One of the costliest hits a landlord can take to their business is a fair housing complaint, even if the complaint is unsuccessful, and the price paid isn’t just a financial one. In addition to legal expenses, monetary damages, civil penalties, and legal compliance costs, a fair housing complaint can also cause considerable harm to a landlord or property management company’s reputation, and that takes time for a business to recover from. In order to avoid fair housing violations, landlords and property managers much approach the issue the same way they approach the physical upkeep of their pr ..read more

A lease renewal is the process of establishing a new rental agreement with the current tenants. If the landlord or property manager is happy with the tenants and the tenants are happy with the home, it makes sense to re-up and keep the relationship going. If you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s as a landlord or property manager, and you’ve checked out the advice in our guide for improving resident retention in rental properties, you very well may have a lease renewal on your hands. Congratulations! However, there’s more to it than just collecting rent for one more year, and there’s more ..read more

Understanding CMMS: Leveraging Technology for Efficient Maintenance Management In the quest for operational excellence, industries worldwide are turning to technology solutions that streamline processes, enhance productivity, and ensure equipment reliability. One such technology is the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), a software tool designed to simplify the management of maintenance operations. This article delves into the essence of a CMMS, exploring its features, benefits, and the considerations necessary for successful implementation. What is a CMMS? A Computerized Mainte ..read more

First impressions are everything. They color a prospective tenant’s perception of a property before they’ve stepped foot inside, and even before they’ve gotten out of their car. Hence the importance of curb appeal—“the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street,” according to Merriam-Webster. Property managers and landlords increase the rental property curb appeal of their properties through creative landscaping and front yard maintenance, beautifying porches and driveways with tasteful decorations, and attending to key features of their properties’ outward appearance (paint jobs ..read more

Many modern renters are attracted to the various bells and whistles that fall under the umbrella of “smart home technology,” and the property management industry has risen to meet that demand. But while smart home solutions can certainly attract a higher caliber of tenant and allow landlords to raise rents, they can also help make rental properties (both single-family homes and apartments) more energy efficient, lowering utility bills and prolonging the life of HVAC units, which are notoriously difficult to repair or replace. Outfitting a property with such technology can quickly get expensive ..read more

As an owner of rental properties, whether you specialize in single-family homes, apartment complexes, or both, tenant parking is something you have to address. After all, it may be the deciding factor in a potential renter’s final decision. You can invest a ton of time and energy in making your properties safe, comfortable, and attractive, but if there’s no place to park, tenants might take their search elsewhere. But don’t worry: we’ve outlined all the important aspects of rental property parking so you don’t have to. On-Street vs. Off-Street vs. Offsite Parking Based on my own past experienc ..read more

When I was in college, my friends and I rented a house from a landlord who lived out of state. We were young and inexperienced when it came to the world of rental properties, but our parents had instilled in us the importance of avoiding landlord-tenant disputes by communicating all requests, concerns, and potential problems in writing. There were issues from day one, as I fought for the inclusion of every dinged floorboard and scuffed bathroom tile on the rental inspection checklist, and relations with our landlord from that point forward were fraught (to put it kindly). Written Communication ..read more

During my recent (long and arduous) search for new housing, I stumbled across an affordable apartment in a decent neighborhood, and felt hopeful that I had finally found the perfect spot. But when I visited the rental property, I quickly saw that security in rental properties was not a chief concern for the property management company that oversaw the apartment complex: the entrance to the building (which was supposed to be locked) was sitting wide open; the mailboxes in the common area were tiny, and a number of large packages were sitting out in the open; the doors leading into both the comp ..read more

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Lula, a pioneering proptech company, is thrilled to announce its inclusion in the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America. Overall, Lula landed at #125 on the distinguished list. The Inc. 5000 list, published by Inc. Magazine, showcases businesses across various sectors that displayed remarkable growth and resilience. Lula’s exceptional performance in recent years has propelled it to this ranking, a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving proptech landscape ..read more

According to the American Pet Products Association, 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet. If you’re a property manager, that’s a statistic you can’t ignore, but it’s important to strike a balance between protecting your properties and being receptive to your tenants’ animals. Whether you’re unsure about the difference between pets and assistance animals, wondering how to construct a pet policy for your rental properties, or considering integrating a standardized pet screening platform into your business, you’ve come to the right place. Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Compani ..read more