Smarter Renter

🚨 Rental scam alert! This is happening right here in Boone County, Missouri—and it could just as easily happen in your community. Scammers are copying real property photos and posing as landlords online. Always confirm who you’re dealing with before sending money or signing anything.

Have you introduced yourself to your neighbors yet? 🏡

Today I got a call from a resident in one of our duplexes whose dog had accidentally gotten locked inside the neighbor’s garage. She didn’t have the neighbor’s phone number—so I ended up being the go-between, tracking down when the neighbor would be home so she could get her pup back.

It reminded me of something important: years ago, most people knew their neighbors. If something happened, you picked up the phone or knocked on the door instead of using your landlord as the go-between.

👉 If you rent—it’s a smart idea to:

Get to know the people next door (whether they rent from the same landlord or not).

Exchange numbers with at least one nearby neighbor you trust.

Have someone local you can call for help in a pinch.

I know not every neighborhood feels safe enough for this, but in many communities, it can make life easier for everyone.

BTW: This is Dana, our sweet puppy!

Moving out? The top five things to do before you hit the road:

✅ Clean Like You’re Getting Paid For It
Because in a way—you are. A clean home = deposit back.

✅ Don’t Try to “Fix” Things Yourself
Skip the DIY patches or paint. Just report damage honestly—your lease may already account for normal wear and tear.

✅ Move Trash ALL the Way Out
The curb doesn’t count if trash day isn’t tomorrow. Don’t leave a dump behind.

✅ Don’t Ghost Your Landlord
Leave your forwarding address, return keys, and schedule a walk-through.

✅ Document the Empty Home
Final photo proof protects you. No furniture, no trash, carpet cleaned-- a clean slate.

👉 Tag a friend who’s moving this month!

Your top five!!! Five things to do after you get the keys.

✅ Take Photos of Everything
Walls, floors, appliances—even that tiny chip on the tile. Then share your damage list with your landlord.

✅ Sniff Around
Literally. Smell for leftover pet or smoke odors so you don’t get blamed later.

✅ Check the Basics
Test the lights, locks, smoke detectors, and appliances.

✅ Plan Utilities Before Day 1
Power, water, trash, internet—it’s a hassle after move-in day. Set it up now.

✅ Unpack Fast, Ditch Boxes
Cardboard attracts bugs. Unpack within the first week and break those boxes down.

Next: Top five things to do when you move out.

Ever been burned by a promise?
True story: A guy thought he was getting transferred for work, so he and his whole family signed a lease and got ready to move.
His boss TOLD him it was happening…
But it was NEVER in writing.
The transfer fell through—and he was stuck paying for a rental he didn’t need.

💸 Expensive mistake.
😞 Stressful for everyone involved.

👉 Smart renters tip:
Don’t sign a lease—or quit your job, or move across state lines—until you’ve got the official word in writing.

Verbal promises don’t pay the rent.

📸 Can you believe this pile of TRASH left behind at a rental home!? 😳

One of our residents moved out early—and while they cleared out the inside of the home, they left everything they didn’t want piled at the curb. Trash, broken furniture, household junk… just dumped and left for us to deal with.

We had to bring in a dump trailer, pay for labor, and cover city dump fees. Oh—and the city issued us a warning. If we hadn’t acted fast, we’d be looking at a fine too. 😩

💸 Yes, the resident will be charged for the clean-up.

But the bigger issue? This could have all been avoided.

🔑 If you're planning a move:
— Start paring down your stuff weeks—or months—in advance
— Arrange for trash pickup or hauling services if needed
— And if something comes up? Communicate with your landlord

Leaving a huge pile behind is unacceptable. It’s unfair to the property owner, the neighbors, and the next resident—and it gives renters a bad name.

✅ Want more real-life rental tips from a landlord who’s seen it all?
Follow our page so you can avoid costly mistakes like this one.

We just listed two homes for rent—and already, we’re seeing the same thing:
Zillow inquiries with the default message:
“I’m interested in your property. Please send me an application.”

There’s nothing wrong with that... but there’s nothing memorable about it either.

If you want to stand out as a renter, take 30 seconds to personalize your message.
Here’s how:

✅ Introduce yourself briefly
✅ Share your move-in timeline
✅ Mention anything helpful—job relocation, deposit readiness, pets (or no pets)

Looking for a home is a lot like applying for a job. Don’t skip the cover letter.
Customize your inquiry—and make it count.

📌 Follow for more tips—or drop your question below about how to find a place you’ll be happy to call home.

Maintenance Monday Tip: Know How to Request a Repair
Here’s a real maintenance request we got by text recently. While texting feels fast, it’s actually one of the slowest ways to get something fixed if it’s not an emergency.

🏠 Online resident portals like the one from Buildium, A RealPage Company help landlords stay organized and assign tasks to the right person quickly.

⏱️ Want faster repairs? Use the system your landlord provides.

🚨 If it’s an emergency (water leak, heat or A/C not working, fridge out), text first—and if there’s no response, follow up with a call.

👉 Not sure what method your landlord prefers? Just ask! Knowing how to report issues is one of the best ways to protect your home—and your deposit.