The 2014 first quarter RPI scores are in, and they show that Philadelphia is in the recovering section. For those unfamiliar, RPI stands for Rental Property Investment, and was invented by All Property Management to gauge the attractiveness of a rental property market for the property owner. While it easy for renters or buyers to find area ratings, buyers with intent to rent to others find choosing an area a bit more difficult.

As a property manager or landlord, you'll likely be asked to give a reference for a previous client from time to time. If you had a positive experience with the client, this should be no problem. However, telling the truth about a negative interaction, without badmouthing, can sometimes be tricky. It is your responsibility to be honest but you also want to avoid any potential legal problems with your previous tenant. This puts you in quite the predicament. Luckily, we have some tips to walk you through.

We Pennsylvanians understand that we're not allowed to smoke in restaurants and bars anymore -- but what about in your apartment? The State Department of Health is encouraging landlords to eliminate smoking altogether. In PA, 113 multi-unit housing sites have banned smoking inside and outside of all units. This means that even lighting up in your car on the premises could potentially be grounds for eviction. Though this seems shocking, the state has made what many consider a compelling argument for landlords and property managers.

All "buy and hold" real estate investing follows the same, simple equation: rent collected + expenses = profit (or loss)   Lowering expenses increases profit, and investor/owners like you work hard to tame expenses. You can insulate and install energy efficient lighting and timer thermostats to lower your utility costs. You can refinance your mortgage to lower your monthly payment. But what about your property taxes?

As a landlord or property manager, the move-in process can be a little tricky at times. Sometimes unique circumstances create a move-in that strays from the usual, but that may cause certain difficulties at the end of the lease. No matter how friendly your new tenants seem, it's always safer to follow regulations at the beginning of each and every lease. This way, you can avoid any surprise issues at move-out. The best way to protect yourself as well as your tenants is to use a move-in checklist.

Rentwell is heading to an all-day workshop for investors and private lenders at the end of the month, we encourage all to attend for what's going to be a great program and even better networking.

Showing a home to potential renters in the winter isn't exactly an ideal situation. Many of the easy factors, such as curb appeal, aren't working in your favor. Instead, potential tenants will see a snowy, icy, slushy, cold landscape when pulling up to the property. This makes your job a bit harder. You've got to make the place look desirable, and allow the tenants to see themselves living there. While this is a difficult task, it isn't impossible. Follow these simple tips to snag some winter tenants during the colder months.

Rentwell is excited to be 1 of 11 Vendors featured at Delco Property Investors (DPI) annual Trade Show/Holiday Party on TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH AT 6 PM!

A Home Value Index report produced by Zillow was featured in a slideshow on CNBC's website. It showcased zipcodes across the nation in which price growth has increased substantially each year. Two Philadelphia zipcodes made the list and landed at numbers 2 and 3 on Hottest Zipcodes for Home Prices. Consequently, these are also two zipcodes serviced by Rentwell.

What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic invisible gas. It is the product of incomplete burning of wood and fossil fuels, such as home heating fuel oil and natural gas. Major sources of CO in homes are from fuel burning heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, gas clothing dryers and a vehicle running in a closed garage. As these appliances age or are not well maintained, CO can begin to build up. Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous because it is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide is harmful and can be fatal.