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Murfreesboro is Tennessee’s fastest-growing city. What started as a small college town is now booming with a constant surge of new residents. If you’re new to the area or are looking for spots to visit in your free time, here are a few places you should check out:   

Hazen Brigade Monument  

Murfreesboro is a town full of history. You’ll see plenty of Civil War homages throughout the city. You can find the Hazen Brigade Monument at Stones River National Cemetery, which is one of the first cemeteries that was built to honor those who died in the Civil War. The Hazen Brigade Monument should be one of the first things you see in Murfreesboro. It’s the first monument from the civil war period that is still in its original location.   

The monument is named after the brigade led by Col. William B. Hazen. The brigade is known for its contribution to the Battle of Stones River. The heroes fought through four Confederate attacks trying to push back the Union. The monument is the final resting place for the 45 soldiers in the brigade who died during the attacks.   

Wat Lao Buddharam   

The Wat Lao Buddharam is a Laotian Buddhist Temple. It was founded by Zenam Chanthalavong in 1981 and a year later it moved to its current location on Old Nashville Highway. A group of Buddhists built two temples and a monastery. Driving past you’ll see a beautifully ornate temple, which is mostly used for their special ceremonies like ordinations. The congregation worships at the second temple, a much less decorative building.  

The congregation is mostly Laotian-Americans. The Laotian-American population has been growing in Murfreesboro since the early 1970s. The Wat Lao Buddharam is an educational stop where you can learn about a different culture in the area. You’ll find this peaceful spot amongst civil war monuments. The temple is open weekdays from 9 am-5 pm.   

Batey Farms  

This historical farm has been in the area for generations. Batey Farm is a family farm established in 1807 under a Revolutionary War grant. Here you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables—and even pick your own! If you want fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, sweet corn, and more make sure to check out Batey Farms.   

The Blueberry Patch  

A hidden gem located just outside of Murfreesboro, The Blueberry Patch is owned and operated by retired psychology professor Angie Kleinau. The 7-acre farm has over 4,000 plants. The farm is part of Pick Tennessee, an initiative that encourages locals to visit their local farms and handpick fruits. Stop by to enjoy the peaceful, serene landscape and enjoy fresh-picked blueberries today!  

Main Street Farmer’s Market  

Farmer’s markets are a treasure trove of local goods and culture. From May 21 to October 29, you can purchase goods from all kinds of vendors. Get fresh produce and support local artists every Saturday from 8 am-noon.   

Mayday Brewery  

Mayday Brewery is the place to go if you want some craft beer. Located at 521 Old Salem Road, it’s kid-friendly and dogs are allowed on the patio! Enjoy live music on Wednesdays and Fridays. They serve delicious pizzas from Ahart’s Pizza Garden and there are plenty of different brews to choose from.   

Discovery Center  

If you need something fun (and educational) for the kids check out the Discovery Center. It’s a children’s museum and nature center with interactive, hands-on activities to keep your children busy learning new things. They also boast a 20-acre wetland, which protects native rare wetland plants. You can walk around and learn about all the plants native to the area.   

General Bragg Trailhead  

Looking for a good park? Consider visiting the General Bragg Trailhead on West College Street. It has a picnic pavilion with restrooms, a kid’s playground, a water fountain, and miles worth of hiking trails. You can pick and choose your path depending on how long you want to walk.   

Long Hunter State Park  

This state park has plenty of recreational activities from fishing, to nature observation, and hiking. For boaters and fishers, there are two launch ramps for boats to access the J. Percy Priest Lake. There’s a place for events so consider having your next social gathering or special event here. Go camping at the group camp or the small backcountry campsite. There are over 20 miles of walking and hiking trails perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike.   

At the State Park, you’ll also find the Sella’s Farm State Archaeological Area has a Native American mound. There are few mounds in TN. The mound marks the site of an old settlement from 1000 to 1300 CE.   

Oaklands Mansion  

Oaklands Mansion is a historical plantation and Italianate Mansion in Murfreesboro. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This house museum shows period furniture and fabrics and has free guided tours detailing its role in the history of Murfreesboro and the Civil War. Its well-kept grounds and walking trails are great for afternoon strolls. Check out the native tree arboretum and heritage gardens for beautiful trees and plants. Oaklands Mansion is used for many local events, celebrations, and weddings so are sure to visit!   

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! 

The temperature in the summer can get quite hot, and even though you’re inside you may suffer from the intense heat. Here are some ways to keep your apartment cooler in the summer so you can sit back and chill: 

Keep the Blinds Closed  

A lot of heat can enter your home through your windows and can be very energy inefficient. The easiest and most cost-effective way to keep your apartment cooler during the summer is to keep your blinds closed during the hottest times of the day (typically 12-3 PM). Most apartments come with vinyl blinds, but if you need more protection to block heat, consider buying some black-out curtains. Black-out curtains block out light and can keep your apartment temperature controlled.  

If you’re living in an older apartment, the windows probably aren’t energy efficient. Try using window films that keep out heat and UV rays while still allowing light to shine through. You can easily purchase these online or at your local home goods store. They are easy to apply and remove without leaving any damage behind—perfect for apartments! 

Use Fans  

Fans are your best friend when it’s hot outside. Fans help circulate the air and keep it cool. If your apartment has ceiling fans, make sure the blades are switched to rotate counter-clockwise– it’s been proven to keep the air cooler than if they rotate clockwise.  

Consider purchasing some portable fans that can help circulate the air if you don’t have ceiling fans. You can even position these fans to work with each other in order to achieve the maximum benefit. Box fans that you put on the windowsill can be used to suck hot air from the room, but you’ll need to position them so the air blows out of the window. 

A little hack to keep your room even cooler is to place a bowl of ice in front of your fans. You can replace the ice when it melts and enjoy cool air all day long.  

Turn On the A/C  

Not every apartment has an A/C, but if you do then you are set to enjoy a nice, cool summer. Find a temperature that works with your space that you can deal with. If you want a cheaper energy bill, then go a little warmer with the temperature to use less energy. The hotter it is outside, the harder your A/C will work to keep the place cooler.  

If your A/C has an auto feature, it can keep the place at your set temperature throughout the day and save you some money on your energy bill. Another option is to turn the temperature up by a few degrees on the A/C when you’re not home. The A/C won’t have to work as hard when you’re not home, and you can save some money on your energy bill. You could also turn it off completely, but if you don’t want to come home to a sweltering apartment then you may want to leave it on.  

It’s important to change the A/C filters at least twice a year to get the most out of the air conditioning. Make sure your landlord changes the filters to keep the air flowing properly. These filters also help with allergens. If you have window units, make sure to clean the filters. The filters in window units are reusable, but you should clean them periodically to keep the window units in good condition.  

Avoid Hot Appliances  

Your stove and oven will make the temperature rise in your apartment. It’s best to use them later in the day when the temperature isn’t as hot. Or, you can opt for heatless meals or use a different method of cooking like a slow cooker that doesn’t emit as much heat.  

Switch to LED Lightbulbs 

Regular lightbulbs can raise the temperature of your apartment by a few degrees. LED lightbulbs also emit heat, but it’s significantly less than regular lightbulbs do. LED lights are also more energy-efficient, so you will be happy not only with the cooler temperature in your living space but also with your energy bill.  

Cooler Showers 

Cooler showers can keep your bathroom cooler and not as steamy. Hot showers can also leave you dehydrated, which can cause health problems. Opt for cooler showers so you don’t overheat. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and stay away from foods and drinks that could dehydrate you like salty snacks and coffee.  

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! 

If your rental community has a public pool, you may want to consider some of these fun ideas to bring your community together at least a few times a month.  

Host Water Game Tournaments 

Holding a water game tournament is a fun and relatively cheap way to help bring the community together! Water games like water polo, water volleyball, and water basketball are easy to play and extremely fun. Putting up a hoop or a net is pretty easy and you don’t have to drill holes into any concrete. You can add an incentive to win the tournament by offering out gift cards to a local restaurant or coffee shop as a prize. Make it fun for the kids by having a separate tournament for them with water toys or inflatables as the prize for winners.  

Invite Food Trucks 

Inviting food trucks to the community pool during the day can really help out a local food truck business. On hot summer days, shaved ice or ice cream will be a delectable treat that your tenants are sure to enjoy by the poolside.  

Consider hiring an ice cream truck for an ice cream social day! Kids love ice cream, and this will also let all the kids in the community get to know each other and make friends. Let the community know that food trucks will be there by posting on your community social page or putting up flyers in common areas.  

Offer Swimming Lessons or Classes  

Consider offering swimming lessons for children (or adults!) at your community pool. Swimming lessons are often a fond summer memory for most people, and you and your tenants will be at ease knowing the children know how to swim.  

Water aerobics and yoga have become increasingly popular over the years, as it offers an exercise that is easy on the joints of the body. If you have any seniors in your community, they are sure to love these classes.  

“Dive-In” Movies 

Host a “dive-in” movie event! Using a projector and a white sheet or wall, you can show a water-related movie while people relax around (or in!) the pool. A family-friendly movie about fish or pirates is fun for the whole community! Or, if you want a “scary” movie night when the kids go to sleep you can watch a movie with sharks or other “scary” water creatures.  

July 4^th Fireworks  

Fireworks are a staple of every Independence Day celebration. Host a fireworks event (if it’s legal in your area or seek permission from the city) by the pool for your community. If you can’t have fireworks, turn it into a BBQ or a bonfire party with s’mores and sparklers.  

Trivia Night/ Game Night 

Trivia nights are fun for the whole family and require hardly any effort (besides looking up fun facts) and you don’t have to purchase any games. A game night with trivia can bring the community together for a night of laughter and fun. If you want a more generic game night, ask the community to bring some games that can be played in groups at separate tables– and then the groups can rotate between games. 

You can also lookup some fun water games that can be played in the pool. Kids love Sharks and Minnows or other games like Marco Polo. Games are great ways for everyone to get to know each other and become friends with their neighbors! 

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! 

Just because you rent your space doesn’t mean it can’t be turned into your own! There are plenty of alternatives to renovating temporary spaces that can make it feel like it’s yours. Stick to décor you can easily remove without any damage. Here are a few ways that you can change up your space that will make you and your security deposit happy: 

Stick to Stick Ons 

There are so many ways to change up a space’s appearance using contact paper, removable wallpaper, and even stick-on tile. You can get creative with how you use them. You can use stick-on tile to create a kitchen backsplash, and you can create fake marble countertops with contact paper! If you like stainless-steel appliances, but your rental doesn’t have them, you can use contact paper to mimic the look.  

You can make any wall an accent wall with some removable wallpaper in any color or print. The options are endless. Consider using washi tape to create designs on walls or use it to hang photos or posters. It leaves no residue behind and is easy to remove!  

Utilize Color 

Most rental spaces are a mix of boring beige walls and carpets. Add color wherever you can to cheer up your space and cater to your own aesthetic. Placing a rug over a carpet might seem pointless, but a colorful area rug can create a beautiful focal point that distracts the eyes from the heinous worn carpet. You can consider asking your landlord or property management if you can paint the walls. Sometimes they’ll say yes so long as you agree to paint it to its original color before you move out.  

Add some more color by painting furniture in fun colors that you enjoy. Hang up pieces of art on the walls using easily removable adhesives—no drills needed. Consider purchasing a roll of heavy-duty double-sided tape that is meant to hang up objects like frames and floating shelves. If you put up floating shelves don’t put anything too heavy on them or they might fall.  

Plants are a great way to add some color to your space—and they freshen up the air! If you have too many allergies, or pets that like getting into plants, then consider purchasing some faux plants. They still look great and you don’t have to deal with watering or cleaning up after a curious pet.  

Lighten Up 

Most rentals will probably have boring vinyl blinds on the windows. For added décor consider hanging up some curtains to add more drama and pizazz to your space that you can close whenever you want privacy. You can use adhesive hooks for the curtain rods. For added privacy, window films are easily removable with no mess—and they’re reusable! Depending on which window film you purchase, some also block a portion of UV rays that travel through the window and help keep the temperature down inside during the summer.  

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! 

Apartment complex safety is a big concern for renters and property management alike. Keep up tenant retention by making sure your apartment complex is as safe as possible. Follow these tips to keep your apartment complex safe:  

#1 Keep It Secure  

Have a good security system in place. Tenants don’t want anyone to be able to enter their buildings and spaces that they pay for. Hire a security guard or team to make sure there are no unwanted guests on the premises. Keep common areas protected from outsiders by ensuring that only tenants with the proper pass or keys can enter. Consider installing doors that lock with a passcode for even more protection. These codes should be changed regularly to ensure no old residents or guests with the code can enter. 

As an extra precaution, install security cameras in public spaces like parking areas and common spaces like the laundry and pool. Maintaining a well-lit property not only helps your tenants to feel safe while walking around the property but also makes it so that your cameras can record clear images.  

Hiring a property management team can help keep your rental property secure and well-maintained. Property management can filter out unruly tenants and perform background checks on any prospective tenants. Making sure your renters uphold their lease agreements keeps the place secure and reputable.  

#2 Keep It Maintained  

Maintenance is an integral part of keeping any rental property safe. Making sure the building structure is in good condition prevents injuries that could happen. Routinely check stairs for safety and secure handrails/guardrails to prevent accidents. Clean and maintain the HVAC system and water heaters once a year to make sure they are working properly. 

Check fire escapes and test fire alarms and smoke detectors regularly. In addition to making sure fire alarms work, make sure your tenants know the fire safety precautions and exit strategies for the building. Keep exit signs and instructions visible throughout the building.  

If your building was built before the 1970s, it may need even more updates to follow modern-day codes and guidelines. If the electricity hasn’t been updated, then that will need to be done. Buildings now require GFI (ground fault interrupting) outlets. These are three-prong outlets that help prevent electric shock.  

You may also need to test the paint for lead. Lead was commonly used to paint properties before 1978. Any chipping lead-based paint can cause lead poisoning, and you could be held liable. If the paint does test positive for lead, you must legally disclose it to any current tenants or prospective tenants. This could deter tenants from renting your property, so it may be best to totally rid the property of any lead-based paint (with professional help).  

#3 Be Insured  

Another way to keep your apartment complex safe is by making sure you and your tenants have the proper insurance coverage. Talk to your local insurance agent about purchasing a landlord insurance policy. Having the proper coverage for any liabilities or damages keeps you, as the landlord, safe from economic loss. As the landlord, you can also make it a requirement for any prospective tenant to have renter’s insurance in order to live on your property.  

MMC Properties is a professional property management company with over 30 years of experience managing rental homes and apartment complexes in the Middle Tennessee area. We’re licensed and insured, and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. For more information or to get a quote, please call us at (615) 849-9006 or visit our website at mmcproperties.com.   

If you’re a new property owner, you might be making a bad first impression with tenants without even realizing it. Here are a few mistakes new property owners make when managing their own rental property:  

Not Preparing the Property Before Viewings  

If you don’t prepare the rental unit before viewings, you’re going to look disorganized. It will give your prospective tenants the impression that you aren’t good at managing a property. They’ll leave with the idea that you won’t take care of their needs.  

The unit doesn’t have to be deep-cleaned before a showing, but at least make sure it is presentable. Or, if you’re showing them a current resident’s unit make sure you let that resident know and ask them to tidy up. If the unit is empty, make sure it doesn’t smell like it’s been vacant for a month. Unoccupied places still get dusty and your prospective clients will notice. Vacuuming the floors and wiping down any surfaces are some light cleaning that won’t take too long. You want the place to look and smell nice, but you also don’t want to seem like something is being covered up, so don’t bombard the unit with an air freshener before any visitors arrive. 

Not Being Knowledgeable About the Property and Market 

It’s your property, so you should know about every nook and cranny! If there are positive selling points that can seal the deal on a potential tenant like whether or not the windows are energy efficient then you should inform them. Consider that every tenant is different and that there are different selling points for everyone depending on their situation. Let everyone know of the local amenities and services available. Part of being a rental property owner is being a salesperson—you won’t get any revenue if you don’t get tenants. 

If you don’t know how the rental market operates you could be shooting yourself in the foot. It’s important to stay up-to-date on all the market trends. This also helps you gauge how you should be pricing your rentals. Continually compare yourself to similar properties in the area so you can compete. If your property offers amenities that they don’t (like an in-unit washer and dryer) then make sure you price your property accordingly! You don’t want to charge the same (or less!) when you have the more ideal unit.  

That being said, you don’t want to overcharge for your property. Overcharging or undercharging rent will dissuade tenants from renting. Overcharging is an obvious no-no, but you might think undercharging will bring in more renters. Tenants will think that there is something wrong with the place if the rent is too cheap so they’ll be less likely to sign a lease.  

Not Screening Tenants 

Who you have renting your property can make or break your business. You should run background checks on every prospective tenant. Check their credit history, criminal background, and eviction history. Tenants with bad history are more likely to be late on rent and cause issues with other residents. If one person is late on rent, then two people are late on rent, and the cycle continues. Having a procedure in place to deal with it before it happens will help your business in the long run.  

Bad tenants will make other residents want to move out. If they have problems with other residents or are destructive towards the property, it would be best to evict them as soon as possible. It takes a lot of time and money to evict a resident, so it’s best to screen every potential tenant to lessen the possibility.  

Not Knowing How to Manage Tenants 

If you want to own a property and manage it on your own, you’ll need to know how to properly manage your tenants. Property management can be difficult, especially if you start acquiring more property. It’s important to have someone on-site that can handle tenant complaints as they come in. The longer a tenant has to wait for their concerns to be dealt with, the less likely they are to stick around once the lease is up.  

Consider hiring a property management team. A property management team can handle customer complaints, maintenance, and other concerns like screening tenants. 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. Call today! 

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. It can be hard to find the motivation to clean during the winter months when all you want to do is wrap up with a blanket and watch your favorite shows. If the mess has been piling up, or you just know it’s time for a good cleaning session, we’ve got some helpful tips to get you started.  

What You Need 

First of all, you’re going to need some supplies. Cleaning items can be expensive (especially after the last few years), so try visiting your local dollar store to find some off-brand cleaner that can work just as well. Or, if you want something green you can make your own cleaner at home using vinegar and lemon juice. Here’s what you’ll need:  

• All-purpose cleaner/surface wipes 
• Glass cleaner (for windows and mirrors) 
• Vacuum (if you don’t have one try asking your neighbor to borrow theirs) 
• Duster/rag  
• Mop
• Paper towels/sponges 
• Trash bags 
• Protective gear like gloves, face masks, and/or safety goggles 

An all-purpose cleaner is going to be your new best friend. Some specific items you might need to purchase are a toilet-bowl cleaner and brush. Picking a cleaner that can be used on most surfaces will greatly benefit you in the long run. It saves you money and you don’t have to worry about switching between cleaners.  

Not only that but mixing different cleaners can actually be super harmful to your health and well-being. If you’re using multiple cleaners, make sure to double-check the ingredient lists for anything that might have a toxic chemical reaction. Some common mistakes are mixing bleach and ammonia, bleach and vinegar, and bleach and rubbing alcohol. Mixing these will create chemical reactions that produce chlorine gases in your home leading to breathing problems and more. Always read the directions that are listed on the product before using them!  

Stay Safe While Cleaning 

It’s important to stay safe while cleaning. If it’s warm enough, open the windows of your apartment for airflow or turn on any fans for ventilation. Breathing in any chemicals, reactions or not, can be detrimental to your health. Make sure to wear gloves while handling chemicals so you don’t irritate your skin. Safety goggles and masks are other preventive measures to protect your eyes and lungs.  

Where to Start Cleaning 

If the mess has been building up, you may not know where to even start cleaning. Start by tackling some of the smaller tasks like cleaning the dishes, doing the laundry, and tidying up any miscellaneous clutter that can be lying around. Starting with these can put you in a clean mood and motivate you to keep going. If doing chores is a bore, try to make it fun by playing some upbeat music!  

Make sure you pick everything up off the floor and tidy up the counters. Keep a garbage bag handy in case you come across anything you may want to throw away. Doing this now will help you later when you start spraying and scrubbing everything down.  

Go through your fridge and pantry and throw away any expired food or mysterious leftovers that haven’t been touched in a while. Take everything out and wipe the inside clean. If your fridge sometimes smells, you can always put some baking soda in there! The baking soda will keep the inside of your fridge smelling fresh.  

Move onto the hardest to clean areas like your bathrooms or kitchen. Working on the toughest objects to clean like your toilet, shower, oven, or microwave will make the other tasks seem not as difficult.  

Take a duster or a rag and wipe all the other surfaces (like furniture and baseboards) in your space down. After you’re done dusting, take a quick break while you wait for any dust that may have gone in the air to settle on the floor. Or, if you don’t want to take a break you can mop any tile that may be in your bathroom or kitchen area. 

When you’re done with your break it’s time to vacuum. Make sure the vacuum bag is empty. If the bag is full the vacuum won’t really work and will only spread the dirt around. If the vacuum has attachments, make sure to use those to get to any hard-to-reach areas like corners. You can also use the attachments to vacuum your couch or other seating that may need it. Fluff the pillows and you’re almost done!  

Spray some air freshener or light a candle and relax in your newly cleaned space. 

Extra Cleaning 

You may want to consider going through your closet and picking up clothes that you don’t wear anymore. Take them to your local church or other charity to donate them. Cleaning out your closet is a part of spring cleaning that many gloss over, but it’s important to rid yourself of things you no longer use or need so they don’t take up unnecessary space.  

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! 

With the increasing popularity of smart devices, you may want to consider upgrading your rental properties with smart technology to attract more tenants. Technology has become easier to access, and many devices can work together through Google or Amazon Alexa. Here are five smart technologies you should consider installing in your rental properties:  

Smart Locks  

Security is important to renters, and knowing that their entries are secure can ensure tenant retention. Smart locks can be expensive to install at first, but they pay for themselves in the long run. Many smart locks have keypads so they’re not vulnerable to lock-picking, and you won’t need to pay to change the locks after each tenant, so these are ideal for apartments. There are smart locks that can be locked or unlocked through an application on the phone from anywhere, so it will ease tenant anxiety.  

Most of the smart locks with keypads still offer a traditional key for those that don’t entirely trust or rely on technology.  

Smart Thermostats  

Smart thermostats can be connected to WIFI giving the ability to change the temperature from anywhere using an application. These are not only more eco-friendly but can also be budget-friendly as they cut down on the cost of the energy bill. When people aren’t home, they change the temperature to cut down on the cost of their bills.  

Many people use smart thermostats to turn off/on the thermostat or change the temperature while they’re away. Depending on the weather, you can turn on the heat or the air to create a more comfortable environment when you get home. 

Smart Lights 

Smart lightbulbs are becoming more popular. You can connect them to an AI device like Google or Amazon Alexa to use voice recognition to turn on or off lights. There is also the option to control lights through an application. So, if you forget to turn off the lights when you leave, or you want the lights on when you get home, you can control them from wherever you are. Some lightbulbs can change color depending on what mood or brightness is preferred.  

Water Leak Detectors  

Water leak detectors are a good investment and relatively easy to install. The device goes near plumbing and monitors water and humidity levels and sends you an alert when they rise. These devices can help to prevent flooding and costly water damage. 

Smart Fire Alarms  

Most people have dealt with an annoying fire alarm that won’t stop beeping or give a false alarm. Smart fire alarms alert your phone when it goes off, so if you’re not at home you’re aware of any potential fires that may have started.  

These alarms test themselves regularly to make sure they’re working properly and also alert you when the battery is running low, so you don’t have to deal with annoying beeps. If there is a false alarm, you can silence it from your phone so you don’t have to get up on a ladder or chair to stop it. 

Installing these smart technologies in your rental property can increase interest and tenant retention in your properties. If you are in need of property management, consider MMC Properties. MMC Properties is a premier property management company in Middle Tennessee, serving the greater Nashville area of Smyrna, La Vergne, and Murfreesboro. To learn more about the services we offer, call (615) 849-9006 today. 

If you’re moving out and looking to rent an apartment for the first time or just need to brush up on apartment etiquette, here are six tips on what NOT to do in your apartment.  

Not Touring the Apartment Before Leasing 

You should never go into a lease blind. It’s vital to tour every apartment you’re interested in before signing a lease. Online tours may not show every detail in the apartment, so it’s best to always do it in person. Oftentimes the apartment in the online tour is not the exact same one you will be renting—they usually just have the same layout. It’s possible that you’ll show up to the apartment and there’s a strange odor, or the neighbors cause a ruckus and set a poor example.  

Not Reading the Lease Carefully 

An apartment lease contains a lot of important information and rules to follow. It’ll tell you whether or not you have to pay for your own utility bills, information about parking, and pet policies. Mark special attention to the start and end of your lease. The lease is like your little apartment rule book, and if you break the rules of your lease, you may not get your security deposit back.  

Decorating your apartment makes it feel like home, but your lease might not allow you to hang décor from the walls. Make do by hanging décor with adhesive hooks that are easily removable from walls and leave little to no damage.  

Depending on your apartment’s policy, having pets may or may not be allowed. Many people have a furry friend or two, but keeping an illegal pet will break your lease, and you may not get your security deposit back or may be required to move out before the lease ends. 

Not Inspecting the Apartment After Leasing 

You will have a window when moving in to notify the landlord of anything that feels off. Say there’s a small crack or the shower doesn’t work quite as well as it should. You should notify your landlord of your observations so you won’t be held accountable for them later on. If you don’t tell your landlord of these details, the landlord may hold you responsible and withhold your security deposit when you move out in the future.  

Not Reporting Maintenace Issues 

If there are problems with your apartment while you’re living there, you need to tell the landlord as soon as you notice them. You should want to live in an apartment that fulfills all your needs. If any of the appliances break or you’re having problems with your bathroom, it’s up to your landlord to repair them. Any issues that arise within the apartment will just get worse over time if left unchecked. 

Not Paying Rent on Time 

If you don’t pay your rent on time, you might build a bad rep with your landlord. Paying any bill late often comes with repercussions like late fees. They might not write a tenant recommendation for your next apartment. Some landlords can be more understanding than others, so if you need to be late paying your rent it’s best to let them know in advance.  

Sometimes stuff comes up, like your car needing a costly repair that can cause you to pay rent late. Your landlord may understand and can accommodate you. Just make sure not to make paying rent late a habit. It’s always best to have enough in your savings account to pay rent for a few months just in case something like a car repair comes up or you lose your job.  

Not Having Renter’s Insurance 

Renter’s insurance is a good investment that will help you in the long run. You might not think anything bad will happen to your apartment, but you really never know and it’s best to be prepared. Renter’s insurance covers your personal property, liability (if you damage someone else’s property or someone is injured in your apartment), and additional living expenses in the event you have to temporarily live elsewhere while the apartment is undergoing repairs.  

It might not always be your fault. Sometimes your neighbors’ apartment floods and you’re left with water damage and ruined furniture. Or, there’s a fire in your apartment building that gets out of control, and all your stuff is ruined or reeks like smoke.  

MMC Properties is a premier property management company in Middle Tennessee, serving the greater Nashville area of Smyrna, LaVergne, and Murfreesboro. We offer rentals and property management for building owners. To learn more about the services we offer, call (615) 849-9006 today.

Are you considering hiring a property management company to oversee your rental properties? Some first-time rental property owners spread themselves too thin trying to keep up with their management responsibilities. Property management companies might seem pricy, but they can actually save you money in the long run!  

What Is a Property Management Company? 

A property management company is a third party that you hire to manage your property for you. They can  

• advertise and market your property 
• interview and screen potential tenants 
• handle leases (create new leases, evict tenants not following their lease agreements, etc.) 
• collect rent on your behalf 
• fulfill property maintenance.  

Why You Need a Property Management Company  

If you just recently bought a rental property or are struggling to keep up managing your own properties, you may want to consider hiring a property management company. Property management companies can be super helpful if you own a lot of property and rental units, or you don’t live near your rental properties. Maybe you bought rental property as an investment to earn passive income and you don’t want to do the management tasks yourself.  

Your time is valuable and you may not have the time to manage your property yourself. Or, if you are managing it yourself and are struggling to keep up with it, a property management team can help pick up some of the work.  

Property management companies handle their own employees, so you don’t have to worry about hiring employees, dealing with payroll, or other legal requirements. Property management companies often have their own maintenance crews or have deals with local companies to get quick discounted services. An independent landlord might have difficulties keeping up with maintenance requests in a timely manner, especially if they have their own job and other responsibilities. A property management company is there so you don’t have to worry about your tenants receiving the best service.  

Why Property Management Companies Are Valuable 

Property management companies can be a valuable asset in keeping up your rental properties. They help you earn the most revenue for your money. Hiring a property management company will save you time and money in the long run. Even though you have to pay for a management company, they can help you to retain more tenants and earn more money overall. They are knowledgeable about the market and how much rentals and competitors lease for, and they can charge rent accordingly.  

These management companies can help you fill your vacancies quicker because they are more experienced with the process and can move more efficiently. Because they often have their own maintenance crews, tenants are left happier because they don’t have to wait for their issues to be solved. 

Tenants tend to be happier when dealing with property management companies because they are given more attention and their needs are taken care of quickly. Management companies stay knowledgeable on landlord-tenant laws so you don’t have to worry about it. This is better for the reputation of your property. A good property management company works professionally and places the needs of the tenants first. You want your property to have good tenant retention because other potential tenants will hear about the property and want to live there.  

Why You Should Hire MMC Properties 

MMC Properties is the largest property management firm in Rutherford County, Tennessee. We supervise about 3,000 units in the area. MMC stays local to Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, and Southeast Nashville, so all of our attention is focused on the area.  

The experts at MMC Properties are professionally-trained with decades of experience in real estate and residential management. If you own an investment property with the intention of renting, call (615) 849-9006 to speak with an MMC Properties staff member today.