happy holidays from IRET

As the holidays approach, the management and staff of IRET would like to extend their warmest wishes to our shareholders, tenants and clients for a holiday and new year filled with joy, happiness and peace.

In the spirit of the season, we have decided to help support our friends and neighbors who are struggling during these very challenging times. On behalf of our employees, shareholders and clients, a total of $11,000 has been given to charities in the communities where we operate. It is our wish that the many people these organizations help and support find comfort and hope this holiday season. We also wish to extend to you our gratitude for your support this past year.

Best wishes for a wonderful new year.

Tim Mihalick | President & CEO

Apartment Renting 101

Check out a few of the apartment renting dos and don’ts in Apartment Renting 101.

Whether you’re looking for student housing, furnished corporate rentals, pet-friendly apartments or just plain searching for a new apartment for rent, the task of finding your new home can be daunting. Part of our commitment to providing the best apartment rental service in the Midwest is helping you before you even sign your rental lease. Throughout our News Articles section, you’ll find helpful hints on everything from moving, to what you should expect upon moving into your newly-rented apartment, and even a step-by-step guide that could help get your rental deposit back.

Give Your Apartment a Little POP!

If you’re moving into a rental property, you may be wondering how much your Community Manager will allow you to decorate.

Here are some commonly approved updates that can turn bland white walls of a rental into a warm and personal space.

Spice up your living space

In the living room, accessories such as clocks and art work are a quick way to add your personal style and a splash of color. Strategically placed mirrors can help a room appear larger in size. Look for adhesive-backed wall hooks that won’t damage the walls of your apartment.

Vinyl wall stickers sometimes referred to as “fat heads” are another option to add design and color to your apartment walls. The stickers will peel off easily when you move out or decide to change up the look of your room again.

Christmas Tree Tips for Your Apartment

Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees in your rental apartment can help make your holidays safer for everyone. Below are a few tips for proper Christmas tree use in apartment communities from the National Fire Protection Association.

Picking the tree

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• If you’re looking at a real tree for your apartment, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

“Ask the Rental Professional #5”

In the this edition of the Minot Daily News series, Ask a Professional, Minot Regional Property Manager Justin Hammer offers his expertise to those wondering about the terms of their rental lease.

Question: In renting an apartment, what is usually the policy when my lease is up? Will it automatically convert to a month-to-month agreement or will we have to sign a new lease?

A: When a lease has reached its expired period a few different things may occur. The big thing to remember is that this should be outlined within your lease agreement and may vary between property management companies.