If you are living in a rental, you are probably asking yourself if you are allowed to make any changes to the place. Well, we can tell you that it all depends on the changes you have in mind. For instance, if you plan to improve the decor or change the color of the walls, you will probably have your property owner’s blessing. On the other hand, your property owner might disagree with your ideas if you wish to knock down some walls. The reality is that you should always look to make improvements that will not damage the rental. Also, you shouldn’t overinvest in that property because ..read more

The summer is reaching its summit very fast. If you’re a rental property owner, now is a perfect time to start thinking about some end-of-season maintenance. Even though you might want to take some time to relax, it’s better if you start working on these tasks sooner rather than later. That way, you will be better prepared for the seasons with colder temperatures and the obstacles that come along with them. Here are some useful summer maintenance tips for your rental property to help you with that. Perform routine HVAC system checks Making an appointment for maintenance on your heating sys ..read more

Squatters are a major problem across the world, and it is a situation no landlord wants to be in. Dealing with squatters can be a complicated situation, where you want to get rid of them without violating the law (Yes, even squatters have rights in Canada). We understand that it is incredibly stressful to know that your property has been illegally occupied or is in adverse possession and that you eagerly want it back. However, you must act patiently and well within the law to evict a squatter, and gain legal title for your property. This will ensure that you don’t land in any legal trouble, fu ..read more

Finding tenants that pay rent on time, maintain the property, do not have a shady identity, and yes, do not drive you up the wall are indeed scanty, thus, hard to find. Owning a rental property brings in many perks, but it’s not that easy to relish those benefits.  The responsibility of finding a good tenant is overwhelming as you have the protection of your property on your mind as well.  No landlord would allow a tenant who turns the property into a disaster, right? Would you? “No way”, we hear you say!  Yes, there are challenges when it comes to the journey of finding a good ..read more

Finding trustworthy and respectful tenants to rent your property to is one of the most challenging tasks landlords face.  The difference between a good tenant and a bad tenant can make or break your investment and cost you thousands of dollars. Money aside, a problematic tenant can wreak havoc on your mental sanity with late-night calls, impossible demands, and rude behavior.  If you find yourself in a situation where one of your properties is occupied by a difficult tenant, how do you deal with that as a landlord?  Treat Them How You Wish to Be Treated – Even When It’s Hard&nbs ..read more

Your goal as a property owner should not only be to find renters. It would help if you also strived to keep tenants as long as possible. That, however, is easier said than done. Sometimes the reason for a tenant’s departure is apparent, and other times you may lose a tenant for no apparent reason. Numerous factors can affect your tenant retention rate, some of which are not obvious. That being said, the most significant factor will be your tenant’s satisfaction. For this reason, we are here to talk about how to improve your tenant retention rate. 1. Make Sure Your Tenants Can Alwa ..read more

Summer is here, and it’s time to freshen up your rental property for the season. After a long and cold winter, summer is the time for movement and change. Many tenants choose to move and find their new home when the weather is warm and favorable. Also, many property owners decide to rent their property during the summer days when they can attract a larger crowd and show it at their best. Even if you have long-term tenants, summer is an ideal time for regular check-ups and maintenance. After all, it’s your responsibility to ensure your rental is up and running. With that in mind, we’ve gathe ..read more

When you own a rental property, you will want to ensure that you have a stable source of income. The best way to do this is to have a reliable tenant. However, your tenants might decide that they won’t renew their lease at some point. Then you will be forced to find new tenants to make your investment property profitable again. Unfortunately, if your property remains vacant, you will have to deal with the upkeep costs out of your own pocket. To make sure that your rental property is making you money, we will explain how to transition a rental between tenants. Hire a Property Management Comp ..read more

In Ontario, you can increase the rent once every 12 months, and you must give your tenants a written notice at least 90 days before you do it. However, there’s more to the story than just that. So if you want to get the full scope of things, dive right in and get all the vital details. Renting Out a Property When you rent your property for the first time, you look at the market prices and come up with a price you’re comfortable with. So, the renters come, you sign the rental agreement, and that’s it. Sure, sometimes they’ll negotiate the price or what bills should be included in the rent ..read more

Mixing business and pleasure is hardly ever a good idea. Renting a home to a tenant is a business transaction, too, so the same rules apply. As a property owner, you may get in a situation when a friendly chat turns into a coffee together, then an occasional dinner party, and finally, regular phone chats. Should you hit the brakes at the first coffee invite? Or is it okay to establish a closer relationship with your tenants? Before we go over the pros and cons of befriending your tenants, let’s just say that there are many reasons why people hire professional property management service ..read more