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A Guide for a Successful First Time Rental Experience

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog,Renter Education
First time renter tips

Embarking on the journey of first time renter can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s important to have a solid understanding of the rental process to ensure a smooth and successful experience. This article provides valuable insights and tips for first time renters, offering guidance on navigating the rental landscape with confidence and making informed decisions.

Determine Your Budget
Before beginning your rental search, assess your finances and establish a realistic budget. Consider your monthly income, expenses, and savings to determine the amount you can comfortably allocate to rent. Remember to account for additional costs like utilities, insurance, and maintenance.

Research the Rental Market
Conduct thorough research on the rental market in your desired location. Explore various neighborhoods, amenities, and property types that align with your preferences and budget. Understand the average rental prices and availability in the area to make informed decisions during your search.

Identify Your Rental Needs
Every first time renter should make a list of must-have features and preferences beforehand. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms, proximity, amenities, parking availability, pet policies, and lease terms. This list will help you narrow your options and find a rental property that best suits your needs (and desires). Many online rental search platforms offer filters where you can input these needs and immediately narrow your search.

Read and Understand the Lease Agreement
Once you have decided on a rental property and your application has been approved, carefully review the lease agreement before signing. Understand the terms and conditions, including rent amount, due dates, security deposit requirements, maintenance responsibilities, and any additional clauses. Seek clarification from the landlord or property manager if any terms are unclear. Make sure to download a copy of the lease agreement to save for future reference.

Inspect the Rental Property
Thoroughly inspect the rental property before moving in. Take note of any existing damages, maintenance issues, or areas that require attention. Communicate these findings to the landlord or property manager and request necessary repairs or documentation to help ensure a smooth move-in experience.

Document the Property’s Condition
Document the condition of the rental property through photographs and/or a written checklist. This documentation serves as evidence of the property’s condition at the beginning of your tenancy and can help protect your security deposit when you move out.

Understand Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Familiarize yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Research local tenant laws to understand protections and regulations specific to your area. Be aware of your obligations regarding rent payment, maintenance requests, and adherence to the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

Purchase Renter’s Insurance
Consider purchasing renter’s insurance to protect your personal belongings in case of theft, damage, or natural disasters. Renter’s insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection in unforeseen situations.

Communicate with Your Landlord
Maintain open and clear communication with your landlord or property manager throughout your tenancy. Report maintenance issues promptly and follow any communication protocols outlined in the lease agreement. While communication is a two-way street, making the effort to communicate well with the landlord goes a long way in making the rental experience an enjoyable one.

Be a Responsible Renter
Respect the rental property and its surroundings. Adhere to community rules, keep your area clean, and be considerate of others. Treating the property with care and respect strengthens your reputation as a responsible tenant while making the experience better all around.

Are you a first time renter looking for a home? Being well-informed and prepared is essential for a successful rental experience. Embrace this new chapter with excitement and knowledge, setting the stage for a positive and fulfilling first time renting experience.

Need help planning your big move? Use this moving checklist to make sure you don’t miss a step!

Class A Management has a lengthy list of properties we manage, and we would love you to consider making one of them your next home. Search our property directory by property name, location, and even by amenities. Call us with any questions or drop us an email. We look forward to talking with you!

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3 Steps to Legal Evictions

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog,Property Management Tips
Image of an eviction notice attached to a door, in the blog 3 Steps to Legal Evictions.

Once you’ve established that you have legal grounds to evict, save yourself headaches by following three simple steps for legal evictions.

1. Know the law in your state

Every landlord should know their state’s laws before renting a property. It also pays to review state law before starting the eviction process. The law will address specific questions like how to notify a tenant that they violated the lease agreement, how many days the tenant has to respond to the initial notice, and what follow-up steps are required. The landlord must prove lease violations, sometimes in court, so it pays to know the law and the text of your lease before standing before a judge.

2. Put the resident on notice

Every state law requires that the landlord post a termination notice, usually allowing the tenant to correct a situation. In extreme cases, there is no opportunity for a resident to change their ways; this is called an Unconditional Quit Notice. This notice is for the most extreme cases of repeat non-payment of rent, property damage, and illegal activity. It still gives the tenant time to vacate the property voluntarily before you begin legal eviction proceedings.

3. File a lawsuit to evict

Landlords usually don’t have any right to remove a resident or their property. They also can’t lock them out of the property. Once the deadline for the termination notice has come and gone, the property owner files a lawsuit to have the renter evicted. Once the landlord receives a judgment of unlawful retainer, a local law enforcement officer will serve the eviction notice for a fee. The notice gives the resident a few days to clear out, at the end of which time the officer returns to physically remove the evicted tenant if they haven’t moved out on their own.

Help with tenant issues, including legal evictions

The professionals at Class A Management handle tenant issues professionally. We’ll find the best renters and solutions for your investment property. If a tenant issue that requires legal action arises, our team can help you through the legal evictions process, or handle it altogether as your rental property management company. 

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10 Ways to Soundproof Your Apartment

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Blog
10 Ways to Soundproof Your Apartment

Living in an apartment has many advantages, but noise can be a common challenge. Whether it’s traffic sounds, noisy neighbors, or even the hum of appliances, unwanted noise can disrupt your peace. The good news is there are several effective ways to soundproof your apartment to create a more peaceful living environment. Here are ten practical steps you can take to achieve a quieter space. 

Techniques to soundproof your space

  1. Identify noise sources. The first step to soundproofing your apartment is to identify the noise source. Walk around your space and listen carefully to determine where sounds are coming from. 
  2. Use weatherstripping and door sweeps. A primary area where sound can enter or escape is through gaps around doors and windows. In addition to more efficient climate control, the bonus of applying weatherstripping to seal gaps prevents sound travel. Install door sweeps at the bottom of doors to reduce noise. 
  3. Install window treatments. Double-pane windows are excellent for soundproofing. If you don’t have them or want more noise protection, thick curtains or window inserts dampen outside noise. 
  4. Consider acoustic panels and wall coverings. These specialized materials absorb sound waves and minimize echo, making your apartment quieter. They come in various styles, allowing you to choose an option that fits your style. 
  5. Strategically place furniture. How you arrange your furniture can help create barriers to sound. Place bookshelves, sofas, or other large furniture against shared walls to absorb and block noise from neighbors.
  6. Use rugs on tile or wood flooring. Adding carpets can help dampen sound and reduce echoing. Thick materials are ideal for absorbing impact noise, especially in areas with high foot traffic. 
  7. Consider adding soundproofing materials. Mass-loaded vinyl, acoustic foam, or soundproofing curtains can reinforce your apartment’s existing structures. These materials can be applied to walls, ceilings, and floors. Make sure to check with your property manager before using any materials that will alter structures.
  8. Purchase a white noise machine or soundscape. If external noise persists despite soundproofing efforts, you can introduce white noise or soundscape machines to mask unwanted sounds. These can be especially useful at night. 
  9. Communicate with your neighbors. If noise issues persist, it may be worth talking to your neighbors. Friendly communication can go a long way in resolving noise concerns.
  10. Buy some earplugs. A cheap option for a quick fix is a simple pair of earplugs. You may also consider noise-canceling headphones. 

Living in a noisy apartment can be frustrating, but with the right strategies, you can significantly reduce unwanted sounds and create a more tranquil living space. Creating a soundproof environment may take some time and experimentation, so don’t hesitate to try different methods until you find what works for you. You can also communicate with your property manager to discuss any property rules concerning noise. 

Work with your property manager

Noise complaints are common in multifamily properties. Management and tenants can work together to take the steps to create and maintain a peaceful living environment. Class A Management is here to help create, implement, and monitor management rules and guidelines for your properties, including rules associated with noise. 

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Invest in Your Property’s First Impression

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Real Estate Investment
Invest in Your Property’s First Impression

Some properties make a great first impression. It’s called curb appeal and paying attention to it can make your property easier or more difficult to find, while also helping you keep good tenants. 

Time to fix an existing eyesore

Take a good look at your investment property through the eyes of a prospective tenant. What is your first impression?  If you don’t want to live there, it’s time to make some changes. Address any peeling paint and lackluster landscaping right away. If you ignore curb appeal, all the high-end interior finishes in the world won’t make much difference. Your property will stay vacant, and your portfolio will suffer.

Prevent the ugly with regular maintenance

Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is the most effective way to keep your property in tip-top shape, looking its best to attract your ideal tenant. Don’t neglect seasonal landscape changes, especially tree and hedge pruning. Touch up exterior painting when and where it’s needed. Add finishing touches when you can, and don’t be afraid to spend a little money. The return on investment you receive by achieving 100 percent occupancy justifies the relatively low cost of exterior maintenance. 

Enlist tenants’ help

Current renters can help keep your property looking great, or they can ruin its drive-by charm. Ensure your tenants do their part to keep trash and non-running vehicles off your property. Also, encourage them to add their own tasteful touches to their home’s exterior, such as potted plants.

Create a lasting first impression with Class A Management

If your investment property needs help with curb appeal and creating a first impression that attracts your ideal tenant, Class A Management is ready to take on the challenge! The development services offered by our experienced team can help you decide on the best exterior (and interior) remodels or upgrades to heighten the appeal of your property.

Contact Class A Management today to keep your property from becoming a slum (or at least looking like one). We know what renters want and can use an objective eye to create a property that is in high demand. 

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Use Tenant Search Efforts to Scout Great New Hires

Author: cl@ss
Categories: Property Management Tips
Use Tenant Search Efforts to Scout Great New Hires

It’s been said that the most expensive aspect of multifamily investing is replacing tenants, but that’s only half true. Any employer can tell you that replacing professional staff members can be just as costly— to your bottom line and business reputation.

Finding long-term tenants and building their loyalty to your community’s brand is important, and it’s just as important to do the same when hiring leasing and maintenance team members. Especially among Millennials, finding a job that offers purpose and identity is essential. Productivity suffers as much as 60 percent among employees that aren’t engaged, so scout your new hires like you would great tenants—recruit for the long-term.

Start with your brand

Every community has unique selling points. Find yours and build your branding effort around what makes your rentals feel like home. Build your tenants’ sense of community with a cohesive marketing effort that includes external and internal messaging. Hiring should be a natural extension of those external messages and should emphasize that working for you means becoming an essential member of your community’s family.

Follow industry best-practice leaders

The best in the business focus on building a pervasive and inescapable corporate culture of excellence. Just like great long-term tenants get extra perks at the best apartment communities, employees that embody the highest levels of customer service and professionalism are rewarded. Upper management and owners need to get boots on the ground and be seen setting the example for how employees, especially new hires, are expected to act. Personal attention to top-notch employees will have a huge influence on culture and overall job satisfaction, so put in some face time with your best hires.

Ask for feedback

Annual tenant surveys can help apartment managers spot gaps in customer service and maintenance, and annual employee surveys can highlight threats to morale and culture. How employees feel about their work environment directly affects their loyalty and job satisfaction. Take feedback and suggestions seriously, and implement changes that let your staff know you’re listening and that you value their hard work and dedication.

Need a recruiter to find new hires? 

It’s our specialty! Class A Management will help you build and maintain a culture that builds loyalty and recruit staff to meet and surpass your expectations. Our team has decades of experience providing comprehensive management services for many properties across Texas. Contact us to discuss your investment property staffing needs. 

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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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