Why You Need Renter’s Insurance 

Renter’s insurance is an important but often overlooked insurance. Many people think that their landlord’s insurance will cover them and their belongings, but this is not always the case. Renter’s insurance can provide peace of mind and protection when needed. Here’s more information and renter’s insurance and why you need it: 

 

What is Renter’s Insurance? 

Renter’s insurance is a type of insurance designed to give financial protection to people who rent their homes. It protects against losses that occur due to fire, theft, and other types of damage. It also covers personal belongings against accidents such as those caused by water damage. Additionally, renter’s insurance may provide some coverage for the medical costs related to injuries on the rental property. It is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to renting a property, so having renter’s insurance provides peace of mind in the event of an unfortunate incident. Depending on your situation, having this kind of insurance can be a wise investment and help give you financial security in times of need. 

 

What Does it Cover? 

Renter’s insurance is an important purchase for anyone who does not own their place of residence. It can provide coverage of personal possessions, and even liability protection in the event of certain accidents or losses. However, when deciding to purchase renter’s insurance, renters should be aware that it typically does not cover any damages caused by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, mudslides, hurricanes, and others. Moreover, it usually will not cover damage caused by pets and pest infestations like rodents or termites either. Thus, renters must consider all of these potential circumstances when deciding so they can ensure they have the necessary coverage. 

 

How Much is Renter’s Insurance 

A renter’s insurance policy can provide financial protection to tenants living in leased accommodations. The cost of such policies varies widely as premiums are typically determined by a variety of factors such as the amount of coverage, deductible limits, and the location where you live. To get an idea of what to expect, it is recommended that you request quotes from different providers and compare plans directly. Furthermore, renters should keep in mind that some providers may offer discounts or extra incentives if certain criteria are met, so be sure to research those options too.  

An insurance agent can also help guide you through the purchase process and explain any inclusions or exclusions included with your policy. Finally, always read all the documents related to your policy before signing behind them for a full understanding of your coverage details. 

 

Why Renter’s Insurance is Important  

Renter’s insurance is recommended to protect against unforeseeable circumstances like theft, vandalism, fire, or storms. Along with providing peace of mind in case something out of your control occurs, it also covers your belongings should they ever be lost or destroyed. This can save landlords money as well by ensuring that tenants are covered for things caused by natural disasters, so repairs and replacements can be handled without the landlord being liable. This makes it important for both landlords and renters to understand the benefits of renter’s insurance and make sure that their properties are protected in an event of a disaster. 

 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Renter’s Insurance 

Having a renter’s insurance policy is an important step to financially protect your valuable possessions in the event of theft, property damage, or other unforeseen occurrences. To get the most out of any policy it’s essential to know what it covers, how much coverage and deductibles are available, as well as if it will cover alternatives like temporary living expenses.  

It’s always best to compare different plans when searching for a policy and read through the fine print carefully so you’re completely aware of what is and isn’t covered in case you ever need to file a claim. To make sure you’re getting the maximum coverage, be on the lookout for features like liability protection and worldwide coverage. Finally, make sure that your premiums remain affordable while providing ample protection so you don’t find yourself underinsured after learning about exclusions or limits too late. 

 

For the best property management experience in Middle Tennessee, look no further than MMC. With a wide range of services including an in-house maintenance team, thorough resident screening, and access to licensed real estate agents, MMC can help you grow your business while freeing you up to pursue your passions. Call today! 

Renting Your First Apartment with No Previous Rental History

If you are a renter in Middle Tennessee, and you do not have any rental history, you may be wondering how you will ever be able to find an apartment. It can seem like landlords only want to rent to people who have a long history of renting apartments. However, this is not always the case! There are many property management companies in Murfreesboro that are willing to work with first-time renters. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for renting your first apartment with no previous rental history! 

Know Your Budget 

If you have never rented an apartment before, the first step is to figure out what you can afford. Make sure to take into account all of your other expenses, such as food, transportation, and utilities. Once you have a good idea of how much rent you can afford, start looking for apartments in your price range. How do you figure out what you can afford? Look at your budget and determine what you can realistically afford to spend on rent each month. Key word: realistically.  

Get a Co-Signer  

If you don’t have any rental history, one way to make yourself more attractive to potential landlords is by getting a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to sign the lease with you and is responsible for paying rent if you are unable to do so. Having a co-signer can increase your chances of getting approved for an apartment, but make sure you choose someone who is financially stable and who you trust! 

Provide Good References 

Another way to make yourself more attractive to landlords is by providing references. If you have any friends or family members who have rented an apartment before, ask them if they would be willing to provide a reference for you. Having references from people who have rented apartments before can show landlords that you are responsible and capable of paying rent on time! 

Work With a Property Management Company  

If you are having trouble finding an apartment with no rental history, consider working with a property management company. Many property management companies in Murfreesboro are willing to work with first time renters! At MMC, we understand that it can be difficult to find an apartment when you have no rental history. That’s why we offer a variety of apartments that are perfect for first-time renters! 

We hope that these tips will help you in your search for your first apartment! If you have any further questions, or if you would like assistance in finding an apartment, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

 

What You Need to Know About Pet Policies at Apartment Complexes

If you and your furry friend are on the prowl for a new home, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. Pet policies may seem more like suggestions than true rules, but they are generally created to keep all residents, and their pets, happy and safe in their community. Each complex will have its own unique policies, but here are a few key points to keep in mind when selecting your new home. 

Pet Fees

While your pet might be extremely well-behaved in your current home, this could change even temporarily when you relocate. Animals become accustomed to their surroundings, and they can become stressed when things change. They may start to act out by chewing furniture, scratching at the doors, or having accidents on the carpet. While these are out of character for your pet and may not last forever, you will want to ensure you have paid the pet fees and damage deposits required by your leasing office. It is never acceptable to own a pet without letting your leasing office know, and this could end up costing you extremely large fees should damages occur without you being covered under pet fees and damage deposits. 

Leash Requirements

Most states require all pets to be on a leash when outdoors in common areas like sidewalks and parks. This is for your own pet’s safety, as it ensures that potentially aggressive animals will also be on leashes and kept at length from your own. It also prevents owners from allowing their animals to wander the community, even if it is gated. This can be especially problematic when animals are not fixed. Be sure your residence or neighborhood community also has these leash requirements in place – and that they are enforced. 

On-Site Pet Park

One amenity that may be important for you is an on-site pet park. If you have a large or high-energy dog, this can be a great place for your pet to run and play with friends. However, just as with the leash requirements, you may be subject to certain rules when using the pet park as well. These can include your pet being up-to-date on all current shots and vaccinations, being spayed or neutered, and having proper hygiene. 

Remote Access

One thing you may not always consider is how your pet can be let out for a walk if you are not home. In a rental, you are generally not allowed to make copies of your keys and provide these to friends or hired pet care professionals. If you know you will frequently need to let others into your home, consider a residence that offers remote or keyless entry through a keypad or smartphone app. By using technology like this, you can create one-time or unique key codes that will allow entry while also keeping the property secure for future residents. 

Four Reasons Why You Don’t Want to Deal with By-Owner Rentals

When searching for your new rental, it is vital that you like the house or apartment – and who you’re renting from. If you choose to rent from an individual landlord instead of a property management company, there can be some additional challenges to keep in mind. Here are four reasons you may want to consider choosing a rental management company when looking at apartments.

Challenging Repairs

When you rent from a single owner, all your repair requests are going to that same person. The owner may rent multiple properties or even have a full-time job, making them harder to get ahold of when things need to be fixed. Your repair could take longer, depending on if there are other requests the owner has prioritized. Even worse, the owner may not have the funds on hand for more costly or safety-related repairs, leaving you in a bind. 

Lack of Professional Standards and Accountability

The landlord of a by-owner rental is, more often than not, simply one individual who owns and rents a dwelling. You are renting from a person, not a company. That means you will have to be prepared to work with a person who might be having a bad day or is too busy to speak with a tenant. While this is considered unprofessional, there is no company to manage the landlord and hold them accountable to professional standards. 

Poor Communication

Rental companies often use a variety of communication tools to manage their residents’ needs. These companies may have a main office where tenants can speak with someone in person, a phone number for after-hours emergencies, and even online forms to book repairs and maintenance services. By-owner rentals rarely offer these communication tools, and it can be months before you can speak with the landlord face-to-face. 

Full-Time Attention

By-owner rentals typically do not employ a diverse staff that can meet the needs of residents. If the landlord has a full-time job, travels frequently, or perhaps even lives in another city or state, you will not have the dedicated attention you may need in an emergency. A rental company is more likely to hire staff with backgrounds that relate to various aspects of property management. They also ensure that residents can receive assistance, no matter the time of day because emergencies can happen when you least expect them. 

Professionally Managed Rental Properties in Middle TN

At MMC Properties prides ourselves on our professionalism, quality of service, and excellent management. Rent from us and you’ll see the difference that working with professional property managers makes. Check out our rental homes and apartment communities and fill out an application today!

Apartment Storage Hacks: Making the Most of Your Square Footage

If you have found the perfect apartment, one of the first things you may want to do after signing the lease is determine how to furnish it. If you’re relocating to Murfreesboro or the surrounding areas, you may even be moving from a house into an apartment. While your style doesn’t need to change, you’ll want to get creative with storage and furniture placement in order to maximize your footprint. Here are six tips for making the most of your new apartment’s square footage.

1.  Minimize to Maximize 

While it may be tempting to pack up everything you own and bring it to your new apartment, moving is the perfect reason to cull through your clutter. Whether you’ve been holding on to old clothes, hair care products, or larger items like kitchen appliances you’ve never used, now is the time to decide what you do and don’t want in your new home. When you’re limited on space, an excellent first rule is to minimize any unnecessary items so you can maximize your potential to grow into the apartment and make it your own.

2. Think Multi-Purpose

Many pieces of multi-purpose furniture can be found online, locally, or second-hand; some have even been designed specifically for smaller spaces. If you’re in a one-bedroom apartment but need a place for visiting friends or guests to stay, a fold-out couch might be for you. A makeup vanity or desk can also double as a bedside table. Even a piece that seems to serve a singular function like a coffee table may have storage inside for books, blankets, and more. By combining the purpose of your larger furniture pieces, you can save space on the floorplan. 

3. Look High and Low

While it is vital to know where you want to place your furniture, you can also make the most of your square footage by adding storage in unusual places. Does your closet or pantry have a flat upper shelf? By obtaining a few simple baskets, you can store and organize items you want to keep but do not need to access on a daily basis such as hats or seasonal accessories. Do not forget the space under your bed too – by placing a few shallow bins under your bed or couch, you now have extra storage for shoes, handbags, or even bed linens. When you store your gear above or below existing furniture, you can keep your favorite items handy without wasting space. 

4. Create Intentional Places

Many apartments and condos contain more open floorplans, which allow residents to customize the space to suit their needs. When planning your own layout, think about the intentional places you want to create. It will be easier to build your space around central objects such as a couch, desk, or bar countertop that you know you’ll use frequently. Also, consider where you will spend most of your time in the apartment. For example, if you work from home or attend school virtually, be sure that an office area is on your list of intentional places. If you love to entertain and make meals for friends and family, choose a kitchen table or bar stools that will suit your needs. When your home is set up to match your lifestyle, you will feel more at ease. 

5. Select For Your Space

While this tip may seem obvious at first, it can be overwhelming to know how items will look all together in your apartment. When you measure each room and the items you need to place there, you eliminate any surprises, such as the item being too large. If you’re a college student, you may plan to change apartments once or twice as you live with other roommates. Selecting items that fit within your space at MMC Properties can help to eliminate the hassle when it comes time to move, especially if you plan to stay at your current complex or transition to another MMC property. 

6. Amenities – Use Them!

Many apartment complexes offer amenities to residents. This could include open amenities such as a gym, game room, or swimming pool, and perhaps even larger common areas such as a club room or small theater. These spaces may be available to reserve when entertaining large groups. Instead of taking up added space for personal fitness equipment or large furniture for entertaining, consider using the fantastic amenities available to you. MMC Properties can help you select the correct apartment complex based on your needs, location, and lifestyle. 

4 Tips for Halloween Decor Safety

As Halloween approaches, people everywhere are beginning to decorate their houses and front yards as haunted mansions and deserted graveyards. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun! And while it is easy to go all out (because who doesn’t love spooky Halloween decorations?), it is important to consider potential safety threats that exist when using significant amounts of electricity to power your decorations. Consider these 5 safety tips as you decorate for this Halloween.

Do Not Exceed Electricity Limitations

It is important to be aware of how much electricity your decorations are using in total and ask your apartment management about the limitations of their circuit breaker. If you overload your unit’s electricity, you could cause a power outage across the complex or worse, a power surge that could permanently damage your apartment’s appliances.

Use LED Lights Whenever Possible

While other types of bulbs are not always inherently dangerous, LED light bulbs present the lowest risk of fires because they produce very little heat. Not only this, but LED lights draw power more efficiently than other bulbs and are far less likely to overload an outlet because of that. Furthermore, they are more suitable for outdoor use and last significantly longer than their counterparts. If you carve pumpkins and wish to display them in your apartment or out on your balcony, do NOT use real candles to light them up. Battery operated LED lights are an excellent and safe alternative, and some you can even program to turn on at a certain time of night! You can still have the best Halloween decor in the complex and stay safe.

Only Use Outdoor Decorations Outside

While this might seem obvious, you might be surprised to find that a particular decoration is not recommended for outdoor use. The reason behind this is that an electronic component of a decoration could become damaged by water or wildlife. In the worst-case scenario, this could cause an electrical fire. Before you use any electronic decoration outside, always check the warning labels. And of course, before placing that blow-up ghost on your apartment’s balcony, always ask your management team whether outdoor decorations are permitted!

“Child-Proof” Interior Decorations

If you have children, expect that they will try to play with any decoration you have on the inside of your home. Toddlers present a great risk of electrocution because of their tendency to chew on things. Do not leave electrical decorations in places that your child could reach them in order to prevent harm to them. This same principle goes for pets such as dogs or cats.

So as you plan for the upcoming holiday, consider these four tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during “Spooky Season.”

What Do Renters Look for in 2020?

Due to the current rate of population growth, challenges that come with homeownership, and many people’s preference for renting, the demand for apartment living has a stronghold in 2020. In order to meet these growing demands, property managers and owners need to pay attention to their residents’ preferences to stay ahead of the new competition and to bring in additional residents to their communities.

Affordability

Did you know that affordability is still considered the biggest concern for most renters? The number one reason renters plan to move to different communities is because they are seeking lower rent. Depending on the location, a greater emphasis on affordability over amenities could pay off in the coming year. 

Convenient In-Unit Amenities

Renters are always eager to lean towards an apartment complex that features amenities that match their requests. Apartments with features that allow greater convenience for a day-to-day living tend to rank higher than those that don’t. Some of these features are:

  • Garbage Disposals
  • Washers & Dryers
  • Microwaves

These features are sometimes must-haves and renters will not sign on without them. Installing these popular features in all your units may increase the number of interested residents. Some additional smaller wishlist items from renters would be in-wall USB ports, smart thermostats, and TV wall mounts. If you install these additional features on behalf of those renting from you, you will ensure that they are installed correctly and not risk the injury of residents if they were to self-install.

Connectivity

In today’s day and age, we are more and more reliant on the internet and the ability to connect anywhere. It should come as no shock that renters are looking to live in communities that can easily access the web through multiple devices. Two of the biggest community amenities that residents express interest in are reliable cell phone reception and high-speed internet connections. Due to the increase in working remotely, internet access is a high priority for those who are working from their homes. 

If you need a professional property management company to attract more residents to your community, look no further than MMC Properties.

What to Look for in Apartment Appliances

The world is continuously evolving into a more environmentally friendly one, and we’ve made some amazing strides in electronics and appliances. Even if you’re renting, you usually still have to pay your own utilities. Choosing an updated apartment with energy-efficient appliances is crucial for saving money on your monthly bills. Did you know that older appliances often consume more water and energy than the newer models? The U.S. Department of Energy now requires manufacturers of all major home appliances to have their products tested for energy efficiency. The test results are then printed on yellow and black EnergyGuide labels, which list how much energy the appliance uses and what the annual operating costs may be. Products with the EnergyGuide results in the top 25 percent are awarded the Energy Star Label. This is what to look for when touring prospective units. Apartments with Energy Star appliances may charge a bit more in rent, but they can save you a lot of energy and money in the long run.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are the main energy consumers in a kitchen, so you’ll want to stick with the one that is included in the unit if you are looking to be energy efficient. This means no specialized refrigeration units for wine or other beverages that consume large amounts of additional electricity. Keep in mind that through-the-door ice makers and water dispensers require more energy.

Washing Machines

Did you know that the washing machines that have earned the Energy Star label have cut energy and water consumption by more than 40 percent compared to conventional washers? This is achieved by rubbing and spinning clothes through a small amount of water and spinning the clothes to the point they need less time in the dryer. Unfortunately, this cannot be said for dryers. All of the models have pretty much the same energy consumption. Energy can be reduced by line drying clothes as much as possible. 

Dishwashers

According to the Department of Energy, Energy Star rated dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard. These dishwashers also use less water, and the water that they do use doesn’t need to be as hot. Increase energy saving by running only full loads and letting dishes air-dry than relying on the in-unit drying option. An Energy Star rated dishwasher requires much less water than hand-washing dishes. 

Cooking Appliances 

Ovens, stovetops, and ranges are available in gas or electric operation models. It’s important to remember that gas stovetops use less energy than electric ones, but they release carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide into the air. If you fall in love with a rental with a gas stovetop or range, make sure there is a hood ventilation system included.

Choosing a Color Scheme for Your Apartment

Putting your personal touch on your space under the limitations of renting can be difficult. Looking at the existing style of the unit while apartment shopping will give you an idea of the kind of furniture and other decor you should look for. Clashing colors and unplanned design can make your apartment look like a flea market – all over the place. We’ve put together a few tips for you to utilize while you prepare to move into your brand new home!

Nature Inspires

As we’ve seen this year, nature has become a big hit among homeowners and renters around the world. Many wish to feel like they are living in a cottage surrounded by greenery while actively living in the city. If you wish to give an apartment this kind of cozy, natural feel, stick with warm neutral or earth tone colors and decorate with natural materials like wood or rattan. Don’t forget plenty of house plants! If you wish to give off a more relaxed beach environment, choose the colors of the sand, sky, and ocean. Natural color schemes are a great way to bring about a peaceful and calm environment throughout the apartment. Don’t go overboard with the natural look, though. Subtlety is key, and two or three colors will do the job!

Utilize the Color Wheel

Utilizing the color wheel is essential when it comes to design of any kind. The 12 colors are arranged so that analogous colors are right next to each other, and complementary colors sit opposite each other. Of course, there’s a bit more to it than simply choosing colors that are “close enough” to their counterparts. Choosing too many different tones, shades, or tints can cause stress on your brain. Sticking with similar color schemes to avoid oversaturation. Undertones that clash can ruin the look of complementary colors, so keep this in mind when you choose your color scheme.

Too Much of a Good Thing Makes it Bad

The color scheme you decide to pursue should speak for itself but disappear in the background. You don’t want people to be caught staring at walls while you are talking with them. Play it safe by sticking to neutral colors, but remember to find hues you like and incorporate them into the living space. If you’ve chosen 3 colors and it feels a little limited, adding a little more is okay, but stick to five at the most. 

Apartments in Murfreesboro, La Vergne and South Nashville

Can’t wait to decorate a new home? Browse our communities today to find the perfect apartment for you!

Interior Design Tips for Apartments

Once you’ve moved into your MMC apartment and community, you now have to decorate your new home. For some, this can be an exciting time full of planning and ideas! For others, it can be a bit daunting. No matter if you enjoy or dread interior design, these tips will help you create a timeless appearance for your apartment.

Vintage is Always In

Adding a bit of classic furniture, décor or pictures and artwork to any room will give it a vintage and timeless feeling. To capture that vintage feeling along with your personal style, ask family members for old pieces of classic furniture, old pieces of artwork passed down from previous generations, and for other pieces of décor from your family. These accents of bold colors will brighten your room and create a welcoming feeling.

Another tactic is to search around at flea markets for beautiful furniture and artwork. Make sure it is top condition! You don’t want to make a purchase only to find out that it is worth far less and in terrible condition.

Embrace Neutrals

The majority of modern apartments are created with neutral features so that each tenant can add their own spin on the space without the “bones” of the place getting in the way. Using a neutral color palette as the base of your apartment doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can add bursts of color through artwork, pillows, furniture, or even an accent wall made of removable wallpaper or another renter-friendly tactic.

Be Yourself

The most popular interior design trend will be whatever makes you comfortable and happy. Whether you enjoy a specific color palette, a type of pillow, or want to cover your apartment in beautiful pictures of your family and your children’s artwork, the choice is up to you.

No matter what interior design style you choose for your MMC apartment, be sure that you are comfortable living with that style in your home.

Ready to move into a brand new apartment? Check out one of our many communities today!

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