By partnering with Belong, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected, managed, and optimized to attract new residents, even in the wake of hurricanes like Helene and Milton.

Milton & Helene's Fury: The Unexpected Rental Price Impact

Hurricanes are powerful natural phenomena that bring intense wind, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. They form over warm ocean waters and can rapidly escalate into dangerous storms, causing destruction to homes, infrastructure, and entire communities. The intensity of hurricanes is classified into categories based on their wind speeds, with Category 5 being the most severe. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in both the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, attributed to the warming of global ocean temperatures as a result of climate change.

Hurricanes can significantly impact the rental markets, especially in regions prone to these storms. When hurricanes hit, the immediate effects often include property damage and, in some cases, complete destruction of homes. This disruption leads to several challenges.

Supply Shortages: A hurricane can destroy or severely damage homes, limiting the number of available homes for rent, which, in turn, drives up demand and prices. For example, after major storms, there’s often a sharp increase in rents as displaced residents look for new housing.

Insurance Costs: The increased risk of hurricanes has led to higher insurance premiums, particularly for homes in hurricane-prone areas. This cost is often passed on to residents, raising overall rental prices.

Long-Term Market Shifts: Areas that have been repeatedly impacted by hurricanes may experience declining rental prices, as residents may view them as riskier areas to live. On the other hand, areas less prone to hurricanes may see increased demand, driving prices higher.

As hurricanes become more frequent and severe, it’s essential for homeowners and property managers to be prepared. Here are some steps to help mitigate the risks:

Reinforce Your Home: Ensure that your home is hurricane-proof, with reinforced roofs, windows, and doors. Installing storm shutters and impact-resistant glass can also help prevent damage.

Stay Insured: Make sure you have comprehensive home insurance that covers hurricane-related damage, including flooding. Review your policy regularly to ensure you’re adequately covered.

Create an Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for residents and communicate it clearly. Ensure they know evacuation routes and have a list of emergency contacts.

Stay Informed: Keep up with weather forecasts and warnings. Modern technology offers several apps and platforms that provide up-to-date information on approaching storms.

How Belong Can Help You Find Residents and Provide Confidence

Belong offers unique solutions to help homeowners navigate the challenges of managing their homes, especially in regions prone to hurricanes. Here’s how Belong can support you:

Guaranteed Time To Love: Our innovative program ensures that your home will find a resident within a set timeframe, providing you with peace of mind in a fluctuating market. Even in the aftermath of hurricanes, when the market becomes uncertain, Belong guarantees consistent efforts to find the right resident for your home.

Home Maintenance and Management: Belong ensures that your home is well-maintained, helping mitigate damage from hurricanes by conducting regular inspections and addressing maintenance needs. Should a hurricane strike, We will assist in organizing repairs and ensuring your home is ready for residents as quickly as possible.

Insurance and Risk Management Support: We connect you to trusted insurance providers to help you secure the best coverage for your home, so you're prepared in case of future storms.

Confidence in Uncertain Times: Belong’s approach gives you the confidence to weather market disruptions caused by natural disasters. We take care of finding residents and maintaining your home, so you can focus on long-term peace of mind.

The Specific Impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Hurricanes Helene and Milton are two storms that left lasting marks on the communities they touched.

Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 storm that impacted the Atlantic coast. The storm’s strong winds and storm surge caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, particularly in coastal regions. Renters and homeowners alike faced significant challenges, with many displaced and seeking alternative housing. The damage from Helene contributed to a spike in rental prices as the housing supply dwindled.

Hurricane Milton, on the other hand, was slightly less powerful but equally devastating. As a Category 3 hurricane, it primarily affected inland areas. Milton's slow-moving nature brought torrential rain, leading to widespread flooding and significant damage to homes that weren’t prepared for such conditions. The aftermath saw a major increase in the demand for rental properties as homes were repaired, temporarily inflating rental prices.

Both hurricanes are reminders of the unpredictable and damaging effects of these storms, underscoring the importance of being prepared as a homeowner or landlord.

By partnering with Belong, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected, managed, and optimized to attract new residents, even in the wake of hurricanes like Helene and Milton. We help you safeguard your home, maintain steady rental income, and stay resilient in the face of future storms.

Disclaimer: We don’t enjoy using the word ‘landlord’. We prefer to refer to members in our network as homeowners and residents, not landlords and tenants, since we’re on a mission to upend and redefine the traditional landlord-tenant relationship. That said, this article is for homeowners taking the leap for the first time who are looking for answers with more common industry terms like ‘landlords’ and ‘tenants’, so in some instances we have had to stick to the old moniker for owners of rental homes.

Article about the impact of hurricanes on rental home prices

24/7 Care, Hurricanes Included

Just because the season has changed, does not mean that you can't rent out your house on your timeline! Find out why renting out your home in the fall season has its own unique advantages.

Fall Doesn’t Mean a Fall in Applications: Why Renting Out Your Home in Autumn Has Its Advantages

As the weather starts to cool and leaves change color, it’s easy to assume that rental activity slows down. Historically, summer is the peak season for moving, with families eager to settle before school starts and young professionals jumping into new careers. But while it’s true that the rental market tends to be more active in warmer months, Fall doesn’t necessarily mean a fall in applications. In fact, autumn offers unique advantages for homeowners looking to rent out their properties.

A Smaller but More Serious Pool of Renters

During the summer, rental applications often surge, but that doesn’t always mean quality over quantity. Many people are casually browsing, or making quick decisions due to time constraints. By contrast, renters in the fall tend to be more serious about securing a home. Whether it’s due to job relocations, life changes, or personal timing, those moving in the fall are often more committed and prepared to move quickly.

Quality Over Quantity: Fall renters typically have a greater sense of urgency and purpose, which often leads to better applicants.

Long-Term Residents: This more selective pool may result in fewer applications, but a higher likelihood of securing long-term, responsible residents.

And with Belong’s enhanced resident screening, we always ensure the highest quality applicants!

Fall naturally brings fewer properties to the market, as many homeowners list their rentals during the busy summer season. However, this decrease in competition can work to your advantage. Renters looking for homes in the fall often have fewer options, meaning your property has a better chance of standing out. This increased visibility can lead to quicker rentals and less time sitting vacant, saving you money on unoccupied periods.

Flexibility for Renters Seeking Immediate Move-Ins

Because the market isn’t as saturated in the fall, there’s more room for flexibility in leasing terms. Renters moving in the fall may need to secure housing immediately due to work schedules or personal reasons, and they’re often ready to sign a lease quickly. This means you could find a resident faster and avoid the prolonged vacancy that sometimes comes with waiting for the “right” applicant in the busier months.

While many families aim to move during the summer, circumstances like job transfers or academic schedules may still prompt fall moves. Universities and colleges also play a role as students and faculty may need housing as they finalize last-minute plans for the new semester. If your property is located near a college or university, this could be an opportune time to attract these groups.

The fall market allows for more negotiating power on both sides. Homeowners can be more flexible with rental terms, pricing, or move-in dates, and residents may appreciate this flexibility. It’s a win-win situation that encourages future residents to act quickly. This approach not only increases your chance of leasing out the property sooner but also helps maintain a strong homeowner-resident relationship from the start.

Delaying your rental listing until the spring might seem tempting, but it could cost you more in the long run. By waiting, you risk losing out on months of potential rental income. A vacant property still requires maintenance, security, and may even lead to depreciation over time.

Lost Income: Each month your property sits empty is money out of your pocket. Rental income lost during fall and winter adds up quickly.

Ongoing Expenses: Even without residents, you’ll still be responsible for utilities, upkeep, and possibly even taxes.

While the fall season may see a slight dip in overall rental applications, it doesn’t signal a lull in the rental market’s potential. By capitalizing on the benefits of renting in the fall; serious renters, reduced competition, and the season’s charm, you can position your property for success. Fall doesn’t mean a fall in applications; rather, it can be a time to secure a reliable resident and reduce the stress of prolonged vacancy.

So don’t let your home sit vacant a day longer, and see why homeowners all across the U.S. are ditching outdated property management for Belong!

Make Homeowners Fall For Your Property

We're rolling out the welcome mat to rental homes in Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo California!

California Dreamin' - Welcoming Four New Cities to Belong!

“I love you, Land of Sunshine, half your beauties are untold.” This line in the California State Anthem has never held more true because today, we’re rolling out the welcome mat to rental homes in Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo in California!

So what does that mean for Californians in these areas that own a rental home? It means there is finally a better alternative to outdated property management companies, or going it alone without a financial safety net. 

It means more Californians can take part in our vision for the future of the housing market. One where homes are in the hands of real people, not corporations. Where homeowners are supported to achieve their financial goals through real estate. Where people who rent long-term can find a sense of belonging in the houses they call home. 

It means guaranteed rent every month. Real support 24/7 for both you and your residents. Longer tenancies, less vacancies. No more hidden fees. Better cash flow management. It means managing your rental home on your own terms, knowing you have a partner that can help you achieve your financial goals sooner. 

The best alternative to property management in California

By partnering with Belong, you won’t have to deal with the common complaints of traditional property management companies including poor communication, bad tenants, hidden fees, low-quality maintenance work, and high property vacancy. 

Our team will inspect your rental home and help you get it move-in ready. We’ll use clever tech and real-time demand to find the right rental price. We’ll find and vet great people that will care for your home as you would. And we’ll treat them exceptionally well too, so that they stay longer, reducing vacancy.

Because we’re building modern and future-ready services, everything is handled right through your phone — from speaking with your dedicated concierge to managing rent, maintenance requests, financing, and even insurance. Our app and services are always innovating to make sure everyone in our network receives a world-class experience. 


The mission of Belong is to create authentic belonging experiences, empowering residents to become homeowners and homeowners to become financially free. We’ve set about changing every aspect of renting that fails homeowners and residents (we’re even binning the terms landlord and tenant!). We’re challenging the status quo of property management by putting people first, enabled by best-in-class technology and services. 


Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Visit our homeowner's page to find out more about services in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento, and many more.



Even More Markets Served in California

New California rental housing laws 2024: The rules have changed, here's 5 laws that Californian landlords need to know when renting out their home in 2024.

California Rental Laws Changed in 2024: What Landlords Need To Know

The office of California’s Governor Newsom had a busy 2023, signing 56 housing bills into law! Coming into effect across 2024, a few of these bills have a noteworthy impact on owners of rental homes in California.


In this article, we’ll dive into 5 changes that Californian landlords should know in 2024. But first, here’s a quick summary of things that a landlord can’t do in California:

At a glance: What a landlord cannot do in California in 2024



The Tenant Protection Act caps rent increases for most residential tenants in California. Landlords can’t raise rent more than 10% total or 5% + CPI increase (whichever is lower) over a 12-month period. 



No-fault evictions are prohibited, so landlords can’t evict a tenant without cause.



If a landlord ends a tenancy agreement to move back into the home, it can’t be put back on the rental market within 12 months.



Landlords can’t end a tenancy to remodel the rental property without supplying details of planned works.



Landlords in California can’t charge more than one month’s rent for a security deposit. On vacating, you can’t hold a security deposit for more than 21 days or deduct any costs for wear and tear. An itemized list of deductions must be supported by receipts or evidence of costs for repairs and cleaning.



Landlords in California can’t discriminate against an applicant based on their credit history if they receive a government rental subsidy.



Landlords can’t charge more than $62.02 in tenant application fees in 2024 (this is adjusted yearly).



Landlords can’t neglect maintenance or repairs, especially if it affects a tenant’s health or safety. Tenants are allowed to use a “repair and deduct remedy” in California, making emergency repairs and deducting the costs from the rent if a landlord fails to address the problem. 

City-based ordinances and state laws override any lease agreements, so you can’t avoid any tenant-protections with a clause in your lease. It’s also important to check the rules at a local level, as they may include further tenant protections than those outlined above. What’s true in San Diego may not apply in San Francisco.

5 changes to California tenancy laws that landlords should know about in 2024

1. Changes to no-fault eviction rules for owner move-ins and remodels

The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 has been amended, altering existing rules around “no fault” evictions or termination of a residential lease agreement. As of April 2024, more details are needed if a homeowner wants to end a tenancy due to moving-in or undergoing a major remodel of the property.

If you wish to reoccupy a rental home as an owner-occupier:

You must move in within 90 days of your residents moving out

You need to remain in the home for at least 12 months before the home can go back on the rental market

The same rules apply to close family members (e.g. spouse, parents, children, grandchildren). Their name/s and your relationship will need to be disclosed in the termination notice. 

If you or family already occupies a rental unit on the property, or if there is a similar unit available on the property, you may not use moving in as grounds for termination of a lease. 

Owners of the rental home must now provide more details of the planned work, such as providing existing residents with copies of permits or signed contracts for the planned works. 

If the work isn’t carried out, you will legally be required to contact the former tenants and give them the opportunity to move back in (make sure you get a forwarding address if you plan to remodel your rental home!)

Read More: Understanding the California Eviction Process: A Guide for Homeowners

2. Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent

As of July 2024, security bonds are capped at an amount equal to one month’s rent. Previous laws allowed up to three months rent to be collected in bond, on top of the standard first month paid before occupancy. With rents skyrocketing across the states, move-in costs were becoming unaffordable for renters, especially for furnished properties. Going forward, if you charge a monthly rent of $2,500 p/m, the move in cost will be capped at $5,000 inclusive of security deposit and first month rent. This cap applies to both furnished and unfurnished homes. 

But, it should be noted that there is an exception for some individual homeowners. If you only own 1-2 rental homes, you may qualify as a “small landlord”. In this case, you may receive a security deposit equal to or less than two months’ rent. It’s important to check the fine print or speak with a professional before proceeding here as there are rules and exceptions. For example, the small landlord exception doesn’t apply if your prospective resident is a service member. 

What happens if I hold a security deposit over one months’ rent? 

Don’t stress, there’s no need to return the difference. If you (or your property manager) collected a larger security deposit prior to July 1, 2024, you may hold on to this amount even if it exceeds the new caps. Just be sure to check the rules around returning the amount when it’s time for your resident to move out. 

Pro Tip: Take the hassle out of collecting rent and security deposits by letting Belong take care of it (and everything else!). With guaranteed rent and the easy option for residents to pay their security bond in installments, find out why homeowners are ditching outdated property management in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento to Belong instead. 

3. Homeowners are better protected from illegal occupancy

Trespassing and ‘squatting’ can be a real concern to homeowners with vacant properties. But new laws allow a homeowner to alert local law enforcement that their property is uninhabited, allowing law enforcement officials to remove any trespasser who attempts to take up residence or claims to be a legal occupant. Previously a trespass notice was only valid for a period of 30 days. The amendment to SB 602 extends trespass letter validity to a full 12 months and it can be submitted electronically (if your local jurisdiction allows). When a valid letter is on file, homeowners won’t need to go to court to evict anyone living illegally on their property. 

Pro Tip: When it comes to vacant homes, prevention is often better than the cure! Read 10 Proven Ways To Reduce Vacancies & Keep Great Rental Tenants Long-Term

4. New screening laws block credit history discrimination

If you manage your own tenant screening, make sure you update your process for 2024. 

If an applicant is receiving a government rental subsidy, you need to revise how you consider their credit history and application to rent your home. To avoid discrimination, amendments to SB 267 prohibits landlords from using a person’s credit history unless they are given the option to provide alternative evidence of their ability to pay their portion of the rent. This could be benefit statements, pay records or bank statements. You must also give them a reasonable amount of time to provide this information and reasonably consider it instead of their credit history when deciding whether to offer them a lease agreement. 

Read More: Understanding Fair Housing Laws When Renting Your Home

5. San Francisco introduced an “empty home” tax

Bay Area property owners with at least three units that have been vacant for more than six months will be taxed $2,500 - $5,000 per empty unit as part of Proposition M. Penalties will increase yearly to up to $20,000. Money collected will be invested in subsidizing affordable housing in the city, including for people over the age of 60. 

Individual homeowners, like those that Belong supports, are less likely to be impacted by the measures at this stage, with single-family homes and duplexes exempt. That said, it’s a timely reminder that many counties are actively taking steps to reduce empty homes while the homelessness crisis continues to bite and more families are priced out of home ownership. 

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to sit on a vacant home for a variety of reasons. Some have inherited a family home and aren’t sure if they’re cut out for property management. Others move for work and plan to return to the home and feel unsure about renting the home out. If this is the case, Belong has a solution. We find people that will love and respect your home as much as you do, while also doing all the work to ensure it’s looked after and maintained. Learn more about Belong’s unique residential network and homeowner services here. 

Belong guarantees rent and offers eviction assistance 

Belong homeowners don’t have to worry about constantly changing regulations, as our team of experts do all the work for you and are available 24/7 to answer any questions.  

New California rental housing laws 2024: The rules are changing, here's 5 laws that Californian landlords need to know when renting out their home in 2024.

Get Predictable, Guaranteed Rent in California

New Florida rental housing laws 2024: The rules are changing, here's 3 bills that landlords need to know when renting out their home in 2024.

3 Legal Changes and Bills Florida Landlords Should Be Prepared For in 2024

Rental housing is governed by a combination of state laws and local ordinances – often creating confusing differences between counties. In an effort to simplify this, Florida passed changes to the Florida Landlord and Tenant Act or Florida Statute 83.

As of July 1, 2024, more than 40 local ordinances across Florida became invalid by this change and were replaced with a statewide law. For example, this makes Orange County’s tenant bill of rights and fair notice requirements unenforceable. 

This doesn’t mean that local counties can’t pass their own ordinances – but they can’t conflict with the Florida statutes. This can work to block measures such as rent increase caps or rent control measures, which are not legal in Florida. 

If you own a rental home in Florida, now is a good time to brush up on some of the changes taking shape in 2024. This article will uncover three of the biggest changes and bill proposals that Florida landlords need to be aware of. 

This article should not replace legal advice. Always check with your local county office for any laws that may apply in your local area, even with state changes coming into effect. 

1. Notice periods changed to end a monthly tenancy

Changes came into effect: January 1, 2024


If you have residents in your rental home on a month-to-month tenancy, you will now need to give 30 days written notice to end the tenancy. This is an increase from 15 days notice. 

If you have a resident on a long term agreement, you will need just-cause to remove or evict them from your home. Valid reasons for eviction in Florida include:

Not vacating after a lease has ended and notice has expired 

Not upholding responsibilities under tenant-landlord law, such as defacing the premises or having a pet without permission

In each of these scenarios, proper notice must be given to the residents of their eviction. Notice periods vary depending on the situation. If you are on a year-to-year lease, you will need to provide 60 days notice to vacate. 

Pro Tip: Reduce your risk of losing rental income with Belong. 83% of Belong residents renew after 12 months – plus we offer guaranteed rent and up to $15,000 in eviction protection for complete peace of mind. Learn more about becoming a Belong homeowner.

2. Florida landlords can ask for a fee instead of a security deposit 

While this law actually came into effect in mid-2023, it’s noteworthy as it affects all new lease agreements in 2024. 

Florida’s House Bill 133 amended the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, allowing landlords to accept a fee or monthly fees. This is in lieu of paying the traditional refundable security deposit for a rental unit – you can’t ask for both. 

Landlords will also have the option to permit a tenant to pay a security deposit in monthly installments instead of one lump sum. The idea is that this will reduce the upfront fees required for a resident to enter a home. 

If the landlord and tenant agree to a fee instead of a security deposit, a written agreement must disclose that:

The tenant has the option to pay the security deposit instead of the fee at any time

The landlord’s use of the fee to buy an insurance product does not affect the tenant’s liability for rent, damages, or other amounts owed

The landlord has exclusive discretion whether to offer tenants the option to pay a fee in lieu of a deposit

A landlord has 15 days to notify the tenant of any amount owed in unpaid rent, fees, damages or other obligations. An insurance claim for any of these amounts can't be claimed until after this period

Fees can’t be raised during the contract’s term

If you’re considering dropping a security deposit, make sure you’re clear on the rules before proceeding. While monthly fees are nonrefundable, they could also leave you without the usual safety net if there are repairs needed at the end of a lease. If your home is looked after by Belong, we remove this dilemma and make the whole process simple. 

We charge residents a traditional security deposit, but we also provide flexible payment terms and options, allowing residents to pay in installments. This can help reduce the upfront costs of residents when they move in, without foregoing a security deposit. It’s the best of both worlds, which is why we offer this in all cities, not just Florida. 

3. Rent increase limits were not made into law

Last update: “Died in Civil Justice Subcommittee”

Florida doesn’t have rent control laws in place and the recent changes to statewide legislation also forbid local jurisdictions from trying to introduce it via a local ordinance. 

But, you may have heard about a bill placing a cap on yearly increases for existing leases. Originally set to go into effect in July 2024, House Bill 31 would have capped yearly rental increases at 30% for continuing residents in Florida. Other proposed changes for Florida rental homes included provisions for air conditioning in certain housing units and further changes to notice periods around eviction. 

The committee did not table this bill for a vote, which means it can’t pass this year. It doesn’t mean future bills won’t be considered, but for now rent increases remain uncapped in Florida. 

Redefining the rental experience in Florida 

Let’s face it, property management in Florida is more 80s than Miami Vice. And it hasn’t aged well. Belong is here to challenge that.

Belong is helping homeowners in Florida reach their financial goals with a hassle-free renting experience. Innovations like guaranteed rent and cash flow solutions add to a host of industry-disrupting and transparent services that Belong offers. From vetting residents to eviction protection, Belong homeowners are never left to navigate the confusing legal system on their own.  

Interested in learning more about Belong in Florida? Check out one of our local pages below:

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as legal advice. Your local city is the best place to find information on local ordinances that apply to you and your rental property. In an effort to flip outdated property management on its head, we prefer to use the terms ‘homeowner and resident’ over ‘landlord and tenant’. As this article discusses legislation, we have stuck to the old monikers as legal terms where necessary. 

Get Predictable Returns in 2024 with Guaranteed Rent

Rental evictions are up 42% in Houston, 25% in Fort Worth and 18% in Austin. Discover 3 ways Belong can protect your rental income in Texas and avoid the stats.

Evictions in Texas are Soaring in 2024: How To Reduce Risks and Protect Your Rental Income

Evictions have spiked across Texas in 2024 and are surging past pre-pandemic levels in many major cities. According to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab research, there have been almost 83,000 eviction filings in the past year for Houston alone – a 42% increase when compared with the average pre-pandemic level.  

Other cities in the Lone Star State facing an increase in eviction filings in the past year include:

Of the cities tracked in Texas by Eviction Lab, only Dallas is down by 6% in the past year with 38,017 filings. So what is going on? News reports point to the end of COVID-19 relief measures combined with years of statewide rent increases putting financial pressure on renters. 

As part of our efforts to improve and innovate the renting experience, Belong doesn't want to see any member of our network in these statistics – homeowner or resident. So here’s what we’re doing to reduce rental evictions in Texas. 

3 ways Belong protects rental income for homeowners in Texas 

Everyone needs a place to call home. With homeownership out of reach for many Americans, there is an increasing need for livable long-term rental housing. As part of our mission to create authentic belonging experiences, we focus on finding people who will love your home like you do. We offer them 24/7 support to answer their questions and resolve issues fast. We give them hassle-free payment options, and incentivise on-time payments. 

As a result, 83% of Belong residents renew their 12-month lease agreements. This provides a feeling of belonging, while providing stability and peace of mind to homeowners. 

Related: Belong's Big Texas Launch: Welcome Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio

The bills don’t stop when rent goes unpaid – a disruption to your cash flow that can quickly put you behind. This is often why homeowners want to act fast on evictions for non-payment. In Texas, an eviction notice can be filed after just three days of non-payment of rent, with no need to allow the tenant to catch up.

But Belong homeowners don’t fall behind so easily. Our homeowners know exactly how much their rental income is and when they’re getting it, no matter what. This is because we offer guaranteed rent – paid on time, even if residents don’t. 

We work with residents to get their rent up to date, with no disruption to homeowner cash flow. We also allow residents to split up big costs like security deposits and insurance to reduce their likelihood of being burdened by the cost of rent. 

Related: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever


If Belong ever did need to evict someone we placed, there’s a financial safety net in place. Most property management companies offer packages called ‘eviction protection’ for an extra cost. If you take a look at the fine print, they are usually restricted to court filing fees with a long list of exclusions. Those costs won’t set you back much more than what you paid for the coverage in the first place. 

Belong doesn’t upcharge for support when you need it most and evictions are no exception. To give our homeowners confidence and peace of mind in long-term renting, Belong-initiated evictions are covered for up to $15,000 in legal costs — as much as 5-10x what the average property management package is capped at. 

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

How much does it cost to evict a tenant in Texas?

Fees are set at a county level and will vary depending on your personal situation. For example, a court filing fee in Travis County, Austin is $139.00 for the first person and $85 for each additional member served. If you get a judgment of possession and the defendant does not appeal, it will cost a further $180 to obtain a Writ of Possession to remove them from the property legally. These fees don’t include legal representation, appeals, or fees for other claims such as suing for rent owed or damages. This is why it’s important to speak to a real estate or legal professional before pursuing any action and to check with local county laws regarding costs. 

How long does the eviction process take in Texas?

On average, the eviction process in Texas takes a minimum of 30 - 35 days, depending on court availability and whether or not the case is straightforward or appealed. 

An example of eviction time and process in Texas:

Filing of the eviction suit: Approx 8 - 10 days.

Court date is set: Between 10 - 21 days. A hearing cannot take place for at least 10 days from the petition filing date.

Time to appeal: 5 days from judgment date. If an appeal is filed the hearing will take place after 8 days or more. 

If evicted, the tenant is given 24 hrs to vacate the premises on the Writ of Possession.

This is a general guide only and should not be considered legal advice. It’s also important to note that the resident can remain in the home until a Writ of Possession is issued and you are legally not allowed to change the locks or shut off utilities to force them out. Only a law enforcement officer can remove a tenant legally. 

A better way to rent out your home in Texas

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 through real estate, while also creating lasting, positive impact on innumerable lives for decades to come.

If you’re looking for stability in your rental experience, Belong has you covered. We’re making rental finances predictable by offering 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. 

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

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as legal or financial advice. Your local city is the best place to find information on local ordinances that apply to you and your rental property.


Rental evictions are up 42% in Houston, 25% in Fort Worth and 18% in Austin. Discover 3 ways Belong can protect your rental income in Texas and avoid the stats

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Georgia's new Safe at Home Act introduces rental home standards, changes to evictions and caps on security deposits. Learn how to comply when renting your home.

Georgia Has New Tenant-Landlord Laws in 2024: What Homeowners Need To Know

Until recently, Georgia was one of the only states in the US that did not enforce minimum standards for health and safety in rental homes. This created confusion and ambiguity around homeowner responsibilities to keep their homes well-maintained. That changed as of July 2024, with House Bill 404 now in effect. 

Known as the “Safe at Home Act”, HB404 brings in a few changes that rental homeowners should be aware of, including:

New livability and maintenance standards for rental homes

This will impact all future lease agreements and management responsibilities for rental homeowners in Georgia. In this article we’ll cover what you need to know about the new Safe At Home Act, and outline a straightforward path to compliance.

What are the new rental home standards for Georgia?

Keeping a rental home up to code and comfortable is now enforceable by law in Georgia. As a homeowner you have a responsibility to ensure your home is fit for occupancy by:

Ensuring all essential services and utilities are functioning including plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and cooling



Ensuring the home has access to hot and cold water



Keeping the home free from hazards including mold, leaks, and pest infestations



Conducting regular maintenance to minimize potential issues




Unlike some states, Georgia statutes don’t give your residents the right to withhold rent or deduct the cost of repairs from rent without authorization. But if you leave maintenance requests unanswered, they could take legal action against you under the new laws. 

The best way to abide by the Safe At Home Act is to make maintenance a priority. Budget for repairs and don’t delay on maintenance requests. If you’re a Belong homeowner, you won’t even need to think about this. You’ll have access to over 10,000 maintenance professionals at your fingertips, the option to spread the cost of repairs across your lease, and our support team will handle all resident inquiries 24/7. You can even subscribe to regular maintenance services for a hassle-free, hands-off experience. 

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

What are the changes to the eviction process in Georgia in 2024?

If rent has gone unpaid, residents now have a three-day grace period to fix the situation before an eviction can begin. You will need to give clear written notice before filing for an eviction, outlining the reasons why. 

The other 2024 update is on ‘self-help evictions’. Actions like changing the locks or shutting off utilities to make someone leave has always been illegal, but HB404 adds air conditiong/cooling to the list of things that you can not shut off to force an eviction.

Avoiding situations like this is what Belong does best. For starters, we guarantee rent for homeowners. That means you get paid reliably, even if rent falls behind. Belong gives residents the flexibility to pay on their own schedule and will take care of making sure they’re on time, without impacting your cash flow. 

If we ever need to start eviction proceedings against a resident we have chosen, we will handle that too. 

Belong-initiated evictions are covered with a safety net that protects homeowners against up to $15,000 in legal fees. This is as much as 5-10x what the average property management package is capped at. Most property managers charge extra for eviction protection, only to sneak restrictions in the fine print.

If someone refuses to leave and is living in your rental home illegally, Georgia homeowners now have increased protections thanks to another recent bill, the Georgia Squatter Reform Act. This new law will allow homeowners to get back possession of their homes quicker and punish squatters with fees and jail time. 

What are the new security deposit caps in Georgia?

The Safe At Home Act also includes new caps on how much you can charge for a security deposit. As of July 2024, all security deposits for rental homes in Georgia are limited to two times the monthly rent. 

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