We all know apartment hunting can be both stressful and tedious. To make sure you find your perfect home, Millan Enterprises leasing department has compiled a list of questions to ask when viewing a house.
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Are utilities included?
Utilities may or may not be included in the cost of rent, depending on the building or company. It is common for water to be factored in with the monthly rent charge, but, the tenant may be responsible for electricity and gas. If you have questions regarding monthly billing for utilities not included, it is best to contact your local provider for an estimate.
2. How much will it cost to move in?
The process to move in differs from company to company. Be sure to ask:
Do you require a security deposit? If so, how much?
Is there an application fee or administrative fee?
Are there any additional fees to be paid before the lease is signed?
3. What is the surrounding area like?
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The best way to ensure you rent a property that you feel safe in, is to check the crime statistics and scope out the surrounding neighborhoods. Prior to your showing, Millan Enterprises suggest you research the neighborhood and surrounding areas for crime rates, school zones, and community location. During your showing, your leasing agent should be able to speak more on the closest parks and recreation for your convenience.
“We recommend driving by the property during the day and night to get a better idea of how the neighborhood functions and the way traffic flows .”
Christina Hayes, Millan Enterprises, Office Manager
4. What is the parking like?
Understanding the parking situation is important, especially if you share a parking lot with other tenants. Some areas require parking fees or permits while other locations allow you to park wherever you like.
5. Can I make any changes to the property?
It is understandable that you may want to add a personal touch to your potential new home. But, before you start choosing paint colors or deciding where to hang your favorite painting make sure to speak with the landlord or property management company about the policies regarding decorating.
6. Are there any penalties for breaking the lease ?
Sometimes, life happens and you find yourself needing to break your lease contract. It's best to ask what the policy is for terminating your lease. While most landlords allow early termination from your lease, you need to be prepared for any financial obligations.
7. Do you allow pets? If so, are there any breed restrictions or pet fees required?
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We understand that your pets are family too, so it is important to find out what the policy is. If the rental home or apartment does allow pets, find out if there is a pet deposit, restrictions on the number of pets, as well as any breed restrictions.
8. Do you offer renewal options?
Some landlords or property management companies have certain guidelines regarding their renewal process. Unfortunately, some may or may not notify of your lease expiration date, so its best to know your options early. In many instances, its common for the tenant to have the option to sign another long term contract or choose to go month to month.
9. How are repairs and maintenance managed?
Some properties will have an on-site maintenance staff manager or provide you with a number to call for maintenance issues. Make sure to ask how and when an emergency should be reported.
“Here, at Millan Enterprises , we strive to complete any work order issue within 24-48 hours. If we are unable to do so, we make sure to stay in contact with the tenant and provide all possible updates."
Sarah Perry, Millan Enterprises, Maintenance Coordinator
10. How often will my rent increase ?
It is common for rent to increase each year you renew your lease contract. This is in majority due to, inflation. If you plan to stay long-term, figure out how often the rent will increase and by how much.
Check out this great article we shared with tenants in 2019 regarding rent increases to find out more.
These are just a few of the many questions you can ask during a showing. Check out our Pinterest Board for a great rental tips, including an apartment checklist to bring with you during apartment tours. This can help make sure you find the perfect home that checks all of your priority boxes!
How to protect your home and save money during the winter season!
The winter season is upon middle Tennessee. With electric bills higher than usual, and the cold drafts coming in - here is a winterize home checklist to help lower your energy bill while maintaining the heat in your home.
WINTERIZE HOME CHECKLIST
Check the gutters. If you have gutters alongside your building, to help prevent ice build up, be sure to clean all debris. This will allow the ice to melt and water to flow more freely. If possible, look into installing gutter guards to help aid preventive care in the future.
Protect the pipes. Protect against frozen pipes by keeping a steady drip of water running in a few faucets - focus on the pipes in outer edge rooms. If possible, try to insulate those that could be susceptible to freezing to guard from freezing and bursting. Renting a home and notice exposed pipes that aren’t insulated? Contact your management company and let them know so they can address the issue.
Clean your dryer hose. Perform your annual dryer hose inspection and cleaning. This will help prevent fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and help save energy. Check out our pinterest for tips on how to do this.
Utilize the power of the sun. Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day. This allows the sun to stream in and provide natural heating. Be sure to close them at night to help retain that heat!
Adjust your thermostat. Adjusting your thermostat dependent on the time of day will help you save! Set your thermostat for an optimum 68 degrees and turn it down while away or asleep.
Have your heating serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year. This is the perfect time to do so to help keep them running efficiently and prevent any buildup. If you rent a home, make sure to change house air filters quarterly and let your management company know of any issues as soon as they arise.
Test your smoke detectors. Residential fires are more common in the winter season. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries as needed. Need help? Check out this article for more tips from firefighters!
Reverse your fan direction. Reverse your ceiling fan direction to help move warm air downwards. This should be done seasonally to help circulate air appropriately.
Winterizing your home can take some time, but can ultimately help prevent house damages and save money on utilities/energy! By being proactive with the season, you can have ease of mind while spending those chilly nights snuggled up in your home.
Companies should consider making their business pet-friendly to boost employee morale! A 2012 study explored the effects of dogs at work regarding the stress and perception of job satisfaction and organizational support. The results found that employees with dogs at work experienced a decline in stress, while those without the office dog present, or those who did not own a pet, experienced an increase in stress levels.
“Having an office pet just relieves the everyday stress work brings, it gives me something to take my mind off things.”
At Millan Enterprises, we take pride in being a pet-friendly workspace. Our mascot Kobe brings joy to our employees and assist them in their daily tasks.
Millan Enterprises lovely mascot Kobe.
What are the benefits and how do you know if being pet-friendly is the right fit for your company? Well we are glad you asked!
The Benefits of Office Pets
Stress Reducer & Increased Productivity
Have you ever gone home after a long day and just wanted to be with your pet? A furry friend, or even a scaly one, is ideal for relieving stress and an opportunity to increase your productivity in the workplace. Pets make the work environment more comfortable and provide companionship for your employees. Your work environment can be your home away from home.
If an employee has hit a level of stress they can no longer handle, they have an opportunity to step back and play with the office pet or gaze at them swimming in the fishbowl. Then to go back to work feeling rejuvenated and cause an increase in office productivity. Makenzie Wert, leasing agent at Millan Enterprises says “Office pets give me happy endorphins when I pet them,” this, helping relieve stress during the work day.
Is your company looking for ways to improve employee retention? A study by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), showcases thatpets in the office can do just that - improve employee retention!
88 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company plan to stay with the company for the next 12 months versus 73 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces
91 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel the company supports their physical health and wellness versus 59 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.
How Do You Know if it is the Right Fit for Your Company?
There are many factors to take into account before making the switch or even enhancing the overall experience in a pet-friendly workspace. Things companies should consider in preparation to having a pet-friendly workspace:
The company’s day-to-day activities, some environments may not be suitable for pets to be in
“The office mascot [of Millan Enterprises], Kobe, frequently visits the office. His presence helps me not take myself too seriously. His playful, spunky nature reminds me that it’s okay to have fun at work."
Do you have office pets at your work? Showcase your office pets with us by commenting below! We all need a little animal cuteness in our lives. #MillanEnterprisesOfficeMascot
It’s time for the ol’ saying “New Year, New Me”. For this new year, Millan Enterprises wants to challenge our tenants to look toward their living environment and establish a bond with their home and community in the new year.
A way to make your home feel like it is your own, is through the decor you use. If you are a new tenant or well adjusted in your rental, here are four easy ways to make your living space a home:
Add extra lighting
Indoor plants
Improve the aroma
Hang some art
Need some inspiration? Head to our Pinterest account to feel inspired.
2. Do a Deep Clean
Consider deep cleaning your home to start your year off right! A clean space equals a clean mind! Not sure where to begin? Start with these five things to step your year on the right foot:
Dust everything… ceiling fans, blinds, decor, etc.
Clean the inside and outside of your fridge
Wipe down your baseboards
Run vinegar and water through your coffee machine (You can thank us later!)
Donate everything you don’t need
3. Budget for Unexpected Payments
The worst thing to experience is unexpected payments! The best way to work around unexpected payments is to expect the unexpected. By planning for the unexpected, you will not have to worry about playing catch up afterward.
The Clarksville community plays a vital role in your life. Clarksville, TN, is your home, where your kids were born, where you went to school or where your duty station is. Whether you get involved by volunteering, attending local sporting events, shop locally, or organize your own event, Millan Enterprises challenges you to find and leave your mark on the local community!
Millan Enterprises hopes your new year is the best that it can be! Share your New Year’s resolutions with us using the hashtag #millanenterpises on social media!
Despite your best efforts, Christmas has snuck up on you again this year. With only a week left to shop, there is still that one person on your list you need to shop for. Luckily for you, this is the ultimate last minute gift guide for that special home renter in your life.
Coffee Gator Paperless Hand Drip Brewer Barista’s rave about this Coffee Gator paperless hand drip brewer for providing the freshest flavor for your in house coffee maker. Gift this to your coffee fanatic and allow them to get the premium taste out of their coffee beans brewed fresh in their home each morning.
AreoGarden Harvest Countertop Garden With this countertop garden, your home renter can have a garden right at their fingertips. Perfect for utilizing space and enjoying fresh herbs and small produce all year round.
EcoSmart LED Light Bulbs Gifting these EcoSmart LED Light Bulbs is the give that keeps on giving. With average savings of $62 on energy savings per bulb, this gift provides lasting gratitude all year long!
Maxi-Matic Indoor Electric Nonstick Gril The renter in your life can now bring the fun of an outdoor BBQ inside! With the Maxi-Matic Indoor Electric Nonstick Grill, this indoor safe appliance, they can save time and grill their favorite foods all at once.
Tile Pro Help them always remember where their keys are with this helpful bluetooth tracker. Designed to ring their misplaced items, within range, straight from their smartphone - perfect for the new renter.
*Photos courtesy of Amazon.com, Dallas News, and Home Depot
Don’t miss out on this rental walkthrough checklist when viewing homes for rent!
There are plenty of amazing rental homes in Clarksville, TN, but not every house in town will fit your needs exactly. The best way to protect yourself from a rental disaster is to ensure that you use a rental walkthrough checklist. A thorough list will include these items:
The Entry
Take a look at the entrance to the home. Do the locks work? Do you have the desired amount of privacy?
If you are interested in having a security door, this is the time to ask the landlord if this is a possibility.
Look at the sealing of the front door. Is there anyway water or wind can come in?
The Bathroom
Turn on the water faucets, checking for the right amount of water pressure to suit your needs.
Always check for evidence of water damage. We are happy to fix issues that arise, and the walkthrough is a great place to pinpoint them early.
The Kitchen
Check out the appliances, ensuring that they meet your needs. If you are passionate about a gas stove, now is the time to notice whether the house offers gas or electric.
The Rest of the House
Open each window. Some windows can get painted shut in the process of fixing up the home to rent, and it’s best to fix this problem early on.
This is also a great time to make sure each window has screens. You may rely on them if you have children or pets.
Check out each electrical outlet by plugging in a phone charger to ensure each one is working.
Outside
Do you feel safe outside the house? Consider the lighting situation outside, and how comfortable you will feel coming home at night.
Do you have questions about renting in Clarksville? Want to know how to find a great rental that meets your needs? Contact us to learn more about your options at 931-538-6049!
