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Rent Apps: Simplifying Apartment Life

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog,News,Planning,Property Management Tips,Property Marketing,Renter Education
Rent Apps: Simplifying Apartment Life

Renting a home can be both exciting and daunting. From finding the perfect place to managing monthly payments, you have a lot to consider. Fortunately, technology has made the rental process smoother and more convenient than ever before, thanks to the proliferation of rent apps. 

Finding Flexibility with Rent Apps

With the emergence of rent apps like Flex, tenants have more flexibility in their housing arrangements. Flex allows users to search for rental properties with flexible leasing options, such as month-to-month or short-term leases. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with uncertain living situations or who need temporary accommodations. Whether relocating for work or exploring a new city, apps like Flex offer the freedom to rent on your terms.

Never Miss a Payment with a Reminders App

One of the most stressful aspects of renting is keeping track of rent payments and deadlines. Fortunately, there are rent apps that help tenants stay on top of their financial obligations. These apps send timely reminders and notifications to ensure rent payments are made on time, thus avoiding late fees and potential disputes with landlords. Some rent reminder apps offer convenient payment options, allowing tenants to pay rent securely and conveniently from their mobile devices. With the help of these apps, tenants can breathe easy, knowing their rent payments are on time.

Empowering Landlords

While tenants benefit from apps, landlords also gain from these innovative platforms. Rent apps designed for landlords streamline the rental management process, making it easier to advertise properties, screen potential tenants, and collect rent. These apps often have features such as online rent collection, lease management tools, and communication tools for landlords to stay in touch with their tenants. By leveraging management apps, landlords can save time, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure a smoother rental experience.

Rent Apps: Enhancing the Rental Experience

Rent apps have revolutionized the rental experience for both tenants and landlords alike. From providing flexible leasing options to simplifying rent payments, these apps offer convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind to everyone involved. Whether you’re a renter on the hunt for the ideal home or a landlord aiming to optimize your rental processes, there’s an app for that. Embrace the power of technology and take your rental journey to new heights.

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7 Moving Tips for First-time Renters

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog,Renter Education
Image of a green pencil checking off checklist boxes in the blog 7 Moving Tips for First-time Renters.

If you’re moving into your first rental property soon, here are some moving tips you may find helpful.

1. Moving day

It may seem like a silly point to make, but you do need to call the property manager ahead of time to verify the move-in date. There may be issues with former tenant evacuations, repairs, or other unforeseen events.  Always call a week prior and then at least one day before your plan to move in to make sure everything is still on schedule for your arrival.

2. Utilities

Some apartments and even single-family rentals may include certain utility payments. It’s your responsibility to know what those may be. Contact the property manager about utilities if written instructions are not provided in the lease or on the property’s website. There are almost always guidelines for the take-over process on new accounts. If you have roommates, discussing and establishing a plan for splitting utility expenses fairly among yourselves is important.

3. Renters Insurance

Regardless of your numerous other to-do items, securing renters insurance should be a top priority before you ever move a thing into the property. It’s possible to find very reasonable rates and coverage. Hesitant? You better check with your soon-to-be landlord. Insurance may be a requirement, and proof of coverage may be required to move in.

4. Furniture

How many rooms do you need to furnish, and what would you like to put in them? A bed, table, a couple of chairs, and a TV are the basics, and you can easily find these items on buy-sell-trade sites, Goodwill, or garage sales if money is a concern. You can also go the rental route but understand that this often costs much more in the long run.

5. Moving timeline

The day before move-in (or sooner), call your soon-to-be landlord and double-check everything once more to ensure you’ve got your checklist down where the property is concerned. Ask about move-in times. Many properties may limit the hours of day move-ins are allowed. Limited hours are for convenience, security, and consideration of other tenants.

6. Coordinate mail delivery

You no longer have to make an in-person trip to the post office to update your address.  You can simply go online and fill out the change of address form. These can take several days, so handle this up-front and note your exact move-out/move-in dates.

7. Schedule movers

Whether you’re taking the DIY route or hiring professional movers, this is a task you should coordinate with plenty of lead time. Professional movers tend to book early, and your friends will likely be more willing to help if you give them some notice (and the promise of a bribe).

More moving tips and available properties

For more moving tips or to find the rental property that is perfect for you, get in touch with Class A Management. We have numerous properties throughout Texas that meet many tastes and needs. 

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A Walkthrough Checklist for Renters

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog,Renter Education
Image of a checklist on a desk, in the blog A Walkthrough Checklist for Renters.

One thing there is plenty of? Checklists. Unfortunately, many lists have the property owner or manager in mind. Renters need a walkthrough checklist, too, along with an understanding of what normal wear and tear looks like, and what needs to be repaired (and cleaned!) before you move in.

Your walkthrough checklist

Before you sign on the line committing to a rental property, employ the following checklist to ensure everything is in working order. As you work through the list, identify and document all concerns. 

  • Faucets. Turn on every water source. Water should be clear with good pressure. There should be no banging pipes or leaks. 
  • Floors, walls, and ceilings. Look for evidence of damage, including water damage, mold, stains, or cracking. 
  • Windows. All windows should open and close. Proper opening and closing windows prevent damage and ensure your safety. Windows should also have undamaged screens.
  • Closets, doors, and cabinets. Check that all open and close properly and double-check for signs of pests. 
  • Outlets. Bring a small electric device, such as a phone charger, to test if all outlets are in working order. 
  • Appliances. All appliances should work correctly and be clean to your standards. 
  • External doors. All doors leading to outdoor spaces should close, lock and seal correctly. 
  • Locks and security gates. Your property manager should ensure all work and that you understand access procedures. 
  • Other security features. Ensure features such as lighting in outdoor spaces and communal hallways meet your comfort level. 
  • Access. Understand how to access any amenities, for example, parking, laundry facilities, or fitness areas. 

This list is a starting point for your walkthrough.  Be as thorough as possible. When your walkthrough checklist is complete, address any issues with your property manager.

Keep a personal copy of your observations. Provide another copy of your document to be kept in your records and with the property management office. If your concerns aren’t resolved, walk away and find an apartment that fits your needs and standards. If everything is to your standards, it’s time to sign a lease, get those keys, and move into your new home!

Need more help creating inspection lists? 

If you are a property manager looking for more rental assistance, let our property management professionals help. Contact Class A Management at info@classamanagement.com or call 817-295-5959. 

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An Apartment Spruce-up for Spring

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
An Apartment Spruce-up for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no time like the present to get your apartment spring-ready. Whether your unit has a little or a lot of space, these tips will guarantee a share-worthy update.

Decorating trends to brighten your space

Start with a deep clean, then consider these budget and renter-friendly options to revitalize and customize your apartment. 

  1. Floral displays. Real flowers only stay in bloom for a short time. Grab some craft supplies and get creative. Making a floral display using paper or cloth will last all season. Not a crafter? Many stores have seasonal departments with decorations that suit many styles. 
  2. Color pops. Bring a little color into each room by adding small accent pieces in bright colors. Changing out the throw pillows will give your living room an instant refresh.
  3. New linens. Change the linens in your kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Choose bright colors to create a more refreshing spring-summer feel in your apartment. 
  4. Plants. Your property management may not allow gardening, but you can still have various plants in containers inside and in outdoor spaces. Get creative with different containers to give your apartment a custom feel. 
  5. Removable wallpaper. Removable wallpaper comes in many forms, including decals. These products are a great way to prevent damage and customize your space. Carefully read all product details, including installation and removal. Decals and paper also work on furniture. Consider giving your coffee table a different look for the season. 

Giving your space a new feel doesn’t take much. Get creative. You might surprise yourself with how a little change makes a big difference. Work with your property manager for more ideas or to clarify you are complying with property-specific guidelines. 

Get more apartment update ideas from Class A Management

Need some more ideas like these? Or, are you a property owner or manager searching for suggestions to update your units or raise curb appeal? Working with a Class A Management professional can benefit your property. Contact us today at 817-295-5959 or by email at info@classamgmt.com.

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Sustainable Multifamily Goes Mainstream

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Sustainable Living
Sustainable Multifamily Goes Mainstream

Apartment buildings are the perfect proving grounds for sustainable building design, benefitting renters and property owners alike. Today’s designers are incorporating sustainably-sourced building materials and green public areas into energy-efficient buildings that save tenants money. These forward-thinking sustainable multifamily properties are growing more popular each year with dedicated renters, and that’s positive news for occupancy rates and market value.

Green upgrades for everyone

The best recycling in the building industry is re-using an existing property and expertly leveraging energy efficiency upgrades and healthy building design. Replacement windows and a move to LED lighting are easy and inexpensive ways for property owners to begin. When it’s time to upgrade exteriors, insulation, roofs, or interiors, choosing sustainably-sourced materials that contribute to a healthy home, and the planet, is easier than ever. If you already own an investment property, upgrading to a more sustainable multifamily property may be easier than you think. 

Next step: Passive design

Naturally, as sustainable building standards tighten, builders are challenged to outdo themselves as they now strive for passively designed buildings. Passive design uses solar heat gains to heat and adequate shade and ventilation to cool the living space. Along with insulation and structure sealing, or encapsulation, requirements, this industry trend hasn’t been affordable until recently. 

New building projects using passive design don’t have high-end surfaces, but energy savings and indoor air quality are becoming the most popular industry trends. 

Creating sustainable multifamily spaces is possible with our help

Energy-conserving shared walls come with some challenges unique to sustainable multifamily properties. If you don’t know where to start when incorporating some environmentally friendly improvements into your property, contact Class A Management. Our managers can address the sustainability of your property and help you conserve a lot of energy, reducing overall management costs and increasing your returns. 

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1904 Thousand Oaks Drive, Burleson, TX 76028 Mon-Fri: 9 to 5 817-295-5959 info@classamgmt.com

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