Poet Sarah T. Jewell wrote a series of haikus for Belong to capture the range of emotions we feel when we have a sense of belonging and safety in a home.

The Poetry of Home: Unexpected Haikus from a Property Manager

Belong believes there are two kinds of domestic bliss: of course there’s the emotional relationship that develops between two people who live together and love each other.  At the same time, there’s the bond that develops between people and the home they live in.

It’s a beautiful thing, the way people respond when they’ve found a place to call home; it inspires a sense of comfort, of joy, even of romance.  A palette of emotions that is maybe best expressed poetically. 

Which is why Belong has commissioned award-winning poet Sarah T. Jewell to write a series of haikus that capture – in the prescribed 5-7-5 syllable count – the range of emotions we feel when we are safe at home. 

The editor-in-chief of Belong’s blog, marketing guru Adam Hanft, was so inspired by Sarah’s work that he was moved to write some haikus of his own.

Feel inspired to write a haiku of your own? Tweet us, or reach out on Facebook!

Property Management should mean a lot more than collecting the rent. It should wrap its arms around everything a homeowner could ever need. Feng Shui advice included.

A Short But Invaluable Guide to Feng Shui for Property Owners

We’ll start with a quick definition of feng shui, for those of you not familiar with the ancient practice. It’s a Chinese set of design principles based on arranging furniture in order to optimize harmony with nature. The two words communicate that origin: “feng” translates to “wind,” and “shui” to “water.”

By designing based on the system of laws represented by feng shui – whether it’s a living room or a skyscraper – you can improve the flow of energy, or the qi (pronounced “chee”), and improve the relationship between an individual and the environment.

As a landlord you might not think that the feng shui of your rental property is important.  Quite the opposite. Your home is an extension of you, so any Feng Shui problems will circle back to you (remember that this practice is all about the flow of energy, negative and positive.) 

Read some home-focused haikus written by poet, Sarah T. Jewell

For example, if the people occupying your house have financial problems, those issues will have an impact on you. Similarly, if positive vibes are flowing through the home, those will reach into your life as well. “Feng Shui your rental properties for good luck” this blog urges.

Now that we’ve made the argument, you’re probably wondering what you can do to up your Feng Shui game. Have no fear, we’ve got you covered with the basics, so you can create the positive energy you want in your homes and your life. (You’re all about positive energy yourself, we can feel it!)

First things first — your front door (after all, what’s more firstly than that?). Make sure it doesn’t creak or stick or rub. It should open beautifully, not just because it is the first impression you will make on a prospective resident, but because energy flows in through the same portal. Which means that all the Feng Shui areas of the home – Career, Wisdom, Family, Wealth, Fame, Love, Children, Helpful People, and Health – will benefit from a door that opens with ease and fluidity.

Our thoughts on how plants can bring positive energy to a home

The good news here is that if you have a front door problem, one of our network of over 10,000 contractors can remedy the situation for you. They can also address all of the other – umm – sticking points that stand between your home and positive Feng Shui. For example, painting is essential because a well-maintained home keeps energy flowing, and our homeowners have instant access to master painters.

There’s also an entire art to choosing the colors most suitable for positive qi. Each color stands for a different aspect of nature. For example, “mid-tone blues and teals represent the wood element (while) wood is connected to growth, vitality, and compassion.”  Red is the most powerful color in Feng Shui, and is used to protect – and also to clear – a home, and the energy of those who inhabit it. Browns and other similar tones introduce earth-related energy, which helps with grounding and stability.

Lighting also has a profound impact on Feng Shui. Here’s a great article with some illuminating tips.

We also need to point out that a bitter enemy of positive Feng Shui is junk. Clutter stops the qi from flowing; even a pile of toys can trap energy. To explain it all, we recommend the book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui: Free Yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever. Remember that Feng Shui existed millennia before Marie Kondo.

Of course, when it comes to arranging your furniture, Feng Shui continues to play an important role. Here are two YouTube videos about applying the principles to bedrooms and living rooms. They have over a million views between them, so take note!

We believe that this background information and the tips in the links we’ve provided will point you in the right Feng Shui direction. Indeed, once you see the world through the powerful and curative lens of this Chinese practice, you will probably want to make sure your primary house or apartment is aligned. Here are some tips for using Feng Shui to make your home office as productive and joyful as possible. We particularly like the idea of laying the bagua – the Feng Shui energy map – on your desk, and organizing it to optimize the eight areas of your life.  Make sure nothing is interrupting the flow of your wealth corner!

At Belong, our mission is to connect people who own much-loved houses with people who are ready to move in and love them back.  Making sure your house has been organized according to the principles of Feng Shui is a valuable way to demonstrate – and share – that love.

Find the brilliant solution to the contractor shortage that every landlord needs for their rental property maintenance, renovations and repairs.

4 Reasons Landlords Can't Get Contractors (And 1 Brilliant Solution)

You can join the fight with other landlords to find a talented, skilled contractor for your rental home renovation – or turn to the property manager who has just the team you’re looking for.

If you haven’t noticed, America is in the midst of a contractor shortage. CNN – based on data from Associated Builders and Contractors – reports that we need 430,000 contractors right now,  and more than a million more over the next two years.   

If you’re a homeowner who needs to initiate some repairs or renovations on your rental property before you put it on the market – be they minor and cosmetic or more significant – you’ll immediately recognize the extent of the problem. 

This is why Belong has a 10,000+ strong team of vetted professionals in our extensive vendor network. Homeowners on the Belong network get access to these qualified tradespeople at the touch of a button. Simply log a request with your 24/7 Concierge team and we'll handle the rest. 

Not convinced? Here's four reasons why landlords are struggling to find contractors. 

Reasons Landlords Struggle to Find Contractors #1:  The Housing and Renovation Boom

CNN describes the macro environment perfectly, writing, “New home construction and improvements are surging, thanks to the lack of inventory in a red-hot housing market and more people working from home.”

It makes sense that if talented, reliable contractors can get hired for predictable, long-term work in the new-housing market, they won’t be very interested in taking on episodic rental renovations.

Also, consider how much time they waste on following up and bidding on leads from places like Home Advisor and Angi. No wonder they would prefer to skip this market completely, making it incredibly challenging for homeowners to get renovation help.

Reasons Landlords Struggle to Find Contractors #2: Older Rental Houses Need More Work

The median age of a house in California is 45 years. In Los Angeles, it is 57. Homes of this vintage need work, especially when they are entering the rental market after being lived in for a long time by homeowners who were perfectly happy to have a drippy faucet in their bathroom. Belong sees this phenomenon all the time.

The result: even more demands on the limited number of contractors available.

Reasons Landlords Struggle to Find Contractors #3: People are quitting right and left

You may have heard of the “Great Resignation" that has taken place over the past few years. As National Public Radio reports, “millions of workers are saying ‘I quit.’” There are converging reasons for this, including what Paul Krugman recently wrote in the New York Times: “What seems to be happening ... is that the pandemic led many U.S. workers to rethink their lives…”

This is understandable. People want to live more mindfully and derive meaningful satisfaction from their work. That’s why Belong strives to create working environments for their professional partners that honor a job well done. 

Reasons Landlords Struggle to Find Contractors #4: Licensing Requirements are Stiff

It's not easy to become a plumber, or an electrician, or a drywall installer. For example, “To get a C-9 Drywall Contractors License in California, you must prove a minimum of 4 years journeyman level experience. And pass a two-part state exam with the Contractor State License Board.” That's a lot of experience, which means this contractor shortage will be with us for some time, even if a flood of new recruits signed on to learn a trade. 

Belong has the contractors every landlord needs

Whether you’re self-managing a rental home or having your home loved by Belong, we make maintenance and repairs one less thing to think about. 

Bottom line: If you’ve got the house, Belong has the contractors. From leaky faucets to home renovations, we can put you in touch with the right people that can optimize your home for returns on the rental market. 

It's one of the many ways that 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 how our services are helping people to ditch property management in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami and many more.

Property Management has been stuck in the past, find out how Belong are breaking the mold by combining new tech with a human approach to renting out your home.

Looking for a Property Manager? Disruption Has Arrived

Technology is changing many old-fashioned, stuck-in-the-past industries; up until now, property management hasn’t been one of them. But things are moving forward, and fast! Read on to discover how one property management company refuses to take yesterday for an answer.  

When an industry is transformed dramatically – and shakes the status quo – it changes everything. Sometimes though it takes a while to fully accept how profound that change is. But once you accept it, you can’t go back.

For example, think of how different the world was before Uber or Spotify or DoorDash. Now, we can’t imagine what life would be like without them. These are technologies that suddenly made the previous ways of doing things obsolete.

The same holds in the world of property management. If you’re a homeowner – and aren’t following the disruptions in the category – it’s like you’re living in a world where you can’t book a car from your phone, or stream a virtually unlimited music library, or get food delivered from your favorite restaurants.

One major disruptive player in property management is Belong. Like the other examples of change agents, they’ve brought the power of sophisticated, consumer-friendly technology to a tired and under-innovated category. They have created a beautiful product experience. But, unlike Uber and its ilk, Belong doesn’t rely on technology exclusively. They also bring a level of passionate personal attention to the industry. 

To anyone who ever dealt with a conventional property manager and their many failings, the difference between that unfortunate experience, and what Belong delivers, is instantly obvious. 

To start with, Belong is focused entirely on finding people who will love your home as much as you do. That’s core to their DNA, and it’s why the homeowners they represent are usually not investors, but people who are looking to generate income from a family home, or a home they inherited.

To reinforce that personal connection, Belong never calls you a landlord. You’re a homeowner. And the people you are renting to are residents, not tenants. In fact, Belong believes in their tenants to the extent that they are willing to guarantee the rent. No matter what. 

That’s one level of disruption. But Belong has also taken what was a clumsy, manual process and turned all the steps and paperwork into a joyful digital experience. What can be done electronically, is done electronically. What must be done in person – like moving, like repairs and renovations – is managed through a combination of a dedicated 24/7 concierge, a vetted network of over 10,000 contractors, and a digital platform.  

You own a home.
We have someone to ❤️  it.

As a further example of Belong’s sophistication, they developed a sophisticated Market Price Optimizer. While old-school property managers just check listings and make a “guesstimate,” Belong’s algorithm takes into account multiple variables to deliver an accurate price that neither leaves money on the table, nor prices the home above the market.

It has been said that you don’t appreciate how broken things are, and how much they need to be fixed, until someone comes along and does it.   If you own a rental home, you may be so used to the broken experience that you’ve stopped thinking about it.  Like the expression goes, “A fish doesn’t know the water.”

But when homeowners move to Belong, and their eyes are opened, they will realize just how much they had to put up with before.  And that they never have to deal with it again, because disruption has arrived.

From pricing fluctuations to discrimination laws, we dig into three reasons why property management is more complicated when the landscape is changing fast.

3 Reasons Property Management Has Never Been More Complicated

The right firm really matters when the landscape is changing fast.

For a long time, the essential tasks of a property manager have remained essentially unchanged. They find tenants, collect the rent, maintain the property, and take the burdens of home ownership off the homeowner.

BUT the truth is that most property managers have never been adequate to the task, even before the world became more complicated. They haven’t brought in digital technology and they don’t provide attentive, “concierge-style” service. Simply put they don’t care enough.

When you add in the recent changes wrought by Covid-19, that put even more pressure on a property manager, you’ll see why a new breed of property manager – like Belong – is a necessity.

The risk of discrimination complicates property management.

Did you know that according to the U.S. Fair Housing Act – which governs how tenants must be treated – you can’t ask one tenant to pay a larger security deposit than another, even if it is for a non-discriminator reason?

It’s also true that you can’t ask a rental applicant if they have any kids – even casually.  Nor can you describe a property as “family friendly” in an ad, because it opens itself to the interpretation that the homeowner prefers families as tenants.

And these are just the federal standards; there are also local regulations that must be followed.  Here are some examples of where San Francisco has its own standards above and beyond the U.S. Fair Housing Act. 

It’s difficult for any individual to keep track of these requirements, and there’s no reason to put yourself in a high-risk situation when the right property manager, like Belong, has systems and protocols in place that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

With the renovation boom, it’s almost impossible to find great contractors.

You’ve no doubt been reading about how supply chain interruptions have made it harder than ever to get the material you need for renovations. A lack of available, competent contractors has only compounded the challenges.  BiggerPockets – a blog with a mission to help people who invest in real estate, put it like this:

"A few weeks ago you call six different contractors to take a look at a small repair job on your home. Every single one went to voicemail. Okay, understandable. You figure they’re busy working and leave a message. In total, four of them call back, and you schedule an appointment with each of them to get an estimate. Of the four appointments, two of them never showed up. Wondering how to find a contractor (who doesn’t suck)? You’re not alone."

As an owner of one or two properties, you simply don’t have the time or the clout to hire on talented and reliable contractors. At the same time, you know making your hope as perfect as possible will help you get the best possible resident at the highest rent.

Ask Belong. With access to a concierge service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we can give personalized advice whenever you need it. Including connecting you to an extensive vendor network of over 10,000 contractors. If you've got a job to do or repair to make, we know who can help. 

With rentals surging in value, it’s hard to know what to charge.

“Rent is about to go up again” declares CNBC’s newsletter, “Make It.”  With this shortage of supply, it’s challenging for homeowners to figure out where to price their homes.  If they’re overly optimistic, they risk overpricing it, wasting time showing it, and having to deal with an extended vacancy.

On the other hand, if you price your home too low, you’re leaving money on the table.  So how do you find the sweet spot, the Goldilocks price, that is “Just right?”  It calls for some sophisticated technology, which is what the folks at Belong have come up with.

They’ve created a pricing optimization model that takes everything into account:  the neighborhood; your individual house and its pros and cons; and what recent rentals deals have brought.

Everyone who signs up with Belong has access to this.  What’s more, Belong handles all the appointments and showings.

In a fast-changing world, which has risks and opportunities, you can’t afford to be stuck in the old way of managing property.  It’s getting trickier and more stressful to do it yourself, which is why a modern property manager like Belong may be just what these times call for.

Here are the 12 steps you need to rent your home on your own. Or just take one step and call Belong.

So You Really Want to Go It Alone? 12 Steps to Renting your Home

There are lots of ways that people who own houses can turn to rent them as a smart economic strategy. Some have to move fast and don’t want to be forced to sell the first available buyer. Others inherited a home. And still others bought a home with an investment opportunity in mind.  

No matter the journey you’re on, renting a home on your own means you need to be aware of - and plan for - a host of legal and financial responsibilities.  These take careful planning and preparation; in fact, there are responsibilities you’re probably not even aware of.

None of this is simple. This is precisely why we created Belong - to take on the heaving lifting for you.  And to arrive at the end of the day with the most important outcome of all: to find someone who will love your house as much as you do.

Based on deep understanding and years of experience, here are the 12 essential steps that everyone needs to follow before renting a home.  If these don’t convince you to turn to Belong as your partner in being a successful homeowner, all we can say is that we wish you luck! And we’re always here if you need us.

Start with an honest level-setting conversation with yourself and your family.  While we’re all looking to “monetize” our real estate in some way - and you can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars - it doesn’t make sense in all case. So ask yourself these questions to determine if renting is the best way for you to proceed:

Are you sure you won’t need the house for yourself, or for family, in the next few years?  While you can rent for the short-term, the best rental relationship is long-term - where you give someone a chance to truly “Belong” to the house.

What’s the condition of your home? Often when you live in a home for a while, it’s hard to look at it objectively to determine how “rentable” it is, and what kind of repairs and upgrades will need to be made.

Is the rental market strong in your area? Search sites like Trulia and Zillow to get an idea of what the market conditions are.

If you don’t need your place for a while - and if the property is in good shape (or you have the cash to get it there) - and the market is promising, renting may be a great option!

At the end of the day, renting is an economic calculation. First, set your goals: do you want to break even, make a profit, or are you willing to take a loss in order to gain tax advantages of renting?  And speaking of taxes, you should talk to your accountant about the tax implications of renting before making any final decision.

Next, you need to put together a basic cost-revenue analysis model. The revenue is your rent income - but make sure you build in a reasonable projected vacancy time. The costs include everything from normal maintenance to unexpected items like a leaky roof or a broken furnace.  

Property management costs should be included if you choose to go that route. We’ll get into more detail about what property management includes later on. Speaking as Belong - not your run-of-the-mill property management company - we believe that the value and efficiency we bring more than offsets the fee.

There are a number of online calculators that can help with this analysis. Calculator.net and Zillow’s calculator are two we’d recommend. And again, we advise you to speak to your accountant.

Make sure you include the costs required to upgrade your property to market-level conditions (more on that in the next section).

Of course your property must be up to code. But that’s not enough. A well-maintained home attracts residents who will respect it and care for it. We recommend that you spend time on sites like Trulia to gain insight into “comparables” in your neighborhood. 

If upgrades beyond painting and freshening are required, you’ll need to hire a trustworthy contractor who can deliver within the agreed-upon time period.  Here are some of the best tips we’ve found for finding one. 

In general, don’t impose your taste. Aim for something as broadly popular as possible. If your home ends up looking like it’s straight out of Crate & Barrel or West Elm, that’s a good thing.

Your ability to market your home can not only mean the difference between a profitable investment and a loss-making one, but it can actually attract better residents, those who will love a home as much as you do.

If you make the call to go with Belong, you can be confident that you are working with a team that understands local market conditions, that has the talent to present your house in the best light, that understands the power of virtual tours and brilliant photography, and that has technology that makes scheduling appointments easy and frictionless.

If you decide to market your home on your own, it’s more complicated and time-consuming than you might think. Here are some links to websites and other content to help you with DIY home marketing. 

It’s time to market your home. The quality and number of photos in the listing will impact the interest in your rental. You’ll especially want quality photos if you are competing in the high-end market. 

Potential tenants commonly use sites like Craigslist, Redfin, and Facebook Marketplace to find available listings. Posting to a variety of websites and having “for rent” signs directing local traffic to your rental property will help maximize applications. 

All applicants should be required to give basic information like the names and birthdates of everyone who will live on the property, the social security numbers of the applicants for credit checks, thorough job history, and references (especially from past landlords). There may be more information you’d like to have on file, like an emergency contact, so do some research to make sure the information you collect is both complete and legal to store. Review applications on a first-come-first-serve basis to avoid any appearance of discrimination.

Sorting through applicants is perhaps one of the most stressful steps for a new landlord. How do you know if someone is a good tenant? Will they be clean, respectful, and on time with monthly rent payments?

A few tips to screen your applicants are:

Require an application fee to cover credit and background checks, which will encourage serious applicants only. 

Perform a background and credit check, and call past landlords.  

Check their income history. Since the era of the long-term job is behind us - with the rise of freelancers, consultants, and small business owners - income stability is the most important criterion.

Once you piece together their rental, credit, and job history, you should have a good idea of how they will act in your home.

You will need an insurance provider who understands the best way to protect your investment while keeping costs to a minimum.  One way to do that is to have a high deductible plan, which usually comes with lower monthly premiums.

If you don’t have a good broker, there’s no substitute for word-of-mouth in finding one. We suggest you ask friends and neighbors. Googling is not a good idea - a broker’s ability to come up high in search ratings doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any good.

You should require tenants to have renter’s insurance to cover them from loss of property from theft, flood, fire, and other problems, as well as protect you from being sued in such events. This requirement needs to go into the lease.

So we have our terms straight, the role of a “property manager” includes all of this and more:  

You need to decide if you are going to take on these responsibilities or if you would rather hire a property management company.

Property management companies bill in either flat rates or rent percentages. These fees can be difficult to predict and landlords are sometimes surprised by charges. It also can be hard to leave a long-term contract with an unsatisfactory property management company, so research and interview a few companies before deciding, and think about involving your lawyer. 

We created Belong because we believed that the world of property management was broken and ready for innovation. We deliver a complete, hands-on solution that combines technology with a human touch.

12 Steps to Renting your Home in 2021

Traditional depictions of landlords have always been negative. So as attitudes towards renting shift and become more positive, how can we support homeowners who take a caring approach to renting their home?

How Can We Change The Perception of Landlords?

Traditional depictions of landlords have always been negative. But at the end of the day, most landlords are homeowners who care about their property and who rents it. 

As attitudes towards renting shift and become more positive, how can we support homeowners who take a caring approach to renting their home?

Words matter, and “landlord” has never been a pretty one. It summons up images of greedy, faceless real estate companies who don’t really care about the property itself, or the people who live there. But is that the reality of a modern landlord?

When you look at the numbers, the vast majority of single-family rental properties – a total of 72.5 percent – are owned by individuals. And they own just 1.72 properties on average. This means most landlords are simply homeowners who are supporting families or own a space that just isn't right for their current needs. Many have inherited a house and aren't prepared to sell it yet. Or they might be in the process of downsizing or moving for work, but aren’t yet ready to part with their homes. They may even expect to move back in the future. 

Another reason for holding on and renting is that they may live in an area where housing prices are rapidly appreciating, and they don’t want to give up on that opportunity to participate in that. We’re seeing that right now, as housing prices are going up at over 10 percent annually; combine that with the shortage that exists, and not selling at this moment could be a wise economic choice. 

That doesn't sound particularly evil, so how do we change the perception of the modern landlord? 

By treating them as what they are: homeowners. It's why Belong prefers that term over 'landlord'. It acknowledges that many owners have an emotional relationship to the houses they rent, and want to go to bed at night knowing that the individual – or family – living there loves the place.

They aren’t professional investors who understand the ins and outs of real estate law, and most of them aren’t interested in taking on the responsibilities of maintaining the property. Along with the word landlord, Belong has ditched the hassles and hidden fees of traditional property management to offer an entirely new experience. One that makes everything transparent and friction-free, from listing and finding residents, to the upkeep of the property. We treat everyone in our community (both homeowners and residents) as members of community, available 24/7 to support whomever needs it. That's how you change perception from faceless greed to responsible homeowners in the rental market. 

So you can use words like “innovative” and “impeccable” and “finally!” to describe Belong – or any other laudatory adjectives you want to add to the heap. Just not "another property management company". 

Traditional depictions of landlords are not pretty, but as attitudes towards renting shift to become more positive, it's time to reposition homeowners.

Of course, you want to keep your property safe. But are you opening yourself up to legal liabilities when you use security cameras to accomplish that goal?

What Every Property Manager Should Know About Security Cameras

Installing security cameras in a house or apartment you’re self-managing might seem like a no-brainer. Especially today, when they are so affordable and easy to install. After all, the urge to protect the property and the people residing in it is a universal trait, shared by landlords and renters alike. But beware: there are huge legal implications when it comes to installing security cameras on your property.

When a resident is behind a closed door, they have a reasonable expectation that they’re in a private, safe space. In fact, in that kind of circumstance, they legally have a right to privacy. Anything you do that intrudes on that right — including setting up a security camera — is against the law. 

In fact, it’s one of the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights: According to many legal scholars, the Third Amendment, which explicitly prevents soldiers from taking up residence in a civilian’s home, implicitly “suggests the individual’s right of domestic privacy” — this according to the National Constitution Center. The Fourth Amendment is even more explicit, guaranteeing “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.”  Though these Amendments were initially drafted as a check on governmental intrusion into the private lives of its citizenry, it also applies to civil matters.

This doesn’t mean you can’t install a security camera altogether: it just means you have to be very careful that you aren’t videoing your residents while they’re inside the house — or the apartment — itself. If you own a building with multiple units in it, you might be allowed to install security cameras in shared spaces, for example in hallways or stairwells or entryways that any resident can access. But we advise you to check with an attorney well-versed in the federal and state laws that might be applicable.

You can probably also install cameras that look out onto areas of the property that are visible to the public in general — the front yard, for example, or the driveway. But installing a camera in the backyard, where residents could reasonably assume they are out of view of the public eye, is illegal.

They can be, if you’re hyper-careful when installing them. Doorbell cameras, for example, are a great way of protecting your property, your residents, and yourself: because they look out onto public-facing land (i.e., the front yard), they keep you safe from violating your tenant’s right to privacy by filming indoors. Just be sure to purchase a product that allows you to turn off any audio recording functionality (Ring cams, for example). 

There are other solutions that can provide an extra layer of security that are definitely worth considering, in particular wireless alarm systems. Unlike their wired forefathers — the kind of alarm systems your parents might have had — these new systems are much cheaper to install, because you don’t need a professional to be laying wires all over the house.  In fact, many of them can be self-installed. Also, like Ring doorbell cams, they are often smart systems that communicate directly to the homeowner’s cellphone, so you’re constantly aware of what’s going on with your property. Some of our favorites can be purchased through these links.

You can also install motion-sensitive security lights; the simple shock of the light suddenly turning on is enough to scare off many an intruder. Another cheap option: non-functional cameras installed in places where potential intruders will see them. The mere threat of being recorded might be enough to turn the thieves away.

No matter what type of security system you end up installing, we recommend being fully transparent with any current and future resident about their security – and the security of the home in general. Conversations like these can communicate to your residents that you care about their safety and security — and, more broadly, about them as people — which makes it that much more likely they’ll reciprocate and treat you and your property with the utmost respect. 

Finally, we recommend consulting with a local lawyer who fully understands the nuances of applicable state laws. Though (as stated above) many of the laws we’re talking about here are Federal, there is often local legislation that has a bearing on the legality of using security cameras. That’s why talking to a good lawyer is the best way to mitigate (or eliminate) any potential risk.

Interested in learning more? Check out The Dos and Don’ts of Home Security in a Rental Property.

Love letters might seem like a cute trend in the real estate industry, but homeowners beware when opening one that you're not opening a can of worms with it.

A Warning on Real Estate “Love Letters”

The housing market is tight. So much so that you may have been reading about a new twist: people who are looking for houses are sending “love letters” to sellers, telling them why they are the ideal people to buy the house. 

These letters are definitely not as innocuous – or potentially charming – as they might seem, as the Wall Street Journal pointed out in a well-written story.

While this phenomenon is not as widespread in rentals as it is in purchase situations, the same risks apply.   The risk, simply put, is that acting on one of these endearing letters could result in major trouble, putting a homeowner at risk of “enabling discrimination”  -- whether the contemplated transaction is buying or renting.

The story noted the case of a letter from an anxious buyer who noted that he and the seller went to the same college.   That seemingly innocent statement could result in a seller being accused of violating  “the federal Fair Housing Act by choosing a buyer based on a protected class, such as race, religion, or nationality. The law includes seven protected classes, and some states and localities have additional protected categories.”

A blog post from the Sloan Law Firm, cheekily titled “Real Estate Love Letters: A Heartfelt Enticement or a Forbidden Affair,” lays out the dos and don’ts.  It’s fine if a letter “expresses admiration for a particular architectural style,” but when a letter “includes a family photo, references to the number of children in a family, or a note that the property is close to the buyer’s church, it unwittingly inserts information into the transaction that a seller is not legally permitted to consider and possibly exposes the seller to allegations of discrimination if the sellers opt not to sell to that buyer.”

Even statements in a letter like “This dining room is perfect for our big family,” or “This layout is perfect for our daughter’s wheelchair,” cannot be legally considered.

The National Association of Realtors has also warned against this technique.

So if you’re renting out your home, be super-cautious about even reading a love letter.  Instead, if you want to find someone who will love your home we’d like to introduce you to Belong.

Belong is turning everything about traditional property management upside down. 

We’ll find you the right residents, those ready to love your house and make a life there,  and also tell you exactly how much to price your house.  We have a super-smart Price Optimization technology that understands neighborhood uniqueness. And of course, we manage the whole process for you. 

In the long run, you’ll be the one writing a love letter — to Belong.

Disclaimer: This piece is not intended to provide legal advice of any kind and we advise you to consult your attorney before making any decisions with regard to any issues described or raised herein.  

How do I rent out a property as a landlord, but live far away? Do I need a property manager or can I manage myself? We answer FAQs on owning interstate rentals

Long-Distance Landlord: How To Manage a Rental Home From Afar

Whether you had to move for work or picked up a steal of a property in another city, it’s not uncommon to live far away from a home you rent out. Even more so in 2024. With many homeowners holding onto interest rates too good to give up, renting out a home is often a better option when opportunity knocks in another city. 

This is why we get asked so often, “How do I rent out a property when I live far away?” 

Particularly if you’re considering the DIY self-management route, there’s a lot to consider before taking on the challenge from another state. It’s not impossible, but here are six questions to consider first. 

6 questions to consider before self-managing a rental home out-of-state

1. How often can I travel to my rental home? 


When preparing your home for the rental market, you will need to get it move-in ready. You’ll need to arrange a deep clean, attend to repairs and have professional photographs and video taken for your online listing. These are not remote tasks. Someone will need to be at the home to let in contractors, cleaners, and a real estate photographer.

If you travel to your rental home, be sure to keep accurate records of everything from your trip. You may be eligible to claim some costs such as airfares, hire car and petrol, even hotel accommodation as a tax expense for managing your rental home. 

If travel is too far or just not a viable option, is there someone you trust close by that you could enlist for help? This is where having a property manager or modern alternative like Belong can make the process much smoother, taking care of all preparations and listings on your behalf. If you do hire someone to manage the process, you can claim these fees at tax time too. 

Discover Belong: The best alternative to Property Management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, and many more cities across California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Washington State.     


When you live far away from your rental home, how you collect rent is another consideration. Checks and cash are out of the question! Thankfully, paying rent online is commonplace these days — not to mention safer. 

But before you choose an online platform, be aware that using popular peer-to-peer online payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App can leave you open to disputes and rent payment fraud. While simple and user-friendly, they are not designed for landlords or rent collection. 

There’s also the issue of late payments. Do you have the time and resources to follow up and stay on top of unpaid rent bills from out of state? Aside from the time, effort and stress, the reality is that mortgage and expenses don’t stop adding up when the rent goes unpaid.

This is why guaranteed rent is Belong’s most popular product. It’s proven and beloved by over 2,000 Belong homeowners, who receive their rental income like clockwork (no matter when the residents pay).

Read More: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

3. Who will manage home tours and inspections?


Property management is not a set-and-forget kind of job. Aside from the initial tours to lease the home, inspections can help to monitor wear and tear or damage. It’s also an opportunity to connect with your residents to make sure they’re happy and are sticking to the conditions of the lease agreement.

You could opt for video inspections if you have established a good relationship with your tenant. But if this is a new lease or you ask residents to show you around virtually, you could miss important clues to damage or repair needs on the property. 

This is another reason why many long-distance rental owners prefer to hire someone to manage the home for them. If you still want to DIY, you’ll need to enlist some local help for the role of on-site inspections. This could be a trusted friend, an employee, or a service such as Inspectify, who can arrange an inspection report on-site. 

4. How easily can I access good local contractors? 


If there’s a maintenance or repair issue in your rental home, how soon can you respond from afar? It’s an important question for out-of-state landlords, because how you resolve issues is a reflection of your professionalism and can avoid minor issues from turning into costly headaches. 

If you’re fielding maintenance requests from out of state, you will need to have fast access to good local contractors close to your rental home. This is easier said than done, with the US experiencing a major labor shortage in most trades that homeowners need. With so much work to go around, contractors are often drawn to large jobs that pay the most. This can leave rental homeowners waiting months for repairs and maintenance. 

If you don’t have good local knowledge or access to contractors, Belong can help. Our expert team will handle all resident communication and have an extensive vendor network of over 10,000 contractors for fast maintenance and repairs.

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

5. Are local laws different from my home state?


Tenant-landlord legislation varies between states and counties. If you live in Austin, but rent out a home in Seattle, you’ll need to be up to speed with the laws that govern both the state of Washington and the local cities of Seattle. Not doing your homework could land you in hot water if you get it wrong. 

For example, the City of Seattle has unique eviction laws that prevent families from being displaced during a school year. They also have a first-in-time ordinance that you must rent your home to the first qualified applicant. 

This is just one of many varied examples. If you own a rental home in San Diego, you may be responsible for noise complaints against your residents, even while you sleep hundreds of miles away. 

Your options? Get comfortable with local laws or hire a professional to avoid navigating a confusing legal system alone and from afar. 


Have you done the math on renting out your home? If you’re looking to achieve passive income through real estate, the numbers and time commitments need to make sense. 

Consider the time you have available, travel costs, and the expense of on-site help when needed. Once you’ve considered the personal costs vs outsourcing costs, you can decide if you’ll really be saving enough by going it alone. 

If you choose to partner with Belong to look after your out-of-state rental home, you won’t have to lift a finger. Enjoy guaranteed rent and innovative financial solutions to keep you cash flow positive, the security of home insurance and expert maintenance, plus 24/7 support for you and your residents. 

What’s the difference between property management services and what Belong does? Get the down-low on property management vs Belong PRO in this article. 

Manage a long-distance rental on your own terms


Belong is simplifying the rental experience across the US and helping homeowners reach their financial goals on their own terms. See why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Tampa, Orlando, Salt Lake City 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, 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. This article is not intended as financial advice.

Belong is welcoming 18 new cities across Florida, California, Washington, Utah, Texas, Georgia, North and South Carolina.

Belong Expands to 18 New Markets, Giving More Americans a Place to Belong

Belong is expanding to fix the rental experience for homeowners and residents in Florida, California, Washington, Utah, Texas, Georgia, North and South Carolina

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