The summer heat can be oppressive—and that’s especially true when you’re a renter. Most energy-saving, heat-repelling tips are for homeowners who can replace their insulation, plant trees or install blackout shades. Renters, however, are limited by their lease and the limitations of their landlord’s good will.
If you’re a landlord, you might be wondering how to keep your tenants cool in the summer—especially so they’re not subject to massive utility bills. Here are some tips you can pass along that can ensure they stay comfortable all season long:

• Keep the air conditioner at a reasonable temperature: You might want to crank the air conditioner down to a chilly 65 degrees, but it won’t cool your apartment down any faster. In fact, it will just cause your air conditioner to work overtime, which could lead to damage or blown fuses. Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees.
• Cook outdoors: If possible, cooking outdoors can be a great way to keep the interior of your home cool. (Landlords, consider adding a grill to your backyard space as a nice amenity!) This helps save on air conditioning bills. If a grill isn’t available, use your microwave.
• Line-dry your laundry: Clothes dryers can generate a lot of extra heat. Try washing your clothes late at night or early in the morning, then line-drying your laundry in the morning to take advantage of the summer heat.
• Turn off the furnace pilot light: If your rentals have furnaces, turn off the pilot light once it’s clear there won’t be any more cold snaps until the fall.
• Shut down electronics when not in use: Electronics like computers, large televisions and other appliances can generate a lot of heat. Shut them down completely when you’re not using them—you’ll notice an instant difference.
• Replace your air conditioning filter: You should already be replacing your filter every 30 to 90 days, but this is especially the case in the summer. The less accumulated dust there is, the easier it will be for your air conditioner to push cool air through the filter.
• Use LED bulbs whenever possible: Incandescent bulbs generate plenty of heat. Whenever possible, switch to LED bulbs. They’ll not only cut down on the heat, but they’re cheaper to operate, too.
• Close closet doors and doors to unused rooms: If you’re not using a room or closet, close the door. It will help cool the rest of your home more efficiently—and your clothes don’t need the air conditioning like you do.
• Look for money-saving improvements: There are plenty of money-saving improvements landlords can make. Rebates abound for energy-saving, cooler appliances. If you want to be a stellar landlord, look for ways you can get money back on your taxes and keep your tenants comfortable at the same time.

Looking for renters or a property manager? Valley Executives Real Estate & Property Management LLC can help you find great tenants and care for your property. Reach out to us today to get started with a consultation.

When you move into an apartment, you’re limited as to how much you can decorate your apartment. Depending on how laissez-faire your landlord may be, you may be able to paint walls, hang new shades or even add fixtures to the walls. On the other end of the spectrum, you might not be able to put any nails in your walls or do anything that could risk losing your deposit. Here are six design tips for decorating your apartment:

• Ask your landlord for leniency: Many landlords use standard lease agreements that state you can’t do anything to your apartment without permission—including hang artwork, paint the walls or otherwise make it more to your taste. If you plan to be in your apartment for a while, however, it’s worth talking to your landlord. They may allow you to paint or hang artwork as long as you agree to repaint over it when you’re done.
• Add some interest to your walls: Even if you’re not allowed to repaint your walls, you can still add interest by buying some peel-and-stick wall art. Whether you want to add bold stripes, geometric designs or even a city skyline above the bookcases, beds or couch, these will allow you to change up the look without jeopardizing your deposit.
• Try new light fixtures: If you have room to store the old light fixtures, why not swap out the ugly, cheap ceiling fans and light fixtures with something pretty and modern? If you move, all you have to do is put the old fixtures back in place for the next tenant. Try pendant lights, modern fans and other fixtures that complement your own décor.
• Make your own “built-ins”: Your apartment probably didn’t come with any interesting built-ins—but you can make your own! Try adding large bookcases on either side of doorways or to make your own room dividers. You can paint them for a pop of bright color, or let them blend in with the rest of your surroundings. Not only is it a visual treat, but it will add much-needed storage to your apartment.
• Use mirrors: If you want to make your apartment look a lot bigger, invest in some mirrors. Lean large mirrors up against a wall to make the room appear instantly larger. You won’t have to hang them up, but they’ll double the visual space and natural light.
• Only keep the furniture you love: Finally, make sure you invest in good quality “transitional” furniture (pieces that can go from apartment to apartment with you). Choose furniture in neutrals that can work with a number of different design styles. While you might need to invest a little more at the outset, you’ll get far more use out of these pieces in the long run.

Decorating your apartment doesn’t have to be limiting when you follow these design tips.
If you’re looking for helping renting out or managing a residential property you own, call Valley Executives Real Estate & Property Management LLC today to learn more about how we can assist you.