Tech-Enabled Property Management is here, but is it really innovative? Discover 5 ways tech is shaping property management and why Belong's innovation is unique

5 Ways Tech is Transforming the Rental Experience and Property Management

When it comes to innovation, property management is not what you would call ‘ahead of the curve’. When our lives and work began to shift online, so did rental listings. And that was the beginning and end of technological advancements for years.

It was taking what already existed and putting it on a browser or app. Nothing was addressing the issues that have been plaguing homeowners and their residents for years. 

But after lagging behind, technology is finally finding its place to revolutionize how rental homes are managed. Because the real opportunity that modern tech presents is the chance to completely rewrite the rental experience. 

That’s exactly what Belong is doing. We’re not just bringing you tech-enabled property management. The mission of Belong is to create authentic belonging experiences, empowering residents to become homeowners and homeowners to become financially free. 

To explain how that works, let’s take a look at five ways the property management industry is innovating through technology. And how Belong is taking that further to create better experiences for both homeowners and their residents. 

Apps for rent collection are handy — guaranteed rent in your pocket every month is better



Tenant communication apps aren’t more effective than a phone call unless someone can respond 24/7



Access to more data and analytics is making pricing rental homes more effective



Video can extend the reach of your online listing to attract more applications 

5 ways technology is changing property management

In 2023, there’s no shortage of apps for rent collection. These apps charge either a subscription or transaction fee, but simplify the process of collecting rent. 

For homeowners, rent collection apps make it easier to track payments and document income for tax purposes. 

For residents, rent collection apps offer more options and flexibility. Some will also report on-time payments to credit reporting agencies to help build a credit rating (though many charge more for this).

How Belong is rewriting the rent collection experience:

Belong’s app is super convenient for rent collection, but it’s so much more than that. Belong will also guarantee rent for homeowners, giving you predictable income that is paid like clockwork. Residents can choose the payment frequency that works best for them, without disrupting your cash flow. 

Not only will Belong report on-time payments to credit reporting agencies for residents, we offer extra perks too. Residents will soon be able to earn rewards and even build credit towards their first home deposit, simply by paying rent on time. 

For homeowners, we make cash flow management easier with the option to advance your income or split unexpected costs (such as repairs or emergency maintenance) over the term of your lease. It’s your income, paid on your terms. 

Discover Belong PRO: 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.

What marvelous innovation has technology brought to property management to connect with tenants? Well, thanks to the introduction of ‘tenant portals’, most residents can log their maintenance issues online or in an app now. This makes it easier to find a history of communication, but it doesn’t mean that issues will be resolved any faster. These apps and portals are designed to notify property managers of an issue, which they will get during business hours. 24/7 communication is reserved for emergencies only, if available at all. 

Some larger companies are looking at things like AI and chatbots to answer common questions quickly. But unless ChatGPT learns how to arrange a contractor to fix that weekend plumbing emergency, its usefulness will be limited. 

How Belong is rewriting the tenant communication experience:

Belong has a dedicated concierge service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Belong app. Not chatbots, no leaving a message after the beep. Real people are available to speak to both homeowners and their residents, which means that you can manage your home during the hours that suit you. If residents have a question after work, they can get a fast and personalized response. 

Traditionally, property managers won’t speak to tenants after hours which makes communication frustrating and inconvenient. By attending to resident needs quickly, Belong has a proud history of happier residents and longer tenancies. More than 73% of Belong residents renew their 1-year lease, minimizing disruption to cash flow for our homeowners. 

Learn More: Discover Belong PRO, the best alternative to Property Management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, and many more cities across California, Florida and Washington State.

3. Online dispute resolution for lease violations

When someone violates their lease or stops paying rent, the process goes to the courts. This can be a lengthy and costly process for homeowners. While evicting someone is never a nice experience, technology is improving how it’s managed. 

The state of California for example has the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) process, which is an alternative to having to go to court. This service can provide online guided negotiation and mediation. If an agreement is reached, all necessary forms can be submitted online, avoiding a trial.  

How Belong is providing better eviction support:

The best way to avoid eviction is finding the right tenants. This is why Belong goes the extra mile to find people who will love your home like you do. We start by integrating with the best online listings to attract more applications. Then we use a clever mix of human and digital vetting tools to find people who will love your home long-term.

We also know that so-called “eviction protection” packages in the property management industry are another way to hide fees. You pay more for property management services with eviction help included, only to find out that you’re covered for basic filing fees only.

If you choose to partner with Belong PRO, you’ll have real peace of mind that your eviction process is supported. If Belong ever needs to evict a resident that we have chosen (not existing leases or tenants), Belong will cover legal costs up to $15,000. 

Learn More: How to manage the eviction process in California, Washington state, and Florida. 

With everything moving online, it’s become a lot easier to price rent for a home. With access to better data and more resources, researching comps in your local area is faster than it used to be. With a few clicks you can find past and present listings — even look inside neighboring rentals to get an idea of what people are paying. 

How Belong is optimizing rental price based on real demand:

Comps only tell part of the story. Listings only tell you what a homeowner is hoping to get for their home — not what people are actually paying. 

Belong doesn’t rely on comps alone to price homes on our Belong PRO network. We use clever algorithms and real-time demand to find the right price based on what your home offers, the amenities people want, the season, and how many people are active in your market. 

Read More: How to price a rental home in LA, San Diego, San Francisco and Miami. 

Discover The High-Tech (But Human) Property Management Alternative

The landlord-tenant relationship doesn't need to be frosty, with these 6 simple tips for landlords to improve tenant communication and make them feel at home.

Good Tenant-Landlord Relationships: 6 Tips for Self-Managing Homeowners

Historically, tenants and landlords have a frosty relationship. So frosty that Belong prefers not to use the terms at all (we like the friendlier ‘homeowners and residents’) as we rewrite the rental experience. 

But it’s not always this way. Renting out a home provides an incredibly vital service to the community and just as there are great long-term residents, there are also fantastic and helpful homeowners. You may really enjoy renting out your home and look at rental management as a hobby or profitable side hustle. 

So for those who are going it alone and self-managing a rental home, what can you do to improve your landlord-tenant relationship? To keep your home (and cash flow!) running smoothly and encourage great residents to stick around long term?

Here are 6 easy tips that can make your tenants feel more at home (and less likely to leave at the end of their lease). 

1. Create a welcome pack for new residents

When self-managing a rental home, it’s a great idea to send a welcome pack for your home with the signed lease. After all, you want them to treat it as their own and feel comfortable in their new space. Think of it like a compendium that a hotel room has, helping you get up to speed with standard procedures and the local area. 

A welcome pack can include any information that new residents should be aware of. This could include: 

You could even include some helpful personal touches, like school districts and the best coffee shops or dog parks in your neighborhood. 

Learn More: Discover Belong PRO, the best alternative to Property Management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, and many more cities across California, Florida and Washington State.  

2. Remove the need to chase them for rent

One of the most uncomfortable conversations between landlords and tenants is about overdue rent. Asking for rent doesn’t make you the bad guy, but it can still feel unpleasant when rent goes unpaid or tenants are struggling financially. Soon your tenants may start dodging your calls and before you know it, the relationship has soured despite best intentions. Or worse, you need to start eviction proceedings. 

This is why guaranteed rent is Belong’s most popular product. It’s proven and beloved by over 2,000 Belong PRO homeowners who now get paid passive income like clockwork, regardless of when their residents pay rent. 

Read More: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

Showing your home some love is a great way to make sure your tenants do too. Be sure to create a budget for regular home maintenance to ensure you can attend to resident concerns and home repairs as soon as they arise. 

It’s also a good idea to invest in functional features of your home that can approve the home’s appreciation long-term while also making the house more comfortable to live in. So if a resident complains about a moldy shower curtain, you should consider investing in a screen that can be cleaned, rather than replacing it with another cheap shower curtain. If the garden is dying, look at installing a reticulation system to keep it watered all year round. 

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

Great communication with tenants is essential to a good relationship. That means not springing inspections on them at a moment's notice, respecting privacy, and keeping communication civil.

The best advice is to be professional with all communication, but it’s also ok to be friendly too. Ideally you want to achieve a relationship where you are approachable. It’s better that a resident can come to you with concerns, such as if rent may be late or something needs repairs, than letting it get to a point where you need to evict them. While we don’t suggest you start bombarding them with emojis or ‘HEY GURL!” intros, it is ok to be friendly and, well, human when you email them!  

Learn More: Belong PRO can handle all communications with 24/7 concierge services available for both you and your residents. 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.

Artwork is a great way to personalize a space, helping your tenants to fall in love with your home. But as the homeowner, you don’t want to be dealing with lots of damage when the pictures come off. As part of your welcome pack or communication, you could suggest some no-damage solutions like the ones in this article for hanging art in a rental property. 

And if your tenants ask to paint a room or two? Work with them on a color scheme and cost that you can both be happy with. This could improve the ROI of your rental home, while also helping residents to make themselves at home. 

Another way to keep your residents comfortable in your home (and getting the bills paid on time) is to look at the sustainability and efficiency of the house. If your rental home is uncomfortably cold all winter and stuffy all summer, there’s a good chance your home has a high carbon footprint and isn’t appealing to stay long-term. 

Thankfully there are plenty of cost-effective ways that you can make your rental home more sustainable, making a great impression on your residents and reducing their emissions. 

Read More: 7 Cost-Effective Ways To Make Your Rental Home Sustainable in 2023

Belong is simplifying the rental experience across the US and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals on their own terms. For people who want a completely hassle-free home management experience with guaranteed rent and 24/7 concierge service, check out Belong PRO.

If you're looking to improve your landlord-tenant relationships, check out 6 easy tips to make your tenants feel more at home and want to renew their lease.

Is Hiring a Property Manager for a Single Rental Property Worth It?

As a rental homeowner, you may find yourself questioning whether hiring a property manager for your single rental property is worth the investment. In this article, we will explore the benefits of enlisting the services of a property manager. If you’re a rental homeowner, this content will provide insights into the reasons why having the right professional help can be the right move for you. From minimizing headaches to maximizing profits, we will discuss how a property manager can help you optimize your single-rental property investment.

Running a rental property, even a single one, requires substantial time and effort. By hiring professionals, you can delegate various responsibilities, such as advertising vacancies, screening tenants, drafting leases, and overseeing maintenance. This not only saves you time but also ensures that these tasks are handled efficiently and professionally. With a property manager taking care of the day-to-day management, you can focus on other aspects of your life. 

One of the notable advantages of working with a property manager is their knowledge and understanding of the local rental market. Property managers stay updated on rental trends, market rates, and property demands in your area. Leveraging this expertise, they can help you set competitive rental prices, attract quality tenants, and keep your property occupied. This ultimately optimizes your rental income and helps you achieve the best possible return on your investment.

Finding reliable tenants is vital for the success of your rental property. Property managers have robust tenant screening processes in place, including background checks, credit history analysis, and verification of references. Their experience in evaluating prospective tenants greatly reduces the risk of getting involved with problematic renters. Additionally, property managers handle tenant communications, resolve conflicts, and ensure rent payments are collected promptly. By entrusting these responsibilities to a property manager, you can maintain good tenant relations and avoid potential issues.

Property maintenance and repairs can be a significant responsibility for rental homeowners. With a property manager, you have a dedicated professional who arranges and oversees regular property maintenance, responds to tenant requests, and manages repairs when needed. Property managers often have a network of reliable contractors and vendors, ensuring that repairs are done promptly and at a reasonable cost. By entrusting these tasks to a property manager, you can ensure that your property is well-maintained, which can enhance tenant satisfaction and reduce costly emergency repairs.

Navigating the legal aspects of renting can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the applicable regulations. Property managers have extensive knowledge of landlord-tenant laws and keep up to date with changes that may impact you as a rental homeowner. They ensure that your rental property is in compliance with all relevant laws, including lease agreements, safety standards, and eviction procedures. By having a property manager handle these legal matters, you can minimize the risk of legal disputes, penalties, and potential liabilities.

While the decision to hire a property manager for a single rental property involves a financial investment, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Property managers provide essential services that save you time, minimize stress, and maximize the profitability of your rental home. By leveraging their expertise, efficiency, and industry connections, you can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience while achieving optimal returns. Consider the advantages discussed in this article and make an informed decision that ensures the success of your single rental property investment.

At Belong, we've got your back with a bunch of end-end management solutions that work like a charm, all wrapped up with some seriously cool technology. Jump on board with these strategies and partner with us to position yourself as a trusted and professional rental homeowner in today's competitive real estate landscape. 

We know how much you care about your place, and we do too. That's why Belong PRO is your ultimate choice for taking care of your precious rental home from start to finish. We’re redefining the future of property management from Seattle to Oakland, Redmond to Los Angeles, Tampa to San Diego, and more!

Discover the advantages of enlisting a property manager for your single rental property. From time savings to expert tenant screening, learn how property management can optimize your investment. Make an informed decision for hassle-free rental success.

Explore how to maximize your rental income as a homeowner on your single property

Explore the essential tips and strategies for efficient property management, designed to boost rental income and create a seamless experience for rental homeowners.

What are the Best Practices in Property Management for Rental Homeowners

Managing rental properties efficiently is a crucial aspect of running a successful real estate investment. As a rental homeowner, adopting the best practices in property management can help you optimize your rental income, streamline operations, and enhance the overall tenant experience.

In this article, we will explore essential tips and strategies that will empower you to navigate the rental market with confidence. 

At Belong we understand the challenges faced by rental homeowners, and we're dedicated to providing innovative solutions that empower you to navigate the rental market with confidence.

One of the primary responsibilities of a property manager is to select reliable tenants. A thorough screening process can minimize the risk of renting to individuals with a history of late payments, property damage, or other problematic behaviors. A comprehensive screening should include background checks, credit checks, employment verification, and landlord references. Leveraging technology and online tools can streamline this process, making it more efficient and accurate. 

Establishing a streamlined rent collection system is crucial for maintaining a steady cash flow. Offering multiple payment options, such as online portals or electronic transfers, can make it convenient for tenants to pay their rent on time. Additionally, clearly communicating and enforcing late penalty fees are effective ways to encourage prompt payment and deter late payments.

Performing regular property inspections is a proactive approach to maintaining the integrity of your property and identifying potential issues before they escalate. Create a schedule for inspections and communicate the plan to your tenants in advance. During inspections, check for any necessary repairs, safety hazards, or breaches of the lease terms. Documenting these inspections with photos can act as a reference for future documentation.

4. Provide Efficient Maintenance and Repairs

Timely maintenance and repairs are essential to keep your property in excellent condition and ensure tenant satisfaction. Devising a maintenance plan that prioritizes urgent repairs and addresses routine tasks can help you stay on top of property upkeep. Build relationships with reliable contractors to ensure swift responses and high-quality workmanship.

Establishing clear and open lines of communication with your tenants is vital for addressing concerns, answering questions, and building trust. Encourage tenants to report maintenance issues promptly and provide various channels for communication, such as phone, email, or an online portal. Regularly communicate lease renewals, policy updates, or any changes that may affect the tenant's stay.

The advent of technology has revolutionized property management, making it easier and more efficient. Utilize property management software to streamline administrative tasks, such as accounting, lease management, and tenant communication. Automating processes frees up time for strategic decision-making and allows for better organization of documents and information.

Many homeowners hope to make sure their beloved house is well cared for. With Belong PRO, you’ll never have to worry about bad residents, late rent, cost blowouts, or 2 am phone calls ever again. Enjoy hassle-free online management of your home along with the perks of an advanced rental management app for both homeowners and residents. 

Complying with local, state, and federal housing laws is critical to avoid legal issues and protect yourself as a rental homeowner. Stay updated with the latest regulations, such as fair housing laws, building codes, and tenant rights. Partnering with legal professionals or joining local landlord associations can provide valuable resources and guidance to navigate these complexities. 

Creating a positive tenant experience goes a long way in attracting and retaining quality tenants. Offering amenities such as well-maintained common areas, proper lighting, landscaping, and efficient security measures enhances the overall appeal of your property. Respond to tenant requests promptly, address concerns, and foster a sense of community, creating a stress-free living environment.

By adhering to these best practices in property management, rental homeowners can optimize their rental income, attract reliable tenants, and build a thriving real estate investment portfolio. 

At Belong, we strive to support rental homeowners by offering a comprehensive range of property management services, coupled with cutting-edge technology that simplifies the entire process. Embrace these strategies and partner with Belong to position yourself as a trusted and professional rental homeowner in today's competitive real estate landscape. 

To learn more about how Belong PRO is simplifying the rental experience, visit our homeowner's page or visit one of our local pages to learn more:

Disclaimer: Belong thinks the word landlord is outdated and prefers 'homeowners'. But in this article we need to make an important distinction between owner-occupied homes and landlords with tenant-occupied homes or vacation rentals, so we have to use the words landlord and tenant a little more than we'd like. This article provides a guide on the types of insurance available and approximate costs but should not be considered financial advice. Please read all insurance policy guides to ensure you have something that suits your personal home and situation. 

Discover the best practices in property management to optimize rental income and enhance tenant experience. Learn more at belonghome.com

Best Practices in Property Management for Rental Homeowners | belonghome.com

Can You Hire a Property Manager for a Home You Live In?

When it comes to managing rental properties, many homeowners rely on the services of a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations. But what if you're a homeowner who also happens to be living in the property you want managed? Can you still hire a property manager?

The answer is yes, and in fact, there are several reasons why you might want to consider doing so. 

A big part of what Belong focuses on is providing homeowners with a hassle-free experience along with guaranteed rent and 24/7 support so homeowners can focus on living their lives while knowing their most important asset is properly taken care of even if they’re living in it. 

1. Benefits for Busy Professionals and Homeowners with Limited Time

First and foremost, hiring a property manager for your home can help alleviate the stress and responsibilities that come with managing a property. Whether you're a busy professional or simply prefer to have someone else take care of the various tasks involved, such as finding tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance requests, a property manager can handle it all for you. This can be especially beneficial if you have limited time or are frequently away from home due to work or personal commitments.

2. Expertise and Knowledge in Property Management

Furthermore, a professional property manager brings expertise and knowledge to the table that can be invaluable in ensuring your home is well-maintained and managed. They stay up to date with local rental laws, regulations, and market trends, allowing them to effectively navigate any challenges that may arise. Additionally, property managers often have a network of trusted contractors, making it easier to address maintenance and repair needs promptly and efficiently. By hiring a property manager, you can benefit from their experience and industry-specific knowledge, giving you peace of mind knowing that your property is being managed professionally.

Another advantage of having a property manager for your home is that they act as a buffer between you and your tenants. This can be particularly beneficial if you value your privacy or simply prefer not to deal directly with tenant-related issues. The property manager will be the point of contact for all tenant communications, including inquiries, complaints, and repair requests. By having a property manager handle these matters, you can maintain your privacy while ensuring that all necessary tasks are taken care of in a timely manner.

4. Minimizing Vacancies and Costly Disputes or Repairs

In addition, hiring a property manager can actually save you money in the long run. While you will have to pay a management fee, a professional property manager knows how to effectively market your property, ensure timely rent payments, and enforce lease agreements. This can ultimately help to minimize vacancies and reduce the likelihood of costly tenant disputes or repairs. Property managers also have access to resources and tools that can help optimize your property's rental income. They can conduct market analyses to determine the most competitive rental rates, ensuring you're maximizing your return on investment.

5. Peace of Mind and Professional Management

Lastly, having a property manager for your home can provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that your property is being well-managed and that any issues will be promptly addressed can help you focus on other aspects of your life without the added stress of property management. Whether you're a homeowner who prefers a hands-off approach or simply wants to ensure that your property and tenants are well taken care of, a property manager can provide you with the security and peace of mind you desire.

While it may not be a common practice, hiring a property manager for a home you live in can provide numerous benefits. From alleviating the stress and responsibilities of property management to ensuring your property is well-maintained and compliant with regulations, a property manager can be a valuable asset. Consider exploring this option if you're a homeowner seeking a professional to handle the day-to-day operations of your home. By hiring a property manager, you can enjoy the convenience, expertise, and peace of mind that comes with entrusting your home to capable hands.

Many homeowners hope to make sure their beloved house is well cared for. With Belong PRO, you’ll never have to worry about bad residents, late rent, cost blowouts, or 2 am phone calls ever again. 

Visit our homeowner's page to find out more about how our services are helping people to ditch Seattle Property Management, Redmond Property Management, Oakland Property Management, and more.

Expert Property Management for Homeowners: Focus on Living, Leave the Rest to the Pros.

Discover 6 of our top picks for cost effective ways to improve your long-term rental ROI when getting your rental home ready for listing on the market.

6 Ways to Improve Your Rental Listing Price and ROI with Belong

What’s going to get you the best possible listing price and return on investment for your rental home? Livability. 

Sure, nice design and first impressions count when it comes to getting your home loved and lived in quickly. But it’s the practical upgrades that will improve your ROI long-term. If you want your residents to love your home as much as you do, making the home as comfortable as possible is key. 

Belong has worked with over 2,000 homeowners (and counting) to make sure they meet a high standard of safety and livability that reduces vacancy, increases rental values, and attracts dependable, long-term residents who want to call your place home.

In this article, we’ll take a look at six of Belong’s top picks for cost effective ways to improve your long-term rental ROI when getting your rental home ready for listing. 

There’s nothing more frustrating than a home that looks great but doesn’t function well. If something in your home isn’t working, it’s going to bother you every day. It’s a sure-fire way to make sure your residents will want to leave when the lease is up. 

Of course, functional doesn’t scream value add. Making sure the plumbing is working won’t yield you a higher rental rate. This is where you need to look beyond the bare-minimum of “not broken” and consider how a functionality upgrade might make your home a more desirable place to live. 

Let’s use the bathroom shower as an example. Is there anything better than a good hot shower at the end of a long day? This is one area that homeowners often value the most in their personal space, but neglect in rental homes. If your rental home has a leaky shower head that falls off its hinge all the time, it will drive your residents crazy. 

You could fix the leak to make it functional. Or, to boost the value of your home to your new residents, you could replace it with a more modern fixture with good water pressure and flow. This will help elevate the bathroom aesthetics, while giving your residents a great experience every day. Not to mention avoiding the repeated repair requests. 

If you partner with Belong PRO, we’ll suggest some functional upgrades that will improve the resident experience and can attract a premium rental price for your home on our network. 

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

People rent homes because they have a practical need for somewhere to live. But a decision to spend more is often more emotional. A home that feels light and bright has the power to lift your mood. They look great in photos and feel good to walk through during tours. 

When new homeowners join Belong, we often recommend giving their rental homes a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. Not only does it make the home appear bigger and brighter, it’s a simple and cost-effective way to make a rental home look updated. 

Upgrading old and outdated light fixtures is another great way to create a nice light ambiance in the home. A well-lit home is inviting and shows you have nothing to hide! 

You can even create the illusion of more square footage with light tricks. Ditch heavy drapes in favor of shutters or blinds that let more light in. Install a mirror or two to increase the visual size of rooms. 

Keeping a strong return on investment also means protecting yourself against costly problems such as structural damage, safety hazards, and legal liability. 

Rental homes in the US have what’s known as an ‘implied warranty of habitability’. If your house becomes unsafe or unliveable and you don’t take action, your residents may have a legal right to stop paying rent, move out without notice, or even sue you. 

Indoor air quality problems such as mold, radon, and lead

Security to minimize the risk of crime against residents in your home

If you partner with Belong PRO, we’ll give your rental home a full safety inspection. This will get you off to a good start with your new residents and save you costly headaches down the road when things left unchecked would start to break down. We even offer rental home insurance to protect against unexpected damage. 

No one is going to pay top dollar for a home that isn’t clean. Just as a great first impression can lift a home’s appeal, things like dirty carpets, scratched up flooring and heavy scuff marks on the wall can work against you. A professional clean might not increase the price of your listing, but it won’t detract from it like listing an unclean home could. 

Belong also recommends having a no-smoking policy in your rental home. This will protect the rental value of your home by avoiding the staining and smell of nicotine that seeps into the paint work of houses. 

A clever way to increase the value of your rental home long-term is to reduce the running costs and carbon footprint for your future residents. Energy-efficient homes cost less to run which makes them more attractive to applicants — reducing vacancies and attracting more rent than a non-efficient home. 

Sustainability is increasingly important to Millennial and Gen Z renters, with research already suggesting that 61% of renters would pay more each month in rent for an eco-friendly apartment. Single-family homes cost more to run than apartment rentals and we anticipate that in future, more sustainable rental homes will have the upper-hand on competing homes in their neighborhood. 

The weeds popping up through the cracks in your driveway may not bother you, but this can be a signal to potential renters that your home hasn’t been occupied or cared for in a while. Before listing your home, give the yard a tidy up. You should make a plan for keeping it that way. The outside of homes need regular maintenance to keep them in top shape — things like mowing lawns and clearing gutters. Decide if this is something you want to include in your rental as a service, or if residents need to take responsibility for it, so details can be included in the lease. 

Belong is not a traditional property management company. We do things differently to help people achieve financial freedom through real estate, on their own terms. 

With Belong PRO, we’ll partner with you to get your home the best price, guarantee your rent, and care for it the way you would. Never worry about bad residents, late rent, cost blowouts, or 2am phone calls ever again. 

Learn how inspections can attract long-term residents and get your home move-in ready.

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

For millions of people across the US, renting isn’t a temporary measure. With housing affordability at some of the lowest levels ever, more people are looking for a home to love long-term. Your rental home.  

But a home in disrepair is not going to attract these kinds of long-term residents. It’s a little bit like the ‘broken window theory’ — disorder leads to more disorder. Rent out a home in poor condition and people are less likely to worry about keeping it in top shape. 

This is why Belong conducts a full home inspection of all new rental homes joining our network. We’ll make sure your home is safe, habitable and move-in ready for new, long-term residents. In this article we’ll get into more detail about what we’ll look for and how you can prepare your rental home for a pre-lease inspection. 

Why Belong inspects every rental home in our network

When it comes to placing residents in homes, Belong has a proud track record of attracting the best of the best for our homeowners. More than two-thirds (71%) of Belong residents renew their 1-year lease. This provides stable, guaranteed income for homeowners and a house that stays in great condition. 

A big part of our success is the standards we hold for homes in our network. Belong’s home standards ensure that your rental will attract reliable residents, the best price, and be loved quickly. It also provides assurances that rental homes in our network are safe, livable and don’t pose unnecessary liability risks for our homeowners. 

What Belong looks for in a pre-lease inspection

Even if your home has already been rented out before, we want to make sure it’s seen in the best possible light. Our pre-lease inspections will focus on two main areas: safety and resident experience. 

1. Safety and habitability in rental homes

Rental homes in the US have what’s known as an ‘implied warranty of habitability’. What this means is that as a homeowner, you need to ensure that your rental home meets basic living and safety standards — even if they’re not specified in a lease agreement. If your house becomes unsafe or unliveable and you don’t take action, your residents may have a legal right to stop paying rent, move out without notice, or even sue you. 

To set you on the right track from day one, Belong inspectors will make sure your rental home is safe, comfortable and ready for occupancy. Safety inspections will check for any signs of damage or deterioration of the home, including: 

Structural integrity of the foundation, walls and roof 

Plumbing, including leaks or other issues that could cause water damage or safety hazards

Electrical system hazards, such as overloaded circuits, exposed wires, or outdated wiring.

Safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers

Ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold growth


Any signs of pests, such as rodents or insects

Exterior areas of the rental home, including the yard, driveway, and sidewalks

Inspections also ensure that homes are welcoming to potential residents. We set standards for rental homes to encourage better pricing, less vacancy and attract dependable, long-term residents who want to call your place home. This means making sure the home is in good condition cosmetically and isn’t likely to turn away applicants. Items on this list will vary depending on your home, but broadly, inspectors will be looking at:

The condition of the walls, checking for holes and damage, poor paint jobs

Age and functionality of appliances and amenities

Lawn care to avoid overgrown gardens and weeds

Anything that could attract pests to the home

Inspectors can also make recommendations for simple, cost-effective improvements to maximize your rental income and ROI. 

How to prepare your rental home for a pre-lease inspection 

1. Empty the home of all personal belongings

Unfurnished homes invite long-term residents to make the space their own. It’s also difficult to assess a home that is being used as a storage site! We recommend removing all personal items such as furnishings, furniture, clothing, and construction materials to make the inspection process smoother. 

In order for our inspectors to complete tests throughout the home, utilities such as water, gas and electricity will need to be connected and running. If you’re moving out of the home, remember to leave utilities connected until a new resident has been found. 

3. Finish any construction or DIY projects on the home

Sometimes homeowners are in a hurry to lease their rental home and may want to list it before improvement projects are finished. Home inspections need to assess the current state of your home to ensure it’s move-in ready, so it’s best to start the process after improvements are completed. 

If your home is in desperate need of some TLC, be sure to let us know. Our extensive vendor network can arrange fast repairs to help attract the best possible price. 

A deep clean of your home is an important step in getting move-in ready and up to Belong’s home standards. To prepare for an inspection (not to mention all-important marketing photos and home tours), make sure the home is spotless and yards are not overgrown. 

5. Provide a complete set of keys for the home

How many locks does your home really have? It’s important to get a full set of keys cut to provide to Belong either before or at the time of inspection. It’s easy to forget things that you don’t often use, such as window locks, a garden shed, or even a mailbox key — but your home inspector and new residents will need them. 

Many homeowners hope to one day return to their homes again or make sure their beloved house is well cared for. With Belong PRO, you’ll never have to worry about bad residents, late rent, cost blowouts, or 2 am phone calls ever again. 

Safety standards and a positive experience in your rental home are crucial to finding long-term residents. Learn how inspections get your home move-in ready.

8 tips on how to maximize your rental income, guarantee your cash flow, and get more deductions for each tax season.

8 Ways Self-Managing Rental Owners Can Maximize and Protect Their Cash Flow

When your home becomes a rental, do you treat it like a business or an investment? The answer is a little of both. Turning your home into a long-term rental will change your financial situation overnight. Especially when you take on the role of DIY property manager, managing your rental home will become a side hustle. 

If you’re looking at setting up your accounting and bookkeeping for the first time, check out this simple guide. For pointers on how to maximize your rental income, guarantee your cash flow, and get more deductions during tax season — keeping reading for the answers. 

This article will highlight eight tips on how to manage your rental income and expenses as a self-managed rental owner. 

Keeping rental income and expenses separate from personal finances will make it easier to manage your cash flow and tax records.



Tracking the time you spend on property management tasks can improve your tax deductions and allow you to deduct losses against other income.



Setting long-term goals will make financial planning easier, helping you to achieve bigger objectives such as retirement planning or paying off a mortgage sooner.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for rental homeowners and should not replace personalized financial planning. Please consult an accountant or tax professional for advice tailored to your personal financial situation. 

8 financial tips for DIY rental property managers 

1. Establish separate bank accounts for your rental home

When you put your home on the rental market, it’s time to split it off from your personal finances. That means a fresh bank account for all income and expenses. This will provide clarity on your cash flow, simplify your record keeping (especially during tax season) and make reconciliation much easier.

If you buy another investment property or inherit a house that you rent out, be sure to repeat this process and open a new account for each home to avoid confusion in your accounting.

Chasing down rent is one of the hardest tasks when managing your own rental home. If your residents are late with payments, your cash flow will fall out of sync. Without stable income, you could fall short on your own financial obligations, putting you further behind every month. 

It's important to be flexible and work out the best payment options and schedules for your residents, making it as easy as possible to meet their obligations. If they get paid monthly, a monthly rent schedule should be easy to stick to. But if they get paid weekly or fortnightly, this may put them behind in those tricky 5-week months. 


Don't rely on cash and cheques, investing in a secure payment platform that is designed for rent payments to reduce fraud. 

Pro Tip: If rent collection is becoming an issue, try Belong PRO. We'll find you people that will love and care for your home and guarantee that rent is paid like clockwork, no matter when we receive it. 

For self-managing rental home owners, get 8 tips on how to maximize your rental income, guarantee your cash flow, and get more deductions for each tax season.

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