Greater Washington DC Metropolitan Area Blog

What Should a Landlord Do When a Tenant Stops Paying Rent?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 21, 2026

Few situations are more stressful for a rental property owner than seeing a rent payment come and go without receiving the money.When a tenant doesn't pay rent on time, the owner's first reaction may be to call, text, or demand immediate payment. But handling the situatio...

How Much Does a Property Manager Cost? A Guide for Rental Property Owners

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, September 18, 2026

If you own a rental property, you've probably asked yourself an important question:How much does a property manager cost—and is professional management worth the expense?The answer isn't as simple as looking for the lowest percentage.Property management fees can var...

Thinking About Renting Out Your Home? What Homeowners Should Know Before Becoming a Landlord

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Life changes can create unexpected real estate opportunities.Maybe you're moving to another state and aren't ready to sell your current home. Perhaps you've inherited a property. Maybe you've purchased a new home and are wondering whether your existing property co...

When Is It Time to Buy Your Next Rental Property?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 14, 2026

Building a successful real estate portfolio isn't simply about buying as many properties as possible. Smart investors know that timing, cash flow, financial readiness, and long-term strategy all matter.For rental property owners, one of the most exciting milestones is re...

How to Set the Right Rental Price for Your Investment Property

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, September 11, 2026

Setting the right rental price is one of the most important decisions a rental property owner can make. Price your property too high, and you may struggle to attract qualified tenants. Price it too low, and you could leave hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in pote...

What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Rental Property

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Finding the right rental home can be exciting, but the application process can also feel overwhelming—especially when you aren't sure what property managers are looking for or what information you'll need to provide.Being prepared before you apply can make the proce...

From One Rental to a Real Estate Portfolio: How to Scale Your Investment Strategy

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, September 7, 2026

Owning your first rental property is a major accomplishment. But for many real estate investors, the first property is just the beginning.Building a successful rental portfolio doesn't necessarily mean buying as many properties as possible. It means developing a thoughtful in...

Is Your Rental Property Ready for a New Tenant? A Landlord's Turnover Checklist

By Peta-Gay Lewis Friday, August 28, 2026

Between one tenant moving out and another moving in, a rental property has an important window of opportunity. A well-managed turnover can help protect the property's condition, reduce vacancy time, attract qualified applicants, and create a strong first impression for the ne...

Moving Out? How Tenants Can Make the Transition Easier

By Peta-Gay Lewis Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Moving to a new home can be exciting, but the process of leaving a rental property comes with important responsibilities. From providing proper notice to cleaning the home and returning the keys, a well-planned move-out can make the transition easier for both the tenant and the p...

Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?

By Peta-Gay Lewis Monday, August 24, 2026

For many renters, a pet is part of the family. For property owners, however, allowing pets can bring questions about property damage, liability, additional wear and tear, and how to create a fair and manageable rental policy.Rather than viewing pets as an automatic risk, property...