor.  

3 ways to manage repair costs for a rental home

If a home warranty isn’t the answer for you, how do you protect your rental home from the unexpected? Here are three handy tips. 

The only way to protect your home against accidental damage and unforeseen events is to get the right insurance. Consider what you need to have protected and find a rental home policy to suit (homeowners insurance is only for owner-occupied homes). 

A burst pipe or a tree falling through the roof won’t be covered by a home warranty, but the right insurance policy could save you thousands. 

Read More: Homeowners Insurance vs. Landlord Insurance: What Policy Do You Need?

2. Find reliable, long-term residents for your rental home

A high turnover of tenants can also increase the wear and tear on your home. 

Belong finds long-term residents that will love your home like their own. Not only does this provide a better sense of belonging and community, it also makes good financial sense. Residents who feel at home will take better care and are more likely to let you know when something is amiss. This will help you take care of small issues, before they turn into big, costly ones. 

Read More: Why Belong Focuses on Long-Term Rentals

3. Budget for home maintenance and repairs

Instead of forking out cash for a warranty you may never use, look at setting up a fund for regular maintenance and repairs. Consider the age and condition of your rental home and set aside funds for upkeep and replacement of any aging items. 

If you don’t have access to funds or need help budgeting, Belong’s flexible payment options will let you spread costs over the term of your lease. This gives you your monthly guaranteed rental income, less an installment for the cost of approved repairs. 

Don’t forget, essential repairs are tax deductible for rental homes, so be sure to document how much you spend. 

Read More: 7 Common Rental Property Repairs and How Much They'll Cost You

Belong makes worrying about maintenance and upkeep a thing of the past. Belong's 24/7 customer support puts over 10,000 professional contractors at your fingertips, ready to help whenever you need them. And if you need regular services like snow removal, gutter cleaning or lawn maintenance, we can set up a subscription for these recurring services. You can even spread the payments over your lease, keeping you cashflow-positive.

Learn more about Belong for rental homeowners here.

Disclaimer: Belong thinks the word landlord is outdated and prefers ‘homeowners’. But sometimes we need to make a distinction between owner-occupied homes and rented homes, so we have used the words landlord and tenant a little more than we’d like. This article provides a guide on home warranties and maintenance but should not be considered financial advice.

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).

Better Protection with Guaranteed Rent and Rental Home Insurance

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

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

Owning a rental property in the ‘landlord-friendly’ state of Texas has plenty of perks. Texas boasts a potent combination of great weather, strong employment and low taxes that attract plenty of renters to thriving cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. 

But with reports of rents flattening in 2024 after years of sky-high growth, how do you ensure your Texas rental home works for you and your financial goals? 

To make sure your rental home runs smoothly (and with the best possible cash flow), here are 5 tips for owning a successful rental home in Texas. 

1. Take a long-term approach to your rental property in Texas

After huge price hikes in cities like Austin and Dallas, asking rents are starting to decline across Texas. But this isn’t all bad news for homeowners in the state and here’s why. 

First of all, price drops are largely impacting apartments, where supply has improved in the short-term. In 2024, Dallas and Austin are in the top five cities for supply of new apartments, which has helped to meet demand. But this short-term influx is expected to end in 2025, with new construction declining and long-term supply shortages to continue. 

Then you have the national issue of housing affordability. With homeownership remaining out of reach for many in 2024, demand will remain for livable single-family rental homes in Texas.

This is why having a long-term mindset for your rental home is so important. If your local area does become a renters market, your home should stand out as a place people would love to live in for years to come. Rather than trying to cash in on market fluctuations and riding the rollercoaster of high tenant turnover, look at investing in the livability of your home to make your listing stand out. 

Using this approach, Belong has helped over 2,000 homeowners make sure their rental homes meet a high standard of safety and livability to reduce vacancy, increase rental values, and attract dependable, long-term residents. We know it works, because 82% of Belong Residents renew their 1-year lease.

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

2. Prepare your Texas home for the market peak

Summer rentals usually make us think of vacation homes, but it’s also when long-term rental demand peaks. Summer is the time when families settle into a new area before the next school year commences. It’s also when people decide they won’t endure another frosty winter. So they look for a new place to call home and seek out the clear blue skies of Texas. 

This makes the winter/early spring months the perfect time to make those upgrades you’ve been putting off. Give your home a fresh coat of paint, tidy up the garden beds and get your home ready to list as rents rise. Establishing a 12-month lease in summer also ensures that renewals or lease expiries also coincide with this market peak year-on-year. 

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

There are few things more important to rental homeowners than positive cash flow. That is, having your rental home earn more income than it costs to operate and service debt. 

Cash flow in real estate is different to profit, because it’s not tied up in the asset itself. Cash flow is the passive income that unlocks a better lifestyle, the reserves to build for retirement — maybe even grow your investment portfolio.

If your residents stop paying their rent, this income will grind to a halt. As the expenses pile up, your cash flow can quickly slip into the negative. Belong protects Texas homeowners against disrupted cash flow by offering guaranteed rent. 

Guaranteed rent means your income is still paid on time, regardless of when we receive it. This makes your passive income more predictable by eliminating payment delays and rent chasing. 

Read More: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

Part of being a successful landlord is knowing your rights and responsibilities. But there is no one set of rules that apply to Texas homeowners. Rental housing is governed at a local level, with regulations varying between counties and cities. If you’re self-managing a rental, you’ll need to ensure your lease arrangements are current and keep an eye on proposed changes. 

In September 2023, House Bill 2127 was passed to allow state regulators to override local ordinances and create more consistent laws. But, the cities aren’t happy. This bill is now in litigation with Houston, San Antonio and El Paso all suing to block the legislation. 

That means that until this is resolved, you’ll have to keep an eye on local bills that could impact your rental. For example, Austin and Dallas are the only two cities that have a ‘right to cure’ law and require longer notice periods for evictions. 

Of course, you can also knock this one off your to-do list by hiring a trusted partner to stay up to date for you. 

Read More: What Texas Landlords Need To Know About Rental Housing Laws in 2024

Your rental home can only be a reliable source of income if it stays rented. One way to ensure your rental home remains a successful asset is to invest in proper maintenance of the home and to have the right insurance coverage. 

Budgeting for regular maintenance and insurance is a short-term expense that can pay off long-term. It’s cheaper than having to make major repairs or go through a period where the home can’t be lived in, especially in the case of a fire or natural disaster. 

This is why Belong has built an incredible vendor network of over 10,000 vetted contractors across the country. Homeowners can make instant requests and set up subscriptions for regular maintenance on your rental home — even purchase rental home insurance. And to avoid any dents in your cash flow Belong offers flexible payment options for all maintenance and insurance services. 

Achieve financial freedom with Texas real estate

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. 

Working together, we can put people first and change what it means to rent a home in Texas. Belong can help you reach your financial goals, while also creating lasting, positive impact on innumerable lives for decades to come.

Interested in learning more about Belong PRO services and availability in Texas? Check out one of our local pages below:

What does it take to own a successful rental home in Texas? Get tips to maximize your cash flow, find better tenants and keep vacancies low.

Get Predictable, Guaranteed Rent For Your Texas Rental Home

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.

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

Did you know the eviction process for rental homes in Seattle and Tacoma differs from homes in the wider Washington region? Evictions are already stressful and complex. Changing regulations and local ordinances make the process all the more challenging for homeowners. 

To help you prepare, this eviction cheat sheet will answer the top 10 questions homeowners ask about the eviction process in Seattle and Washington state:

1. How can you evict someone from a rental home in Washington?

There are two ways to remove a renter from your home in Washington state: 

End the tenancy and provide written notice to move out

Filing an ‘Unlawful Detainer Action (UDA)’ through the court system 

If a 6-12 month rental lease agreement is about to expire, you can provide 60 days written notice to end the tenancy. If you’re on an indefinite month-to-month lease, things can get complex. Depending on the local laws for your city and the details in your lease, you may need to provide a reason to end the agreement. It’s worth reading up on the Washington state legislation in this scenario. 

If a resident doesn’t leave, you will need to file an eviction lawsuit to have them removed. Check your local jurisdiction for notice periods as the 20-day notice period required by some cities has increased to periods between 60 - 120 days.

If the tenant breaches the terms of your lease agreement and can’t rectify the situation, such as non-payment of rent or conducting criminal activity, you can also file for an eviction lawsuit. 

If your home is in Seattle, you must abide by the local jurisdiction that prohibits “no cause” termination of lease agreements. Seattle’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance outlines that no lease agreement will be terminated without a valid reason, even if it’s month-to-month or due to expire. There are similar measures in the cities of Tacoma and Bellingham, with pressure for other localities to adopt the same measures. This is why it’s important to get advice from an industry professional or attorney before attempting to end a tenancy. 

Read More: 5 New Laws Washington State Landlords Should Be Prepared For in 2024

2. What are the reasons you can evict someone from a rental home in Seattle, WA?

The City of Seattle has stronger protections in place than many areas of Washington. For example, requiring landlords to show “just cause” to end a tenancy — even if a lease agreement is expiring. Be sure to check your local laws before terminating any rental agreement in Washington, as these protections may be adopted by other areas over time. 

For example, Seattle and Tacoma have introduced limitations that prohibit evictions during cold-weather, eviction of students or educators during school periods, and evictions based on a tenant’s status as a first responder, service member, senior, health care provider or educator. 

This is why it’s important to seek legal advice and check with local ordinances before filing for an eviction. You can check Seattle’s municipal code here for details and exceptions to eviction notices. In Tacoma, the Landlord Fairness Code introduced new rules in 2023 and Bellingham’s city regulations for landlords are here. 

3. What is Seattle’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance?

The Just Cause Eviction Ordinance outlines reasons a landlord can end a rental agreement, even if it’s month-to-month or due to expire. As of July 2021, homeowners must offer a renewal on expiring lease terms unless you have a justifiable reason not to renew. This safeguards responsible residents from being evicted for no reason or to seek higher rent from a new tenant. 

The following reasons are examples of “Just Cause” for ending a resident’s tenancy in Seattle:

Failure to follow a notice to pay or vacate

Repeated failure to pay rent, when four or more written notices are issued over a 12 month period

Breaching a lease agreement and not complying with orders to rectify the situation

Repeated lease violations (3+ times in a 12 month period)

Criminal or illegal conduct on the property

When a tenant's occupancy is conditioned upon employment on the property and the employment relationship ends

As the homeowner you can also cancel the rental agreement with proper notice (usually 30 - 120 days) if you need the home vacant for a valid reason. In these instances you may need a permit and/or cover the moving resident’s relocation expenses. 

Reasons you can end a tenancy in Seattle to repossess the home include:

When you have intent to sell the property

So that you or your immediate family can move in

To do substantial work on the property that requires the resident to move out

To demolish the property, convert it into a cooperative, or convert it into nonresidential use

To reduce the number of people living in the home to comply with the limit under Title 23. You must give the tenants 30 days to meet the current legal limit.

To discontinue to use of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) after a violation notice has been received

When you receive an emergency order to vacate the home and the conditions have not/can’t be corrected 

4. Do I have to take tenants to court in Washington state to evict them from my home?

Yes, in Washington all evictions go through court. If you can’t attend physically, as of 2023 landlords and tenants can ask that a hearing be held remotely. The courts need to grant this request unless there’s a reason for the parties to attend in person. 

5. Do I have to offer tenants mediation before an eviction? 

In 2024, landlords no longer have to give the option of mediation or dispute resolution to resolve unpaid rent before an eviction can be filed. 

In 2023, there was a pilot program that made dispute resolution a mandatory option to resolve unpaid rent issues after COVID-19. This program ended in June 2023.

6. How much does an eviction cost in Washington State?

Costs throughout the eviction process in Washington may include:

Filing fees: Filing fees can vary depending on the county where the eviction is taking place, but it typically ranges from $100 to $250.



Serving fees: If you hire a process server to deliver court documents and ‘serve’ the tenant, you will need to pay their quoted fee (around $50 - $100+).



Attorney fees: If you hire an attorney to handle the eviction, the cost can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the case and billing quoted by the firm you’ve hired.


If you expect that your property management fees will cover the costs of an eviction, be sure to check the fine print. When we ranked the top-rated property management companies in Washington, we found that many eviction protection packages have strict limitations that can leave you with out of pocket expenses. Not only does eviction protection increase your management fees, most still charge per hour for overseeing the eviction process and charge extra if staff need to attend court on your behalf. 

If you choose to partner with Belong, you’ll have real peace of mind that your eviction process is supported. If Belong ever needs to evict a resident that we have chosen (not existing leases or tenants), Belong will cover legal costs up to $15,000 — that’s around 3x - 15x what property managers are offering! 

7. How do I find my local court to process an eviction?

There are 39 courts in Washington State, one for each county, listed on the Washington Courts website. 

8. What written notice do I need to give tenants if they don’t pay their rent? 

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.

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

Evictions are usually a last resort for Florida landlords. While no one wants an eviction on their to-do list, when your rental income dries up or a tenant is damaging your property, it's time to take action.  

If eviction from your Florida rental property is necessary, it will be a lot easier if you have a good handle on the proper procedures and laws in the state. In 2023, the state passed changes to the Florida Landlord and Tenant Act or Florida Statute 83. This overturned a number of local city ordinances around notice and evictions, so things may have changed since your lease started. 

While every eviction situation is unique, Belong put together a quick guide of 8 common questions to support Florida landlords in 2024. 

What eviction rules have changed in Florida for 2024? 

A notable change to Florida tenancy laws is that notice periods have increased when ending a monthly agreement. If you need to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, you can give 30 days written notice to vacate your property. This has doubled from the previous rule of 15 days. 

When a lease has expired, written notice periods depend on how frequently rent is paid:

Month-to-month: 30 days (increase from 15 days)

If the resident remains in the home after the notice period has passed, you have cause to file an eviction lawsuit. 

Other 2023 changes that impact tenancy laws (but not evictions) include accepting a fee in lieu of a security deposit, returning deposits on time, caps on late fees and conducting background checks on employees and contractors. 

What are the reasons you can evict someone from a rental home in Florida in 2024? 

In Florida, you need 'just-cause' to end a lease agreement. Valid reasons include:

Not vacating after a lease has ended and notice has expired 

Not upholding responsibilities under tenant-landlord law, such as destroying or defacing the premises, having a pet without permission, or unreasonably disturbing neighbors in a breach of the peace

Homeowners should also be aware of their obligations under Florida's landlord-tenant statute to keep the property in good repair and ensure the home is habitable. If you fail to do so, your resident has the right to withhold rent, provided they issue you with a notice of their intent. You will get seven-days notice to correct the defect/s and the resident can't be forced to pay rent or threatened with eviction during this period. 

How much notice is needed for non-payment of rent? 

If a tenant fails to pay rent, you can provide three-days notice to vacate. This notice gives the resident three business days to pay owed rent or leave.

If the resident pays the rent within the three-day period, you can't proceed with an eviction and the tenant continues their existing lease arrangement. If it happens again, the process must be repeated.


If you don't receive the rent, but the tenant vacates within the three-days, you may use the security deposit to cover the unpaid rent. If the security deposit doesn't cover all of the rent due, you have the option to sue for the amount owing.


If the resident doesn't pay the rent and remains in the home, you can file a summons and complaint with the county court to gain possession of the property. 

How much notice is required to evict for a lease violation? 

For a lease violation you must provide the tenant with seven-days notice to vacate your Florida home. It's worth getting legal help to put this notice together, but if it contains any errors it's considered defective. You may need to start the process and notice period over again. 

During this seven-day period, you need to give residents a chance to fix things if it's a minor infraction. For example, if your tenancy agreement states "no pets allowed" and they adopt a cat, you can allow them to surrender or rehome the cat before proceeding with the eviction process. 

If violations continue, you don't have to keep giving them chances to rectify. Also if they behave in a way that can't be easily rectified (for example, conducting illegal activity or causing considerable damage), this is an "incurable violation" for which the tenant can not make amends. 

Can I force a renter to leave my Florida property?

No, you should never take matters into your own hands when you need a resident of your rental home to leave. Activities such as shutting off the utilities or changing the locks to your home to keep a renter out is called a "self-help" eviction and is illegal in Florida. If you are found to be forcing an eviction illegally, you could be sued for up to three months' rent or damages (whichever is greater) plus legal costs under Florida laws. 

How can I get someone removed from my rental home?

Only a Florida law enforcement official has the authority to remove someone under a writ of possession. If you believe someone is living in your house illegally with no lease (known as 'squatting'), you can provide local police with a sworn affidavit. Under Chapter 82, Section 35 of the Florida code, this will allow police to remove the unlawful occupant. 

How long does the eviction process take in Florida?

On average, it takes 20 - 37 days to evict a resident of your rental property in Florida. If the eviction is not contested and the process runs smoothly, it could take as little as 7 - 15 days. 

The estimates below are the typical processing times, but be aware that if your local court faces a backlog of cases, it could take longer to receive a hearing date if required: 

Court enters a default judgment or assigns a hearing date: 5 - 7 days

The clerk of court enters a writ of possession: 1 - 3 days

Sheriff executes writ of possession: 1 - 7 days

Once an eviction has been approved, the residing parties have 24 hours to vacate. If they do not vacate, a law enforcement officer will need to handle their removal from the property. 

How much does an eviction cost in Florida?

This depends! Evictions can be complex and unique, so costs can vary, especially if you end up in court and/or require an attorney. The Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts Office advises that an eviction filing costs $185 - $340. 

But even filing fees vary depending on the type of eviction that you require. Pasco County has a list of Landlord/Tenant Eviction Fees and Costs here, which can provide a good reference point to start. Most counties have downloadable forms and fee schedules available on their websites, so be sure to check out your local county for resources. 

If you expect that your property management fees will cover an eviction, be sure to check the fine print. Belong ranked the top-rated property management companies in Florida and found that most eviction protection packages cover filing fees only and are limited to around $500 - $800, leaving you with considerable out-of-pocket expenses if things aren't straightforward. Not only does eviction protection increase your management fees, most still charge for overseeing the eviction process and add on additional costs if any of their staff need to attend court on your behalf. 

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.

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