Latest stories on how-to-save-money-on-utilities

Managing a property is time-consuming, especially if you own multiple properties or live at a distance from your assets. Many property owners see their rental income as a means to enjoy their lives, rather a full-time job of maintenance and problem-solving. If you see owning property as the means to more leisure time, hiring a property manager is essential.

A professional property manager handles everything from rent collection to maintenance, making your life easier and freer, with fewer headaches. But not all owners need a property manager and not all property managers are created equal. The big questions you need to answer before making that investment are “When is it time to hire a property manager?” and “What should I look for when hiring one?”

You’ve seen ads for rental insurance. But do you know what it covers OR if you can require tenants to get it? 

Rental insuranceis a specific type of policy that covers possessions within the home as opposed to the home itself. It is highly beneficial to your residents in the event of flood or similar disaster since you are not responsible for damage to personal possessions - only the property itself. Some property owners may requiretenants to obtain rental insurance. Even if you don’t require your residents to have renal insurance, you can advise them to get it. 

Single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily complexes and businesses have traditionally fought for idyllic lawns with the aim of causing envy among neighbors and passersby. But at Livable, we think we have a better idea! 

It’s time to level up and consider trading the battle of lawn envy for a healthier, more colorful and more sustainable option: building a garden. Replacing lawns with gardens is a fantastic option for a better environment and overall way of living. Check out our reasons for installing a garden over the manicured grass, plus suggestions for the kind of garden you could opt for. Now is the time to start planning for an amazing garden this summer! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! But all those wonderful light displays and colder temps come with a hefty price tag. A few simple changes can help trim utility bills for you and your Residents while saving both energy and water. Be sure to share this list of handy tips with everyone in your properties. What's good for the planet is good for your wallet! 

In summer, water usage can account for as much as 50% or more of your monthly utility bill, depending on where you live. Learning how to conserve water during the hottest months not only can save you money, but it’s good for the planet. It’s doubly important to think about ways to save on water this summer.

As temperatures continue to rise, staying cool this summer means an increase on your utility bills. While the rising heat impacts financial and environmental factors, there are habits you and your Residents can apply to your daily summer living to reduce those financial and environmental impacts. By following these simple summer energy-saving tips, you and your Residents can keep the temperature, and your budget, well within your comfort zone.

Rent control refers to legislation restricting rental rates in a city or state. The maximum rent that can be charged for a unit and the amount that the rent can be increased per year varies per municipality. Cities use rent control laws to regulate the housing market.

Utility costs, especially energy and water, keep rising. As a Housing Provider, you want to recover the costs you can, especially in a market of softening rents. When you can't increase rent to cover those rising utilities, billing Residents for them can help boost your Net Operating Income for a healthier financial pictures. Livable's innovative Ratio Utility Billing System can help!