Word from Apartment Leasing Blogger of apartmentleasingtips.blogspot.com

Thank you for taking the time to check out this blog.  It was created with the intention of helping students, retirees, professionals, and others who seek to find a suitable apartment.  You will find that much of the information listed on this site caters to renters.  Although, I, being a former community manager, had professionals in the apartment industry in mind when I first started this blog, my vision changed over the years.  After noticing so much activity happening with bad landlords and owners, tenant conflicts, rent increases with no caps, and more, I thought it would be best to share what I know with those who have never worked behind the scenes in the property management industry.


I think that if both landlords and residents were transparent with one another, there would be less animosity and renters would be more likely to follow the terms of their lease agreements and even better want to remain at the property for years to come.  However, the deception, secrecy, negative attitudes, and unresolved past issues, can get the best of any business or personal relationship.


It is my hope that property managers and residents will listen to one another and deal with the issues.  It hurts to see so many walking the streets without a home or having to live with others in an uncomfortable setting due to a shady property owner.


So please do enjoy this site and feel free to leave a comment.


Nicholl, Apartment Leasing Tips Blog Producer and Contributor 

7 tips for setting up your first apartment - how to video

My Christmas Apartment Tour 2013

Can you cancel or terminate an apartment lease early by filing bankruptcy?

Increased Rent and 10 Marketing Strategies Used to Help with Declining Occupancy

Around the nation there are communities that have no rent cap.  What this means is that they can charge as much as they want in rent.  However, there are regulations when it comes to how frequent one raises rent and when, so do check your local state's guide on tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities or visit or call a Housing Rights office near you.


As a result of no rent cap, landlords can increase rent each year that you stay rather than discount it.  They can also get you in on a good deal then raise the rent literally a 100 plus a month the following year in these no rent cap communities and states.  Unfortunately, many apartments become vacant and the landlord and tenant relationship suffers which makes it hard for leasing staff to rent units.  What management does in situations like this where occupancy is declining rapidly:


1.  Increase community activities and other events to help with resident retention.
2.  Promote contests giving residents a chance to win prizes or one month free rent.
3.  They heavily advertise their referral programs which pays residents money to recommend people they know only if they should decide to rent an apartment.  Sometimes the incentive is increased for a limited time.
4.  They hold town meetings and networking opportunities at the property to get ideas on how they can best serve the residents.
5.  The award those who pay rent early.
6.  They give out useful freebies to residents.
7.  Management will attend classes, events and other things to help promote the property.
8.  They will connect with local relocation services, civic groups, military, and businesses who need temporary housing.
9.  They will have a percentage of apartments reserved for Section 8 recipients and rent those out to them.
10.  They will advertise special offers in newspapers, bulletins, magazines, rental guides, and elsewhere on and offline to attract prospects.


So do find out, before you decide on a new place, whether there are rent caps and also find out online or interview residents about their rent increases.  Disgruntled residents love to share their disappointments which will keep you from making the same mistakes!


Nicholl McGuire Author/Web Writer/Virtual Assistant