Most landlords can deduct fees paid to a property manager or Belong as a rental expense on yearly tax returns. Learn more about what does and doesn't qualify.

Are Property Management Fees Tax Deductible?

Rental homeowners are considered business owners, and that has unique implications at tax time. When Uncle Sam comes knocking, it can be confusing to try and understand what is considered taxable income. Are property management fees tax deductible? What about Belong’s fees? 

In the United States, you can generally deduct the fees you pay to a property manager as a rental expense on your tax return. However, you can only claim the deduction if you are actively involved in the rental property and receiving rental income. If you are not actively involved in the rental and are not receiving rental income, the fees may not be deductible.

If your home is rented for less than 14 days in a year or you have used the home personally for 10% of the total days in which the home was rented, your home will be considered a personal residence and you won’t be able to deduct any rental losses. Some tax deductions still apply under the 10% rule, but to a limited extent. This generally applies to homes that are used as short-term rentals for only part of the year. 

What does it mean to be ‘actively involved’ in the rental property, for tax purposes?

To be considered "actively involved" in a rental property, you must regularly participate in the management and operation of the rental property. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may be considered actively involved in a rental property if you:

Regularly communicate with the property manager about the rental

Make decisions about repairs, maintenance, and other property management issues

Review and approve financial statements and reports related to the rental property

Attend meetings with the property manager or tenants

Perform other tasks related to the management of the rental property

It is important to note that the IRS has specific guidelines on what qualifies as active participation in a rental property. You should consult with a tax professional or refer to the IRS guidelines for more information about the requirements for active participation in a rental property.

Read More: 2023 Tax Rates on Rental Income: What You Need to Know

Do Belong fees qualify as tax deductions?

In short, yes. Belong’s fees are considered rental expenses, and Belong homeowners remain actively involved in the management of their home while working with Belong. Homeowners will actively communicate with their local Belong team about repairs, maintenance, and decisions about the property, and homeowners earn income from the properties as well. 

Always consult with a tax professional about your specific situation, but in general, Belong fees should be tax deductible in the US. 

Which property management tax deductions can I claim, if I qualify?

Because your long-term rental qualifies as a business, there are dozens of expenses you can reasonably deduct from your taxable income. It is important to note that these deductions may have certain limitations or requirements, and you should always consult with a tax professional before filing. Some expenses you should be able to deduct include:

The fees you pay to a property manager (or Belong) for managing your rental property.

The cost of repairs and maintenance that are necessary to keep your rental property in good condition. This includes things like painting, fixing a leaky roof, or replacing a broken window.

The cost of insurance on your rental property, such as liability insurance or property insurance.

Read More: Tax Strategies for Rental Investors: 5 Ways To Make A Home Less Taxing

What documentation do I need in order to deduct property management expenses from my taxes? 

If you are audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may be required to provide documentation to support your deductions. 

This is why it is always a good idea to keep good records of all expenses related to your rental property, including property management fees, as you may need to provide documentation to support your deductions when you file your tax return. In addition to receipts or invoices for the fees, you should also keep records of any other expenses related to the property, such as repairs, maintenance, utilities, and insurance.

How does Belong help homeowners during tax season?

Belong is a worry-free alternative to traditional property management, and that includes taking care of owners during tax season. Belong homeowners never have to scramble to locate documents or tally up expenses at the end of the year; instead they can download everything they need from one convenient online portal. 

Belong provides homeowners with end-of-the-year earnings statements that detail all of the payable and receivable transactions in an earnings statement format. Homeowners can also access their 1099 documents via their online account. They also receive personalized concierge assistance with locating documents needed for tax purposes or answering questions about expenses or fees. 

Find out if your rental home qualifies at belonghome.com/homeowners. 

Single-family rentals are great investments, but is owning a rental property worth it? See the pros and cons of owning a rental home and becoming a landlord.

Is Owning a Rental Property Worth it? The Pros and Cons

Is owning a rental property worth it in 2024? It’s no secret that single-family homes represent a great investment opportunity. It’s why major corporations have concentrated on owning the housing supply, snapping up homes like crazy for years. 

It's also why Belong wants to see homes back in the hands of individuals. It’s time to level the playing field and give more people access to homes and the opportunity to build long-term wealth. It’s why we’re making renting lovable, helping more people to reach their financial goals on the rental market. 

But is owning a rental home worth it for you in 2024? This will depend on your personal circumstances, but to help you decide, this article will dig into the pros and cons of becoming a landlord. We’ll also take a look at how you can avoid or reduce some of the risks involved. 

There are many financial and tax benefits to owning a rental property, particularly if you lock in reliable long-term residents who can care for the home while it appreciates and generates equity and passive income.



Renting out a home can be a great financial opportunity for many homeowners, not just real estate investors. This is particularly true if you have inherited a home or have locked in a record-low interest rate but need to move. 



There are risks to owning rental property, many of which can be mitigated by choosing the right residents and partner to help you navigate the challenges such as unpaid rent, unexpected costs and high workload. 

Pros: 7 benefits of owning rental property

There’s a lot of reasons why you might have your sights set on owning an investment property for the rental market in 2024. Many see it as a way of achieving financial security. For others it’s an option for a home you don’t need to live in right now — such as an inheritance or when moving for work to rent elsewhere. Whatever your motivation, let’s start with the perks by looking at seven benefits of owning a rental home with long-term tenants.

1. Single-family rentals provide a strong investment with lower volatility  

Roofstock reports that single-family rentals (SFRs) have provided nearly identical returns to the stock market — but with far less volatility. This makes owning a rental property an attractive investment option to build or diversify your portfolio. 2024 is an election year, which does make some investors nervous, but historical research from Investopedia suggests that these fears could be unfounded, with positive returns recorded in the majority of election years. 

2. There are tax benefits to owning a rental home

A major perk of owning a rental property is that you can claim many of the home’s expenses as tax deductions. Mortgage interest, insurance costs, repairs and essential maintenance, property management or Belong fees are all common deductions. 

There are other tax strategies that landlords can take advantage of, too. Ask your accountant about eligible expenses, offsetting income with depreciation of the home, and deferring capital gains. 

3. Rental properties can earn passive income

Who doesn’t love the idea of earning money for no work? If you can rent out your home for more than it costs to run it, you will achieve positive cash flow and passive income. 

How easy is it to achieve passive income on a home relies on a few factors. For starters, how much equity you own in the home and the strength of the local rental market. If for example you have inherited a home or purchased the home 20 years ago and have considerable equity, you’re likely to achieve positive cash flow quite easily.

If you bought a home more recently or have a large mortgage and rising interest rates, you will need to look more closely at the math to determine if you can achieve passive income. 

4. Rental properties can appreciate over time 

Recent house prices have skyrocketed and many experts predict some softening of the market in 2024. This talk can make it tempting to cash-in and sell your house. But once you've sold, you stop benefiting from any future appreciation. And there is no one 'housing market', so this may not ring true for your location based on local factors. Renting out your home can be a great way to buy you time to watch the housing market and decide when it's the right time to sell for your area.

5. Renting out your home gives you flexibility to return 

When opportunity knocks, sometimes you need to leave a home you love. Job relocations, spending a year or two abroad, inheriting the family home — you may not be able to live in a home you own now, but that doesn’t mean you never will.  

2024 will see a continued rise in what's known as ‘accidental landlords’. That is, people who need to put their home on the rental market unexpectedly. Particularly if you locked in a record-low interest rate but need to move, you may choose to hold onto your home and continue building equity rather than selling up and fighting for a new home in a market with low inventory and high competition. 

If you can see yourself back in the home as your primary residence someday, renting to great tenants will give you the flexibility and time to decide what you want to do long-term. 

6. A well-loved rental is a well-kept home

Homes are made to be lived in. If you have reliable long term residents in place, they will keep the house clean and well-kept. Having the home occupied also means there is someone there to report any issues like leaks or storm damage and deter squatters or vandals from entering the home. 

Even if you can afford to leave your home vacant, remember that renting to good people lets you take advantage of the perks already mentioned (tax benefits, passive income) while having someone caring for and maintaining your home. 

This is why Belong goes above and beyond when it comes to finding and screening the right residents, placing people that will treat your home like their own. 

7. Renting gives you control over your asset 

Homes are a unique investment class because you have a lot more control over them than most investment options. You make the call on who manages your property and the people they place. You can’t discriminate against anyone on the basis of their background or family size, but you can make smart choices with effective screening of your applicants (or letting the professionals like Belong handle it for you). 

You can also make strategic upgrades to your home to attract a higher rental income while also improving the return on your investment when it comes time to sell. 

Cons: 5 risks of owning rental property (and how to mitigate them) 

We’ve shared some of the perks of owning a rental, but what about the risks? Being a landlord is not always glamorous, so let’s dive into the potential pitfalls of owning a rental property and how to best reduce your risk and liability.  

1. Your home is at the mercy of the tenants placed in it

A common fear of first-time landlords is bad tenants. When you put your home on the rental market, it becomes vulnerable to the people that live there. There’s always a risk of getting a tenant that is a drain on your finances and sanity. If they violate the lease or conduct criminal activity, you could face a scenario where you need to evict them. 

The best protection you can have for your home is getting help to find the right fit. Tenant screening services, property managers, or a residential network like Belong can help run background checks on their finances/credit score and rental history to verify that your applicants are as reliable as they say they are. 

If you do face the unfortunate situation of needing to evict someone, this can cost anywhere from $500 to thousands of dollars in legal fees. Belong protects homeowners from costly evictions by providing up to $15,000 in coverage against legal fees for any resident we place. 

2. Tenants can fall behind in their rent payments

A recent US Census pulse survey revealed that around 8 million Americans (or 15% of renters) are behind in their rent. That means just as many landlords are facing a risk of going into negative cash flow or not collecting income on their home.  

As mentioned above, finding reliable residents is a good step towards protecting yourself and your bottom line. But anyone can fall on hard times, as the pandemic showed us all too well. Belong eliminates this risk for homeowners by guaranteeing rent every month for any resident we place, regardless of when they pay. Let us take on the job of collecting rent, while you enjoy predictable rental income.

3. Managing a rental property is hard work

Maximize Your Rental Income in 2024

What real estate markets should you be watching in 2024? We found the top 15 markets to watch, according to an industry survey (and Boise, Idaho isn't on it!)

15 Markets To Watch If You Want To Buy a Rental Home in 2024

When considering real estate as an investment, usually the first question that comes to mind is “where?”. Which cities are the best places to buy a rental property – and is it my home town or further afield? 

“Location, location, location” remains the top three criteria for a good buy, so it’s no wonder real estate professionals focus so much attention on the best places to buy rental property. In the past few years, the biggest trend in real estate has been migration. People keep heading to good weather, more space, and more affordable locations within the US. Cost of living and quality of life are becoming more influential, alongside usual factors such as strong labor markets.

People = demand. So which cities are the best places to buy rental property and search for good deals? And for homeowners considering holding onto property to rent out, are there big opportunities in your city? For clues on where the next emerging markets could be, we took a look through PwC’s latest report, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2024”. Here’s what we found. 

15 markets to watch for the best places to buy rental property in 2024

According to a survey of real estate consultants and industry professionals, here are the top 15 markets to watch:

Source: Emerging Trends in Real Estate surveys, compiled by Nelson Economics, Emerging Trends in Real Estate surveys, compiled by Nelson Economics, Emerging Trends in Real Estate surveys, compiled by Nelson Economics, published by PwC in this report. 

Where is everyone moving to in 2024? All eyes remain on the Sun-Belt region where the population is soaring — much like the temperatures they enjoy. But being an attractive prospect for real estate also makes metros in this region fiercely competitive. Affordability may be a challenge, so potential buyers need to do their research on the best localities to find a deal. Migration-magnet cities include Atlanta, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Miami.

Fastest growing real estate markets in 2024

The fastest growing markets on the list are Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh/Durham. Though the pace of growth is slowing as the cost of living and competition for real estate grows, these metro areas have enjoyed incredible and sustained population growth in recent years. 

The PwC report also notes that Boise in Idaho is absent from the top 20 list for the first time in two years. After being considered a shooting star in 2022, it’s fallen to 41 in this year’s report. It’s a timely reminder that there’s risk in chasing the same bets as everyone else and some may prefer the stability of more established markets. 

Which brings us to opportunities in mid-size cities. Some buyers feel that focusing on mid-sized areas can be risky compared to major metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle. But for those who can’t afford the higher entry cost, a smaller counterpart can be a great place to investigate. There is an opportunity for better returns in fast-growing mid-size markets if you can get in at the right time. 

Sometimes called “18-hour cities”, these cities don’t operate 24/7, but offer similar quality of public services and job opportunities. The report lists Charlotte, Denver, and San Diego as the top mid-sized cities to watch in 2024.  

Discover Belong: With guaranteed rent, 24/7 support and an innovative approach to renting, see why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Jacksonville, Concord, Berkeley, Orlando and more.

Challenges and opportunities in single-family rentals in 2024

Unlike short-term rentals and the stock market, long-term single-family rentals provide a critical service to the community — a place to call home. For many Americans, home ownership is out of reach for them right now. Or they need to relocate temporarily for work. Or aren’t ready to pull the trigger on a forever home. But everyone needs a place to live.

The report predicts that economic uncertainty, coupled with a shift in lifestyle preferences will continue the trend of more adults delaying homeownership. This will keep up the demand for high quality long-term rentals in desirable neighborhoods. For homeowners looking for stability, locking in great residents for 12 months with guaranteed rent can offer predictable and reliable income. 

The challenges ahead center on the cost of living. Home expenses are rising in every direction. Most landlords have successfully passed on those costs into higher rents, but the skyrocketing growth of years past has slowed. If your rental home is in an area with more housing supply coming into the market, you will need to factor this in before any major hikes send good residents packing. 

The rising cost of insurance is another factor to consider. Many of the listed high-growth markets also happen to be in areas that experience extreme weather conditions. Heatwaves, wildfires, storms, flooding and hurricanes can all send your insurance premiums through the roof. The ongoing cost to protect your asset is worth considering before investing in real estate in a high-risk area. 

Before taking the plunge, it’s important to consider if buying a rental property in your own city might make more sense than investing out of state. After all, you will be more familiar with the local market and what makes a good deal in sought-after neighborhoods. Another common mistake is not factoring in all of the costs associated with owning a rental home out of your home state. There is a higher risk of overpaying or not budgeting accurately, especially as you will need to hire help to manage the home. 

Learn More: How To Manage a Rental Home From Afar

Reach your financial goals with guaranteed rent

Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate across the US. Tell us about your rental home now to get started.

You can also visit our homeowner's page to learn more about how our modern, tech-enabled services are helping people ditch property management in the markets mentioned in this article including Austin, San Antonio, Tampa, Raleigh/Durham, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Miami and more. 

Disclaimer: This article should not be considered financial advice. A major city doesn’t represent one 'housing market', but rather many housing markets within every locality. A good buy in Miami isn't necessarily the same as a good buy in Tampa. Some cities have consistent demand, others will go through fluctuations based on supply and demand. It’s important to consult with a professional and consider your personal financial situation, local microeconomic factors and other risk factors before choosing to invest in real estate. 

In 2024, where are the best places to buy rental property? Explore the top 15 markets to watch, as identified by an industry survey of real estate experts

Where Are The Best Places to Buy Rental Property in 2024? 15 Markets To Watch

Get Predictable Returns in 2024 with Guaranteed Rent

Almost 10 million Americans are behind in their rental payments. Guaranteed rent is a new innovation that protects homeowners when it comes time to collect.

How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

A recent US Census pulse survey revealed that 9 million Americans were behind in their rent. That’s a figure sure to send shivers down the spine of anyone whose house is in the rental market, or who is considering it.

The last thing a homeowner wants to do is chase down a rent payment. Aside from the time, effort and stress, the obvious reality is that mortgage and expenses don’t stop adding up when a resident home stops paying the rent. Many homeowners resist the rental market for this very reason, even if it’s a better alternative to selling. 

Guaranteed rent keeps the bills in check by paying homeowners rent every month, regardless of when the resident pays. It’s a reflection of Belong’s commitment to creating a painless and friction-free experience for homeowners and confidence in their approach to finding someone to love your home.

Because Belong believes so deeply in their screening process — and because they refuse to leave their homeowners hanging — they step in at this point and start picking up the tab. Not only that, but they take on the responsibility of collecting any outstanding debts from the resident, or in the worst-case scenario, handling the eviction process.

Belong offers two choices to landlords with guaranteed rent:

It’s as simple as it sounds. Belong will make sure payment hits your bank account each and every month, no matter what. You get paid like clockwork. And Belong manages the collection process with your residents if they fall in arrears; it’s their problem, not yours.

Option 2: Guaranteed rent for a year, upfront 

As further evidence of confidence in its community of residents, Belong gives you the option to collect the entire year’s lease upfront. So you can sit back, relax, and let someone else worry about collecting rent every month.  

Hand over the keys and let Belong take it from here 

Guaranteed rent is just one way that Belong is different from traditional property management services. Belong will list the house and use proprietary tech to find the exact right price for your market. Any necessary repairs will be handled by a professional from a vetted network of over 10,000 contractors to get it market-ready for marketing and showings. Belong shows the house, screens tenants, and arranges the move-in. Beyond guaranteed rent, you could say that Belong is guaranteed to be different in every way!

Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Whether you’re self-managing a rental home or having your home loved by Belong, we're making the rental experience lovable for everyone. 

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.

Enjoy Guaranteed Rental Income

Get  your rental property financially fit with 8 actions landlords can take over winter to improve their rental finances, cash flow and tax return in 2024.

8 Actions Rental Landlords Can Take For Better Financial Returns In 2024

If your New Year's Resolution is to get a better tax return or give your rental cash flow boost, you’ve come to the right place. Tax season is right around the corner, so winter is the perfect time to do some warmup activities to be financially fit in the new year. 

Let’s dive into 8 ways to get your rental home finances and books in top shape for 2024. 

How to prepare your rental home finances for 2024

Owning a rental home is a 24/7 job. Whether you manage your own home and finances or get help from professionals, there’s a continuous cash flow of money in and out of your property that needs to be accounted for. 

There’s a lot to get your head around as a landlord when it comes to finances and tax season, but those who are prepared and stay on top of their game will find it a lot easier — and save money in the process.  

1. Get your accounting and documentation in order

Hopefully your shoebox full of receipts disappearing in the last decade or two, but if your rental books still look like a dog’s breakfast, set some time aside to get everything in order to start 2024 on the right foot. 

If you haven't already, it’s also time to finalize your year-end financial statements including income and expenses. Make sure all of your documentation is in order and accurate. This will set you up for success in tax season when spring rolls around. 

Read More: Having These 9 Home-Rental Documents at Hand Will Make You A Much Better Landlord

Are your residents paid up to date? Has everything been properly documented for tax purposes? Many homeowners are nervous about rent collection during the holiday season, but it’s also worth keeping an eye on rental payments to make sure they’re not falling into arrears. If there’s an amount outstanding, let them know so you can arrange a plan to get your residents back on track before too much time passes.  

Pro Tip: If your home is loved by Belong PRO, we’ll guarantee your rent so you can cross this item off your list indefinitely! 

3. Update your home’s depreciation schedule

Depreciation is an essential tax deduction for rental home owners, so make sure yours is up to date to maximize your claim. If you have made any upgrades or modifications to your home over the year (not including essential repairs), this will need to be depreciated rather than claimed as a deduction from your income. 

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include the total amount that a home improvement costs, including any amount borrowed, labor and material costs, as well as consulting expenses such as architect fees or surveying. 

4. Determine your activity level as a landlord

The way you manage your rental home and how many hours you participate in management decisions and activities affects the way you are taxed as a landlord. But you need to prove it. As the year ends, it can be a good time to assess what activities you’ve done and how you qualify. 

For example, if you are self-managing your rental home, you may qualify as having ‘materially participated’ as a real estate professional. Those who qualify can use any losses to offset other types of income, and you won't be subject to the 3.8% tax that applies to net investment income. But you need to show that you have spent 500 hours or more managing your property (or properties) for this to apply. 

If you can’t show this or don’t qualify, owning a rental home is considered a ‘passive activity’ by the IRS. You won’t miss out on tax deductions, but any losses will carry forward until you generate passive income or sell the home.

There is a middle ground known as “active participation” which allows deductions of up to $25,000 of passive losses, even if a company like Belong handles all the heavy lifting day-to-day. The IRS takes into account major decisions about your investment home, such as approving new residents and even appointing a property management company. There are income thresholds and caps on deductions here so you will need to speak to an accountant to determine if you qualify for this. 

Read More: Do You Need a Property Accountant? Here's How to Tell

Is your rental home covered by landlords insurance or homeowners insurance? What’s the difference? Well, the difference is that one covers your home for damages and loss and the other doesn’t! While homeowners insurance can be cheaper, it’s only available to owner-occupiers so you could find yourself unable to make a claim if anything happens. Put ‘review rental home insurance’ on your to-do list to make sure you have the right coverage for 2024. 

Pro Tip: Belong PRO offers coverage to our homeowners which can be deducted from your rental income each month, making it one less thing to worry about! This is also a tax-deductible expense so don’t forget to keep records, like the handy ones you can find in the Belong app. 

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

The cost of living is going up for everyone. In particular, home maintenance costs and materials have surged in recent years, so you may need to revise your budget. Plan for any major expenses or upgrades you hope to do in the year and don’t forget some contingencies for the unexpected. 

Pro Tip: Belong PRO homeowners are covered when unexpected repair costs arise. We let homeowners split the cost of maintenance and repair services over the term of their lease, helping you to spread payments and stay cash-flow positive. Learn more about Belong PRO here. 

On the subject of budgeting for maintenance and repairs — when was the last time your rental home got a tune up? Preventive maintenance is far better than the ‘cure’ of a massive repair bill when something breaks. 

Pro Tip: Belong PRO offers regular service subscriptions, so you can set recurring maintenance needs such as gardening, right within the Belong app. 

8. Set your financial goals or targets for 2024

With your rental home finances in review, early in the year is a great time to evaluate your financial goals and what you hope to achieve with your property. If you’re unsure or need help maximizing the opportunities within your rental property, speak to us at Belong. We know what it takes to maximize your cash flow and have the team to help you do it. 

Read More: How To Do An Accurate Rental Property Cash Flow Analysis

Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Tell us about your rental home now to get started.

You can also visit our homeowner's page to learn more about how our modern, tech-enabled services are helping people to achieve financial freedom and ditch outdated Property Management in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Jacksonville, Concord, Berkeley, Orlando and more.

Disclaimer: It’s important to consult with a professional and consider your personal circumstances before making any decision on finances or tax. This article should not be considered financial advice. 

Belong is building a residential network that connects people who own homes with people who want a place to belong. Here's what we achieved together in 2024.

2023 In Review: Giving More People A Place To Belong

Belong is building a network; connecting people who own much-loved homes with people who want a place to belong. Working together, we can put people first and change what it means to rent a home — creating lasting, positive impact on innumerable lives for decades to come. 

Redefining an entire industry is not a journey that can be made alone. It ‘takes a village’ of homeowners, residents, investors and team members. It takes innovative new services, industry recognition and support to spread the word. 

So before we take on 2024, we want to say thank you to our supporters. To our staff, to our community of homeowners and residents, to our financial backers, and to people who have talked or written about us so that we can grow. We invite you to join us in reflecting on four milestones and achievements of 2023 — we couldn’t have done it without you. 

1. We welcomed new neighbors in 15 cities

2023 was an incredible year for expanding our world-first residential network, with Belong PRO services launching in 15 new regions across the country. We’ve expanded our capacity in Florida and Washington and added Texas, Utah and North Carolina — with many more to come! 

We’ve received such a warm welcome and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who believes in our vision. You’re helping us to create authentic belonging experiences and change what it means to rent a home in: 

Our homeowners and residents love having 24/7 access to help and support. So much so that we decided to give our customer support services an upgrade, adding new teams of dedicated specialists in November 2023.  

Now when you contact us, in addition to support from a dedicated account manager, you’ll get direct and fast access to the team with the best knowledge and skills to answer your questions. We have dedicated teams with expertise in everything from Resident Placement and Leasing, Maintenance and Home Repairs to Taxes and HOA Management. 

Read More: Easier, Better, Faster, Stronger: Our Customer Support Service is Growing!

3. We now offer insurance to protect rented homes

Did you know that homeowners insurance is only available to owner-occupied homes and becomes void when you rent out the home? When you own a rental, be that long-term rental or a short-term vacation rental — you need a specific insurance policy to protect your asset. If you don't, you could have a claim denied and be liable for expensive repairs and legal fees.

Belong has addressed this by offering dedicated rental home insurance with the option to make flexible payments and spread the cost over your lease agreement. 

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

4. We outranked all property managers in San Francisco 

Belong is here to make waves and our new approach to renting is getting noticed. In 2023, SFist.com ranked Belong #1 of 11 Best Featured Property Managers in San Francisco. 

And when it comes to research, Expertise.com doesn’t muck around. They vet more than 60,000 businesses every month to find the best of the best. Belong sits on their 2023 list of Best Property Management Companies in San Francisco, giving Belong a glowing 5 stars for professionalism. 

Read More: The Best Property Manager in San Francisco According to SFist and Expertise.com

2024 is going to be even bigger and brighter with plenty of more people-led, industry-disrupting services coming to Belong homeowners and residents. Thank you to everyone who is joining us on this incredible journey to changing the world of home management and renting forever. 

For anyone not yet on our network, you can find out if your home is eligible for Belong here, or become a Belong resident by searching for available homes.

Landlords have legal responsibilities to their tenants but can also be held liable for not taking measures to limit criminal activity, nuisance and even noise!

Can Landlords Be Held Responsible For Criminal Activities On Their Properties?

Landlords have a duty to provide a safe and habitable home for their tenants — which includes minimizing the risk of crime taking place on their property. Even if a criminal act is committed by a stranger, there are ways that you can be responsible as a landlord when it takes place in the home you own. 

Before you panic, this isn't to say that a landlord will be held responsible for any and all criminal activity that takes place in their rented home. But if you fail to take reasonable safety measures to prevent criminal acts, you could be liable. 

To understand what homeowners can do to reduce their risk, Belong provides answers to four commonly asked questions on criminal activity in rental homes.  

What are a landlord's duties to prevent crime?

Landlords in the U.S. have a legal duty to provide a safe and habitable living environment for their tenants. While preventing crime is not your sole responsibility as the homeowner, you are obligated to take reasonable preventative measures to keep your home secure and limit opportunistic criminal activity where possible. 

Specific laws vary by state and city, as well as the type of housing (i.e. single-family home vs apartment block). Here are some examples of what you may need to do as a landlord to secure your rental home for tenants:

Ensure that all locks, including deadbolts and security gates, are installed and functioning to reduce the risk of break-ins.

Repair any broken windows, doors, or other entry points that could provide unauthorized access to the property.

Provide a lockable mailbox to protect against mail fraud and identity theft. 

Provide good lighting in and around the property, especially in common areas such as hallways, staircases, and parking lots.

Conduct background checks on potential tenants to assess if anyone may pose a threat to your home or others.

Change the locks after evicting a nuisance or violent tenant.

Develop a security plan to respond to threats and install security measures as needed. 

The residents in your home also have a responsibility to maintain their own safety and security, such as using the lockable doors as intended. If a resident raises a safety concern to you, this should be addressed seriously as failure to take action could be seen as negligent — such as not fixing a broken window, resulting in a home robbery.

Depending on what you choose, adding security features to your rental costs an average of $300 - $840 plus any optional subscription fees.

Can a landlord get in trouble for their tenants' behavior?

Yes. Unfortunately there are liabilities that a homeowner can face if their tenants are knowingly creating a nuisance or engaging in criminal activity.  

For example, if you become aware that a tenant is engaging in drug-related activity in your rental home and you don't take any action to stop it (such as warning and/or eviction), you may face liability for any harm that results from that activity. 

If you fail to run background checks when screening tenants and rent your home to someone with a history of criminal and violent behavior, you could be held liable if that person harms another on the property. 

These are more extreme examples of tenant behavior. It could even be that you have received a complaint from a neighboring home of damage that is occurring. Not all neighbor complaints will be severe or give you a reason to evict. In these scenarios, it's important that you (or your property manager or representative) investigate the complaint to determine what happened. It could be a simple misunderstanding or accident. But if lease violations have occurred, you will need to provide written notice and you may need to take steps to evict the tenant to prevent being liable for any further damage to neighboring homes. 

Are landlords responsible for noise complaints?

Yes, annoying as this is, it's true. Landlords can actually find themselves responsible for noise complaints both from and against their tenants if it's affecting your rental property. 

Residents in your home have a right to "quiet enjoyment" of the home, so they can complain to you about noises and you need to take action with neighbors or the police. Failure to do so could result in a lease violation and give them cause to move out without penalty. 

If you are receiving complaints about noisy residents, you will need to get in touch with them to discuss the matter. Keep accurate records of the complaints and frequency and issue a written notice to the tenants if needed. If you have to notify your tenant of noise complaints on three or more separate occasions, you could have grounds for eviction for violating your lease agreement. If you refuse to take action against noisy tenants, you yourself could be penalized. 

Most cities have noise regulations around "quiet time" in residential areas during certain times of the night. For example, in San Diego noise must be limited between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am in residential zones. In Seattle (King County), there's a decibel limit of 10 decibels or less for noise between 10 pm and 7 am on weekdays and 10 pm and 9 am on weekends in rural and residential areas. This could be anything from noisy parties to animals or construction work on a home renovation. 

Landlords who choose to self-manage a rental home will need to deal directly with noise complaints and tenant concerns.

Welcome to The Playroom