Welcome To The Playroom

We've named our blog after the most joyful room in the house, because that's the feeling which best describes living in a Belong home. We'll be sharing tips, trends and stories from our community that capture the many ways in which we're making long-term renting a new way of life. One where all people Belong.

All Articles

How Much Does Cleaning Cost in Dallas / Fort Worth? (2026 Data)

How Much Does Cleaning Cost in Dallas / Fort Worth? (2026 Data)

Average house cleaning in Dallas / Fort Worth runs $140 to $300 per visit ([Source: HomeGuide, 2026](https://homeguide.com/costs/house-cleaning-prices)). · Deep cleaning nationally ranges $200 to $400 ([Source: Angi, 2026](https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-house-cleaning-cost.htm)). · Belong's internal job data shows cleaning costs in Dallas / Fort Worth shifted +22% over the last 90 days across 22 Belong-managed jobs. · Dallas / Fort Worth median home value is $366,743 and typical ren

Belong

Finance and Investments

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

Boston Housing Market Trends: What the 22% Inventory Surge Means for Homeowners

Boston Housing Market Trends: What the 22% Inventory Surge Means for H...

Belong

Finance and Investments

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

What is the best software to manage multiple properties?

What is the best software to manage multiple properties?

Buildium and DoorLoop** are the best software for managing 2-10 Homes, starting at $49-50/month for up to 20 units ([Buildium pricing](https://www.buildium.com/pricing/), [DoorLoop pricing](https://www.doorloop.com/pricing)). · AppFolio** wins for 10+ Homes, with pricing starting at $1.40/unit/month and a $280 minimum ([AppFolio](https://www.appfolio.com/)). · TurboTenant and Baselane** offer free plans for owners of 1-4 Homes who want basic rent collection and screening ([TurboTenant pricing](h

Property Management

Real Estate

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

Should I Handle Repairs Myself or Hire a Professional?

Should I Handle Repairs Myself or Hire a Professional?

Handle cosmetic work yourself (painting, caulking, hardware swaps, minor drywall patching). Hire licensed pros for anything touching electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas, or structural systems. · Licensed contractor rates typically run $50 to $150 per hour, and emergency or after-hours calls run 2 to 3 times that ([Source: Nationwide, 2024](https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/diy-vs-hiring-a-pro)). · Homeowners who rent out a Home and DIY repairs on permitted systems risk insurance

Property Management

Maintenance

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

What Should I Do If a Tenant Stops Paying Rent?

What Should I Do If a Tenant Stops Paying Rent?

Property Management

Maintenance

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

Is Belong Premium Pricing Worth It? Fees, Guarantees, and How It Compares to the Industry

Is Belong Premium Pricing Worth It? Fees, Guarantees, and How It Compa...

Belong Premium charges 8% of collected rent (minimum $279/month) and a 60% placement fee (minimum $1,850). The national average monthly management fee for full-service property management is 8.49% ([Source: iProperty Management, 2025](https://ipropertymanagement.com/research/average-property-management-fees)). · Premium includes an **unlimited rent guarantee** for the duration of the lease and **$15,000** of eviction protection. Belong Standard caps both at $9,000 combined. Most traditional prop

Belong

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

How fast are homes leasing in Atlanta? 2026 rental market data

How fast are homes leasing in Atlanta? 2026 rental market data

Belong

Finance and Investments

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

Does Belong Offer Financial Transparency for Homeowners?

Does Belong Offer Financial Transparency for Homeowners?

Belong lists "Transparent Communication" as 1 of 4 core guarantees, alongside Guaranteed Rent, Fully Vetted Residents, and Proactive Maintenance ([Source: Trustpilot, 2025](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/belonghome.com)). · The Belong owner app deposits Guaranteed Rent automatically, lets Members track earnings over time, and pushes real-time updates on maintenance work and listing status ([Source: Apple App Store, 2025](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/belong/id1607471774)). · Belong holds a 4-

Belong

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026

What are the steps to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent?

What are the steps to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent?

Eviction for non-payment is a five-step legal process: serve a written pay-or-quit notice (3 to 14 days depending on state), wait out the notice period, file an unlawful detainer lawsuit, obtain a court judgment, and have the sheriff execute a writ of possession. · Notice periods vary sharply by state: California requires 3 days, Texas requires 3 days, Massachusetts requires 14 days, and Washington requires 14 days for non-payment [Source: [Nolo state-by-state guide](https://www.nolo.com/legal-e

Property Management

Maintenance

Written By Sparsh Mehta

Last Updated Jul 29, 2026