When renting a home, thinking long-term about the maintenance of carpeting can be overlooked. This is because renters often don’t plan on staying in a home for more than a year at a time. With the low vacancy rates and housing shortages all over the country, tenants are finding themselves in leases for longer than they intended. This means the responsibility for regular care of the home falls on the tenants. Here are some tips for maintaining the carpets in your home: 

No shoes

Having a “no shoes” policy in your home can be difficult to enforce, especially when it comes to your daily movements, but it is one of the best ways to make sure you maintain a clean carpet. To help you and your guests get in the habit of removing shoes whenever stepping inside, keep a shoe rack and bench near the front door. You can also keep a set of indoor flip-flops and slippers for yourself and any guests so they don’t have to walk around barefoot. 

Clean stains immediately 

Don’t procrastinate when it comes to cleaning stains with a stain remover. If you’ve already had half a bottle of wine and you spill a little on the carpet, you might be inclined to put it off until later. If you’re in the middle of a meal and spill a little on the carpet, you might put it off until after you’re done eating, and this increase the risk of forgetting about it altogether. Keep a stain-remover nearby that you can quickly spray on any stain immediately that way it doesn’t set in and become more difficult to remove later. 

Indoor air quality

Depending on the climate, indoor air quality can have a big impact on the condition of your carpet. If you live in a dry climate, for example, dust and pollen can cover your carpet fairly quickly. Use indoor air filters to improve the air quality and remove the dust and pollen in the air before it settles in your carpet. The best way to do this is to set the air filters by any windows or places that get heavy airflow to capture any dust and pollen in the air. 

Don’t eat in carpeted rooms

This one can be difficult, especially if you enjoy eating in bed or while you’re watching TV. If you can resist the urge and keep all food consumption to the kitchen, your carpet will stay cleaner much longer. If you can’t resist the urge to eat while watching TV, be sure to use some sort of protective floormat or area rugs that can be easily replaced and protect the area of the carpet where you eat. 

Professional cleaning

Don’t forget to hire professionals to clean your carpet at least once a year. This is something renters often forget about when it comes to routine maintenance because they often don’t intend to stay in the home for more than a year. The best time to hire a professional to do a deep cleaning is after the rainy season has ended and you don’t have to worry about tracking in any mud or dirty water. While a deep cleaning once a year is a good idea, you can also hire professionals to do a steam cleaning of your carpet once a year as well to help keep your home clean and safe.

Cleaning is a never-ending process and we avoid doing it if it’s going to take a minute or an hour. Very few take pleasure in the act of cleaning. As a renter, you may be even less inclined to clean daily. If you’re one of the many people who wait until the very last minute to do any cleaning, here are a few tips for easy daily maintenance so you can suffer just a little less on your deep cleaning days. 

Keep handled vacuum close

You might be hesitant to clean your bathroom because you don’t want to deal with a big, cumbersome broom and dustpan. An easy way to handle dust build-up or loose hairs in your bathroom daily is to have a small handheld vacuum in your bathroom or nearby. This will help you keep your bathroom clean daily and make your weekly deep cleaning easier when the time comes. 

Install a hair catcher drain

A slow or clogged drain can quickly lead to an unsightly ring around your bathtub. This can happen in just a few days of a slow drain. One way to keep your drains from getting backed up is to block the hair from going down the drain in the first place. 

Squeegee the shower

Bathrooms can build up all kinds of dirt, grime, hard water stains, and soap scum in just a few days. One way to avoid your shower from building up any of these is to squeegee your shower after each use. Keep a squeegee in the shower and be sure to use it on the tiles and the shower doors. If you have houseguests, ask them to do the same during their visit. 

Use bins and containers

Keep all of your smaller items in the bathroom organized with bins and containers. This will help you avoid building up any clutter in the bathroom giving it an organized appearance. Keeping the smaller items in bins and containers will also make your daily cleanings quick and easy since you won’t have to declutter your bathroom every single time.

Keeping in regular contact with your tenants is important in helping to keep an open line of communication. They need to be kept up to date on repairs being done on the facility, any issues surrounding security and upkeep of the common areas, any rent increases, and any notices for when you will be on site. It’s also important not to communicate too frequently to the point it seems invasive to the tenant. Here is a guide for communicating with your tenants. 

Be professional and respectful

Use polite language when sending emails or speaking in person. “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way in helping your tenants feel respected. When communicating with tenants, it is best to think of them as customers or clients. In the long run, being respectful to your tenants and responsive to their needs can help lower your turnover. 

Automate

Depending on the number of units and tenants you have, you might want to consider automating any regular emails. This can be emails like rent-due notices, lease renewal reminders, and any other regular or semi-regular generic emails that are sent out to your tenants. These can be useful reminders for your tenants and automating can help save time and prevent any issues from forgetting to send an email. 

Contact during business hours

Just like when you get home, you prefer not to be contacted, tenants also don’t like to be contacted during their off time. Try to stick within reasonable business hours unless there is some sort of emergency. If your tenants do contact you about something that needs to be resolved immediately, it would then be OK to respond. Otherwise, a response can wait until the following day. 

Be responsive and accommodating

There should be multiple ways for your tenants to contact you. You should have a work email, an office phone number, a cell phone, and an emergency number for tenants to contact if something needs to be taken care of immediately at any time of the day. You should also have an online portal where tenants can log and submit any requests for maintenance and repairs. This will help you keep track of any tasks that need to be completed as well as keep a record of costs and repairs. 

Try to respond as fast as possible. Even if you don’t have an answer immediately, try to respond to let your tenants know you will be looking into the matter as soon as you get a chance. Keep a list of requests from your tenants to make sure you don’t forget because tasks should also be completed in a timely manner. 

Keep records

Keeping thorough records will help you keep track of incomplete tasks as well as any costs and time dedicated to resolving issues. Try to keep communications through documented mediums like email. If you speak to a tenant on the phone, you can send a follow-up email to the tenant confirming his request. Another great way to document requests is to have tenants submit them through a web portal. This will ensure all requests are kept in one place and can easily be referenced. 

We’re all human

Mistakes can be made, and tempers can rise. It’s important to be patient with your tenants. They can be frustrated, or going through rough times and may not be respectful in their communications. It’s your responsibility to be patient and respectful to your tenants. De-escalation can give your tenants a positive experience and improve future communications. It is also OK to admit any mistakes or errors on your end.

If you manage your property for long enough, you’ll eventually encounter a loud tenant who is causing a disturbance with a complex or the neighboring homes and complexes. The laws vary from state to state and even city to city so there is no universal way to handle unruly tenants. You’ll need to understand your local and state laws and federal laws to the best of your abilities.

While what qualifies as a disturbance can be subjective and open to interpretation, it is the responsibility and obligation of a landlord to address any noise complaints. Here are a few tips on how to handle any noise complaints:

Plan for noise complaints

Like in any other business, you’ll want to set clear rules and use the lease contract to verify those rules have been communicated. This will help you down the road if a tenant becomes loud and unruly. You can use the lease to establish acceptable levels of noise as well as any quiet times during the night where no loud noises are allowed. Doing this will ensure a tenant can’t claim there were no rules regarding noise or that those rules had not been communicated.

Can soundproofing help?

If the noise complaints are consistent regardless of the tenant in the property, then there may be an issue with insulation and soundproofing. There’s a big difference between normal conversions and TV volume coming through the walls than a raging party in the middle of the night. Make sure your rental units are property soundproofed to prevent any issues that could arise.

Write a letter

You’re not law enforcement and there is no reason you should be traveling to your property to knock on doors and tell tenants to quiet down. If you receive a complaint from another tenant or a neighbor, write a letter to your tenant. This should include a statement about the noise complaint, a sentence restating the rules around noise for clarity, and information about actions that might be taken if the problem continues.

A final warning

If the letter doesn’t work and the tenants continue to cause problems, write another letter explaining that this is the final warning and you will take action if there is another complaint. Make sure you keep track of each of your letters and all of your communications with the tenants as well as any contemporaneous notes to protect yourself if you need to evict the tenant.

Eviction

This should only be considered if you have exhausted all other resources. If it is required, you’ll want to make sure you have all the complaints and communications on record in case the tenant plans on challenging the eviction. This can be costly and time-consuming so again, the best option is to try and resolve the matter long before it ever gets to this point. Before making any decision, be sure to consult a lawyer with expertise in the field.

El Paso is one of the more unique cities in the country. It sits on the border of two states and the border of the United States and Mexico. It’s a major place of trade and commerce and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The population has shot up by over 60k residents in the last 10 years and for good reason. It’s an affordable city with great opportunities and a lot of culture and entertainment. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in El Paso: 

Castner Heights

Caster Heights is a great neighborhood for those who want or need quick access to Downtown El Paso. It has quick access through US-54 making it a quick and easy trip for those who need to commute or just want to enjoy the downtown entertainment. The neighborhood is great for families, young professionals, and retirees. It has something for everyone. It’s mostly made up of single-family homes so those looking for an apartment or a condo may have a difficult time finding one. 

Cielo Vista

For young professionals and families who enjoy outdoor activities like jogging and walking, Cielo Vista is a fantastic place to live. There’s a wide variety of retail and restaurants which allows you to do your shopping and dining all within the place you live. There are also some beautiful parks like Vista Del Valle and Ponder Park. The neighborhood is mostly comprised of single-family homes just like most of the El Paso area. 

Mesa Hills

If you’re looking for alternatives to single-family homes and something a little more affordable, Mesa Hills is a place to consider. While it does have an abundance of single-family homes, it does have plenty of other options like spacious townhomes for those who want less yard work and a more affordable place to live. Like Castner Heights, the neighborhood is mostly made up of families, young professionals, and retirees. 

Mountain View

Mountain View is a middle-class and military neighborhood that has a whole lot to do. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a wide variety of activities and entertainment, this is the place for you. There are 7 parkland and two lakes for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. There’s the Museum of Art and the Museum of History for those who like arts and culture. Another great way to spend your day is the local Zoo, especially if you have kids. Like most of the areas in El Paso, Mountain View is also made up of mostly single-family homes. 

Via Hermosa

If you’re looking for a place to both live and work, you might want to consider Via Hermosa. There are plenty of jobs nearby which makes for a short commute. For those who like the outdoors, there are a number of parks with hiking and biking trails along with plenty of green space if you just want to lounge around and have a picnic (as long as it isn’t too hot). For coffee lovers, there’s the local institution Gobal Coffee Roasters where you can get your high-quality coffee and pastries.

Owning and leasing rental properties isn’t just for major corporations or real estate professionals. Often landlords get started when they upgrade from their first home purchase to a bigger or more desirable home. As they buy new homes, they lease out their former homes to tenants. If you’re considering converting your old home or even your current home into a rental unit, here are a few helpful tips: 

Get landlord insurance

Your normal homeowner’s insurance isn’t going to be enough if you decide to convert your home into a rental property. You’ll need to get landlord insurance that can help protect you against a wide range of liabilities. It’ll protect you against the standard risks like damage from natural disasters, but it will also shield you from liability if a tenant or a guest of a tenant is injured on your property. There are also some valuable add-ons that can help protect you against other risks landlords encounter like missed rent payments. 

Get required permits

Permitting for any business in the United States can be a total nightmare. Big firms hire experts or consultants just to navigate this area. You’ll have to consider all the laws from the federal all the way down to the municipal level. If you have any questions you can reach out to your local government, legal experts, or a local group of business leaders. 

Make repairs and upgrades

Making repairs and any upgrades can be costly. You’ll need to make sure that at a bare minimum, your rental unit is up to code before leasing it out. The next question will be what upgrades can you make in order to get the best return on your property. You don’t need to go over the top unless you’re trying to reach a high-end clientele. 

If there’s a way to add another room to the rental without any huge structural changes, that is one way to increase the amount of revenue the property can generate. You’ll also want to look around your area and see what amenities are common. For example, are similar homes in the area including a washer and dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning or similar luxuries? 

how much should you charge?

This is an area where hiring a local property management company can help. They would have access to all the data necessary in order to make up-to-date decisions about how much to charge for rent. 

If you choose not to use a property management company, it’s recommended to at least use a software company to help manage and grow your business. If you need to figure out how much to charge on your own, you can look at various rental sites like Zillow, Craigslist, or Apartments.com and compare how much similar units are going for. You can also keep tabs long-term to see how long rental units are staying on the market. 

Learn the laws

Housing laws are complex and it’s why landlords tend to hire exerts if real estate isn’t their area of expertise. You’ll need to know all the laws about keeping your rental unit up to code as well as all the laws around fair housing and tenant’s rights. Not knowing all of this can put your business in jeopardy which is why it is wise to at least consult a legal professional before starting your business as well as if you plan on making any big decisions down the road just in case

Since 2010, Fort Worth has seen its population boom by nearly 200 thousand residents making it one of the fastest growing cities in the country and quickly becoming one of the most popular places to live in all of Texas. With some of the more popular cities like Austin and Dallas becoming increasingly expensive, Fort Worth has become a more attractive option for those looking to get a little more bang for their buck. If you’re considering moving to Forth Worth, or just looking for a change of scenery within the city, here are some of the best neighborhoods to live in: 

Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights is regularly rated as one of the best neighborhoods to live in Forth Worth. It’s a popular place to live for a variety of reasons. It’s a short ten-minute drive from downtown giving residents reasonable access to the local entertainment and nightlife. There are plenty of local restaurants and shops within the neighborhood itself. The neighborhood is mostly made up of single-family homes and there is plenty of open space with local parks. There aren’t many options when it comes to smaller units and apartments, but if you’re looking for a place with a yard and quality local schools, Arlington Heights is a great choice.

Rivercrest

Rivercrest is located in west Fort Worth and is known as one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in the city. While the homes and the lots are large, Rivercrest is still close to downtown Forth Worth which allows for the residents to enjoy all the benefits of the suburbs while living a short drive from the urban center of the city. The real gem of the area though is the Rivercrest Country Club. The golf course is one of the best in the state. 

Fairmount

Fairmount is known for being the largest historic neighborhood in the Southwest. Some of the homes in the area date all the way back to the late 1800s. The area has its own charm which is unlikely to change anytime in the near future due to its historical status. Fairmount has its own charm with plenty of shops and restaurants in the commercial centers. 

Westcliff

There’s really nothing that can match a college town when it comes to the energy, restaurants, and local entertainment. Westcliff is one of those college towns. It’s home TCU and provides a wide range of housing from single-family and condos and apartments as well as student housing. While it is home to college students, it is also a popular area for young professionals. One of the main attractions which bring residents from all over the city to Westcliff is the Fort Worth Zoo. If you want to live in a vibrant college town and don’t mind all of the college students, Westcliff is a fantastic option.

Downtown Forth Worth 

While the urban centers of other major cities in Texas like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio can be unreasonably expensive, Downtown Fort Worth is actually one of the more reasonably priced urban centers in all of Texas. As far as nightlife and entertainment go, it is by far and away the best neighborhood in town. Like all other downtowns, it’s a walkable area with easy access to all local transit and a great option for those who enjoy living an active lifestyle.

When you have a cat or a dog, just like a child, you have to consider their health and safety for every item you put in your home. Unfortunately, this means you can’t just purchase whatever house plant you like, especially when it comes to cats and their ability to get literally anywhere they want. There are plenty of plants that aren’t harmful to your cats and dogs. Even though they can’t stop your pets from destroying them for sport, here are some house plants that are safe for cats and dogs: 

Rattlesnake Plant

The native plant of Brazil is a reasonably easy houseplant to take care of and it also provides great color and aesthetics for your decor with its greens and purples. It can fit well in any style of discord from rustic coastal to mid-century modern. 

Care instructions

Water the plant evenly without saturating the soil to the point of sogginess. Make sure to never let the leaves wilt. The plants do well in morning sunlight but shouldn’t be left out in intense afternoon sunlight. They do best in warm temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, you can fertilize the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer. 

Spider Plant

Spider plants are one of the more popular houseplants because of how resilient and simple they are to maintain. One of the most appealing characteristics of the Spider Plant is its efficiency when it comes to filtering toxins out of the air. 

Care instructions

Place the plant in bright to moderate sunlight in a room with moderate temperature. Water once a week keeping the soil slightly moist. During the winter, let the soil dry out a little before watering again. Spider Plants are sensitive to fluoride so try to use distilled water. Every two to three weeks, fertilize with a blanched fertilizer. 

Parlor Palm

If you like your bedroom to look like a dark dungeon with very little sunlight, the Parlor Palm is a great option for you. It’s one of the most common indoor plants you’ll find in homes because it is relatively easy to take care of while also providing tremendous air purifying capabilities. 

Care instructions

Parlor Palms require above-average humidity so if you’re in a dry climate, use a humidifier. Be sure to keep them in well-drained soil and water them whenever the top few inches become dry. They do best in rooms with a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Calathea Orbifolia

The Calathea Orbifolia has big, wide green leaves with darker green stripes running through them. They are visually appealing house plants that can help create depth of color and texture in any room in the house. They also love sunlight which means they are a great plant to keep near a window.

Care instructions

The plant thrives in well-drained soil that never gets too dry or soggy. They also do well in moderate to light humidity. The ideal temperature of the room should be between 75 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer and use at ¼ and ½ strength during the growing season. 

Ponytail Palm

If you tend to neglect your house plants at times, consider getting some Ponytail Palms. They can survive plenty of neglect and they are safe for your cats and dogs. They’re great for giving a tropical or desert feel to your decor. 

Care instructions

Use a fast draining soil like a succulent or cacti potting mix. If you have sand and perlite on hand, you can mix them with soil to create your own desert soil. Use a pot with holes on the bottom to help drain the soil properly. They do best in bright light so keep them near a window. Water them whenever the top few inches of the soil become dry. 

When you live in or visit a tourist town like San Diego, it’s really easy to fall into tourist traps. The food usually isn’t very good and the drinks are a little overpriced, but sometimes a beer on the boardwalk is just too tempting to avoid. If you’re looking for some more unique places to spend your time, there are plenty of options. While there are many to pick from, here are five hidden gems in Pacific Beach:  

The Fishery

There’s no shortage of seafood in San Diego and if you’re dining out, there’s a decent chance the seafood you’re eating came from the Fishery, so why not go to the source? There are plenty of tourist traps on the beach where you can get a view, but the food quality is lacking. If you’re OK with sacrificing a view of the Pacific Ocean, The Fishery is a far better option than places like World Famous (self-proclaimed). It’s north of Garnet Ave, so you’ll be able to avoid all the chaos that comes from the local bar scene, making it perfect for dates or a quiet dinner with family and friends. 

E.L.E

It’s not every night you’ll be able to enjoy an E.L.E burger but at least one night a week, the pop-up restaurant can be found at either Open Bar, Thrusters or The Local. In order to keep track of when they will be open, you have to follow their Instagram or just hope you get lucky and see their pop-up tent while walking about. 

The menu is simple and there isn’t much to think about. They serve smash-burgers with cheese, lettuce, onions, and special sauce on a potato bun. If E.L.E sounds familiar, that’s because it’s an acronym for “Everybody love everybody which is the motto of Jackie Moon(Will Ferrell), the former player/coach/owner of the Tropics. 

Farmer’s Market

San Diego has over 300 days of sunshine a year so one of its major advantages is being able to shop at the outdoor farmers market in any season. On Tuesdays, PB hosts a weekly farmer’s market, and even if you have no need for any fresh produce, there are plenty of local merchants and foot stands you can enjoy for both lunch and dinner. Some of the regular food stands include locally roasted coffee and brewed kombucha. Locally made vegan and meat tamales along with a revolving door of Mexican, Asian, and other fares from around the world. 

The Grass Skirt

If you’re looking for unique cocktails or have a penchant for tiki bars, the Grass Skirt is a great place for you. Tucked away just a block south of Garnet in an unassuming strip mall, the Grass Skirt could be easily mistaken as just a quick-serve poke restaurant. There’s a speakeasy just through the kitchen and if you ask the host, they will walk you through a fake walk-in refrigerator door and into a Polynesian oasis. Stay long enough and you’ll even get a few indoor thunderstorms. 

Kate Sessions

Kate Sessions park isn’t exactly a secret but it’s often overlooked. You’ve probably seen friends post pictures from there even if you aren’t from San Diego. It’s overlooked by both locals and tourists because it’s uphill and off the beaten path. Most people just default to the bay or the beach, but if you’re not in the mood to fight the crowds, Kate Sessions park is a great option. There’s a large grass field that overlooks the bay and plenty of trees to lay under if you want to cool off in the shade. There are also some local services that will set up fancy picnic meals for any special event or occasions like baby showers, birthdays, or anniversaries

Finding a new place to live can be a headache even if you don’t own any pets. Most of the country is experiencing a housing shortage which can add extra stress with more tenants competing for fewer homes. This means landlords can be more selective about who they choose to live in their properties. For pet owners, this can mean they might be passed over in favor of a tenant without any pets. Here are some tips when searching for a home with pets: 

Plan ahead

When you have a pet it’s essential to plan ahead when looking for a place to live. That’s just in normal times. When you’re searching for a place to live with a pet in the middle of a housing shortage, you’ll want to give yourself extra time while also having a backup plan if you can’t find a place to live in time. Give yourself a runway of at least 30 days and possibly 60. You’ll also want to have a backup plan like a short-term rental or renting a room instead of your own home or apartment. 

Consider the outdoor space

Take a look around the yard or the common grounds and see how secure the area is. If you have a dog, you’ll want to make sure it’ll be difficult for your dog to get out. Consider the traffic and how busy the street is as well. If your dog does get out, you don’t want him running in the street and getting hit by a car. Take note of the plants on the property and make sure they aren’t poisonous. If you have any questions about whether or not they could be harmful, check with the landlord or research the plants online. 

There’s also a neighborhood factor to consider. Are there good places for you to walk your dog? Are there any dog parks or open spaces nearby where you can let your dog off their leash? Is there anything nearby that could cause an increased stress level for your pet? 

Think of alternative options

When it comes to leasing a home with a pet, it can get tricky. A lot of landlords will refuse tenants with pets outright and in a tight housing market, you may need to consider alternative options. One option is to look for accessory dwelling units that are leased by homeowners who live on site. They may be more lenient when it comes to leasing to pet owners. You can also consider renting a room from a homeowner looking for a roommate. 

Prove you’re a responsible pet owner

There are a number of reasons a landlord would choose not to lease to a pet owner. It could be because of the damage a pet can do to the property. They could chew up the walls and ruin the carpet. They could scratch the floors. They can ruin the screens. There are also other factors to consider. There’s the health and the safety of the neighbors and other tenants. There could be concerns about the noise factor. For example, a landlord may be concerned a dog will bark and annoy the neighbors. 

One way to ease the concerns of a landlord is to show you are a responsible owner. Show you have vaccinated your pet. Show all the medical records and if you have microchipped your pet. If you’ve sent your dog to any type of training or obedience school, you can show receipts or documents to a landlord as well. There’s no guarantee a landlord will change their mind about having a pet on-site, but it’s worth the effort especially if you are struggling to find a place to rent.