Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

What happens if someone gets hurt on your rental property? As a landlord, you need to be prepared. Whether its a slip, a fall, or another accident, knowing your legal responsibilities and recourses can help you avoid costly issues. Let’s get into how you can deal with this ordeal. Main Takeaways If someone gets hurt on your property because of something you did or failed to do, you could be legally and financially liable.

Rental Property

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 25, 2025

As a landlord, your biggest priority is protecting your propertyand your income. So, how do you make that happen? Renting to tenants who can reliably pay on time, every time. But how do apartments verify income? Its not just about numbers on a page. Verifying income helps you find tenants who are financially stable and trustworthy. In this guide, well walk you through how apartments verify income, and the best strategies landlords use to make smart leasing decisions.

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 4, 2025

Real estate is a business that requires advancement. You need deeper insight into how your portfolio is performing—and what you can do to boost profitability. One tool that can help? A rent ledger. But what exactly is a rent ledger, and why should you care? We’ll break it down in simple language so you can take control of your rental business with confidence and clarity.

Rent

Bay Property Management Group

JUNE 3, 2025

You find the perfect apartment but waitno elevator? Just stairs. Lots of them. For some people, thats an automatic no. The thought of dragging groceries or a couch up four flights sounds like a workout they didnt sign up for. Others feel that a walk-up apartment means charm, character, and saving a few hundred dollars on rent each month. So, is a walk-up apartment the hidden gem youve been looking foror a daily stair-climbing struggle?

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

MAY 20, 2025

Setting up Wi-Fi seems easyuntil youre stuck with no signal and no idea what to do. If youve been wondering how to set up Wi-Fi in a new apartment without all the stress, this guide breaks it down for you. From picking the right plan to avoiding simple mistakes, weve got you covered. Read below to learn more. Main Takeaways Pick the right plan Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based on your households internet usage, whether streaming, gaming, or working remotely.

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 17, 2025

Have you ever tried to move into a new place, and it felt like the deposit alone could fund a small vacation? The cost adds up really fast. You pay movers, a two-month deposit, and a security depositsometimes even more if you have a pet. By the time youre settled, youre already broke. Thats exactly why Philly is stepping in with a plan to make things easier for renters.

Applications

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 9, 2025

You finally find a place that checks all the boxesgreat location, reasonable price, good reviews. But then you notice a few words tucked into the listing: amenities included. And suddenly, you’re wondering… what does amenities mean exactly? In the world of rentals, amenities are the little (and not-so-little) extras that can totally change how you experience home.

Tenant

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 3, 2025

You may have missed a rent payment or violated your lease, and now the issue has escalated. Your landlord has served you with a notice to quit, and you don’t know what in the world you should do. As stressful a time as this may be, it’s important to get all your facts straight so you can have a clear path forward. So, in this article, well break down what a notice to quit in PA is, when landlords can issue one, and what happens after its served.

Landlord

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 28, 2025

If you’re apartment hunting, you’ve probably asked yourself: how extensive are background checks for apartments? Landlords and property managers use them to decide who gets approved, but what exactly are they looking for? In this guide, we’ll break down how apartment background checks work, why theyre important, and what landlords check before they hand over the keys.

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 19, 2025

Have you ever stepped into a city and felt like it had a little bit of everything? Thats Richmond, VA, for you. One minute, you’re walking through grand historic landmarks, and the next, youre enjoying a meal at the best local eats or chilling by the river. Its got that perfect mix of old-school charm and modern fun. If you’re ready to explore, here are the best places to visit in Richmond VA.

Property Management

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Moving out of a rental can be a bit overwhelming, especially if youre not sure what to expector what it might end up costing you. From the final inspection to the cleaning requirements, theres a lot to think about. But, at the end of the day, can a landlord charge a cleaning fee after you move out? In this guide, well break down the move-out process, explain whats considered normal wear and tear, and give you tips on how to avoid disputes over cleaning fees.

Landlord

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

You’ve probably come across the term lessee, but what does it really mean? In this article, well answer the questions – what is a lessee, what theyre responsible for, their rights, and clear up some common myths. Well also answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Ready to dive in? Lets get started! What Is a Lessee? A lessee is simply a person or entity that rents land or property.

Lease Agreement

Bay Property Management Group

JANUARY 28, 2025

As a tenant, its natural to want some privacy and peace of mind in your home. While landlords want you to enjoy that to the fullest, they also must balance that with a need to check on their property’s condition. So, naturally, as a tenant, you may wonder: can I refuse a landlord inspection? There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s uncover the truth behind inspections.

Landlord

Bay Property Management Group

MAY 16, 2025

Getting your first apartment is a big deal. Youre stepping into independence bills, leases, your own set of keys. Exciting? Absolutely. Confusing? Also, yes. Thats why we created this guide: to walk you through every step with real advice on how to get your first apartment. Read along as we share simple tips and a bit of perspective from the people who manage properties every day.

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 23, 2025

So, youre toying with the idea of buying a duplex. Its like hitting two birds with one stone. That is, you get a place to live and an extra unit that could bring in steady income. Sounds smart, right? But before you dive in, there are a few things you should knowthings that goes beyond the basic buy low, rent high advice. Whether you’re eyeing a house-hack setup or just want to double up on investment potential, this guide breaks it down in real talkno fluff, no jargon, just what you actua

Single-Family Home

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 14, 2025

Inflation affects everything it touches, and the real estate market is no exception. As prices rise, so do mortgage rates, operating expenses, and more. But is inflation a threat to your rental property investment, or can it actually work in your favor? Lets explore how inflation on rental property investment can impact youand most importantly, how you can keep your investments safe and still make a profit, no matter what changes the economy goes through.

Rental Property

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Owning a rental property often means wearing many hatslandlord, accountant, and sometimes even handyman. So, you figure, you might as well benefit from all that hard work. So, if youre taking care of repairs yourself, can you deduct the cost of your own labor on a rental property? Its a fair question, especially with taxes always creeping up. After all, hiring contractors is deductible, so shouldnt your own hard work count too?

Rental Property

Bay Property Management Group

JUNE 18, 2025

Loud neighbors. Blasting music. Doors slamming at 2 a.m. If you’ve ever lived in a shared space—like an apartment—you know how unbearable noise at night can be. And in many places, it’s not just annoying… it could be a lease violation. That’s where apartment quiet hour rules come in. But what exactly are quiet hours? Are they legally enforceable?

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 27, 2025

Some cities can feel overwhelming. But Philly? Philly feels like home from the moment you arrive. Friendly neighbors, buzzing neighborhoods, and a deep sense of belonging are part of the package when you own a home here. Wondering about the benefits of owning a home in Philadelphia? Keep reading! Main Takeaways Philadelphia is one of the more affordable metro areas in the US for homebuyers, with a median home price of $218,590 and a price-to-income ratio of 3.8.

Transportation

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 26, 2025

It always starts small. Maybe a renter blasts the music a little too loud late at night. Or, maybe they throw a party that people can hear all the way downstairs. At first, everyone tells themselves a little noise here and there is just part of apartment living until its not. The noise keeps coming, and soon, someone files a complaint. But how many noise complaints until eviction is on the table?

Landlord

Bay Property Management Group

JANUARY 19, 2025

Ideally, when someone rents out a home, they’d move in the following month. However, this doesn’t always happen in reality. Some people need to move in urgently, like in the middle of the month. Luckily, when that happens, you don’t necessarily have to pay that entire month’s rent. In other words, the tenant could pay a prorated rent, an amount that reflects the number of days you’ve lived in the rental.

Rent

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 22, 2025

As an investor, you’re probably familiar with single-family and multi-family units—they’re everywhere. But there’s another option that’s rarer yet packs a serious income punch: the fourplex. So, what is a fourplex, and why should it be on your radar? This guide unpacks why fourplexes are worth a closer look, the opportunities (and challenges) they bring, and how to start investing—even if you’re not sitting on massive capital.

Single-Family Home

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 17, 2025

Managing a rental property comes with more work than most people expect—advertising vacancies, answering calls, showing units, and sorting out lease paperwork. Instead of juggling it all, many landlords turn to leasing agents for help. But what does a leasing agent do, how much do they charge, and is hiring one worth it in 2025? Let’s find out. What Does a Leasing Agent Do?

Lease

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 11, 2025

These days, it’s easy to feel like it doesn’t really matter who owns the property you’re renting. After all, you deal with agents and property managers for everything, right? But here’s the thing—knowing how to find out who owns a property can save you from lots of potential stress down the road. So, in this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to uncover an owner using public tools—and a few other ways.

Property

Bay Property Management Group

JUNE 30, 2025

In 2025, more investors are leaning toward turnkey properties because they offer something rare in real estate: simplicity. Fully renovated, move-in ready, and often professionally managed. However, you may be new to the concept and wondering: What does ‘turnkey’ mean in real estate? In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what turnkey means, how it compares to fixer-uppers, and whether it’s the right strategy for you.

Real Estate

Bay Property Management Group

JUNE 5, 2025

Knowing how to decorate a small apartment isnt just about squeezing things inits about making smart choices that reflect your style, fit your budget, and actually work for your space. It can feel like a puzzle at first, but with the right tips, even the tiniest rental can feel open, cozy, and uniquely yours. Read along to see where to startweve broken it down step by step to make decorating simple and fun.

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 18, 2025

When renters search for a new place to live, they probably have a checklist of must-havesand maybe blinds are one of them. But then, it’s time to move in, and tenant and landlord alike are wondering: Who is actually responsible for blinds in a rental property? In this post, well break it all down. What are blinds? Whos responsible for providing and maintaining them?

Rental Property

Bay Property Management Group

APRIL 8, 2025

Not every rental situation comes with a formal lease. In fact, plenty of people just start paying rent and move inno paperwork, no problem… right? But it does raise a big question: What rights do tenants have without a lease? Its an important oneand in this article, were breaking it down. From understanding tenants at will to knowing how eviction protections and security deposits work, well walk you through the key rights every landlord should know even without anything in writing.

Lease

Bay Property Management Group

MARCH 12, 2025

Ever wondered how real estate agents make their money from a property deal? It all comes down to something called GCI (Gross Commission Income). But what is GCI in real estate? If you’re looking to understand how the money flows in real estate transactions, you’re in the right place. Lets break it down in a way that actually makes sense, without all the jargon!

Real Estate

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Finding the right apartment goes beyond just liking the spaceits about knowing what to expect. Asking the right questions to ask during an apartment tour can give you a clear picture of what living there will be like. In this guide, well share the essential questions you should ask to ensure youre making the best choice. Lets get started! Key Takeaways Ask the Right Questions During Your Apartment Tour – Finding the right apartment is more than just liking the spaceits about understanding

Apartment

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Pets are great companions, but they dont always stick to the house rules! They might scratch the walls, leave unbearable smells, or even damage appliances. Thats why landlords often ask for pet depositsto protect their property in the event Fido goes a little too far. But are pet deposits refundable? Read on to learn more about pet deposits, why you might not get your refund, and your rights as a tenant.

Lease Agreement

Bay Property Management Group

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Real estate can be a lucrative industry, but it comes with technicalities that require attention. One of the benefits of this option is that you can rent while saving to buy the same apartment. Its a unique combination of renting and owning the property. But how different is this arrangement? And can a landlord break a rent-to-own contract? This guide will explain everything you need to know about rent-to-own properties.

Rent

Bay Property Management Group

JANUARY 29, 2025

Rent prices are always changing, and having utilities included might seem like an easy way to keep things simple. After all, knowing exactly what youll pay each month with no surprises sounds ideal, right? But are utilities included in rent? And if they are, what does that actually mean for you in practice as a renter? Read below to learn more. Main Takeaways To know if utilities are included in the rent, your answer is simple: look at your lease (and local laws).

Utilities

Bay Property Management Group

JANUARY 27, 2025

Wondering, “what credit score do you need to rent an apartment?” That’s a question most people ask. Luckily, while a high score is important, its not the only thing landlords look at. Let’s break down what landlords consider so you know what you need to do to pass their sniff test. What Is a Credit Score? Before our property management company in Washington, D.C. answers what credit score you need to rent an apartment, we need to first define what a credit score is to beg

Rent

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 21, 2025

After the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady in June 2025, many investors are asking: Should I wait to buy a house in 2025 or act now? Could waiting lead to better deals later? The truth is, real estate takes strategy and timing. Waiting too long could mean missed opportunities, but rushing in might lead to costly mistakes. So, in this guide, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, unpack the 2025 market trends, and show you how to make smart moves—even in an uncertain mark

Rental Income

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 14, 2025

The real estate world never stops evolving. New trends pop up, but only a few truly change the game. One of the biggest right now? STR. But what is STR in real estate, and why is everyone from investors to Airbnb hosts talking about it? In this guide, we’ll break down what STR means, why it’s booming, its pros and cons, and how it stacks up as an investment property in 2025.

Real Estate

Bay Property Management Group

JULY 1, 2025

Sometimes, to make accommodations for the property, the landlord may need to make certain changes that help the leaseholder feel more comfortable. These changes are called leasehold improvements. They can vary, since people have different needs. In this article, we’ll look at some common leasehold improvements, compare them with regular maintenance, discuss who typically pays for them, share a few tips, and more.

Landlord