MasterKey Property Management Blog

5 New North Carolina Rental Rules Every Raleigh-Area Landlord Should Know for 2026

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Wednesday, July 29, 2026

5 New North Carolina Rental Rules Every Raleigh-Area Landlord Should Know for 2026 If you own a rental property in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, or anywhere in the Triangle, the paperwork you've been using may already be out of date. Effective July 1, 2026, NC REALTORS® revised ... More +

Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager in Raleigh, Cary & the Greater Triangle: What It Really ...

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Thursday, July 16, 2026

Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager in Raleigh, Cary & the Greater Triangle: What It Really Costs YouA management fee is easy to see on paper. What self-managing actually costs you, in vacant days, late-night maintenance calls, and one bad tenant, is a lot harder to a... More +

Why Property Managers Require an Owner/Maintenance Reserve

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Why Property Managers Require an Owner/Maintenance ReserveUnderstanding the $500 Owner/Maintenance Reserve, and why it protects you, not just your propertyIf you're considering professional property management in the Raleigh or the greater Triangle, you've probably come a... More +

How Raleigh Rental Properties Can Help Build Long-Term Retirement Wealth

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Tuesday, July 7, 2026

How Raleigh Rental Property Can Help Build Long-Term Retirement Wealth When most people think about building retirement savings, they immediately think of 401(k)s, IRAs, and investment portfolios. While those are important, many rental property owners are building retirement weal... More +

Relocating or Inherited a Property in Raleigh? What to Know as a First-Time Landlord

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Relocating or Inherited a Property in Raleigh? What to Know as a First-Time LandlordMaybe you got a new job in another city and decided to keep your Raleigh home instead of selling before you go. Maybe you inherited a property from a parent or relative and aren't sure what to... More +

What Happens If a Tenant Stops Paying Rent in North Carolina?

By Robert Dell'Osso Tuesday, June 23, 2026

What Happens If a Tenant Stops Paying Rent in North Carolina?It's one of the first questions almost every rental property owner asks, often before they've even found a tenant: what happens if they stop paying?It's a fair question. Rent is the entire reason the investm... More +

How to Rent Out Your Property in Raleigh, NC: A Step-by-Step Guide for Property Owners

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Friday, June 5, 2026

How to Rent Out Your Property in Raleigh, NC: A Step-by-Step Guide for Property Owners Thinking about renting out your property instead of selling it? Whether you're relocating, upgrading to a new property, or becoming a landlord for the first time, understanding the process ... More +

Should You Rent Your Raleigh Property Furnished or Unfurnished?

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Thursday, May 21, 2026

Should You Rent Your Raleigh Property Furnished or Unfurnished? If you’re preparing a property for the rental market, one of the most common questions owners ask is whether the property should be rented furnished or completely empty.At first glance, leaving furniture behind... More +

How Proper Tenant Screening Protects Rental Investments

By Robert Dell'Osso Tuesday, May 12, 2026

How Proper Tenant Screening Protected a Rental Investment Finding a tenant quickly is important — but selecting the right tenant is what protects a rental property long term.In today’s Raleigh rental market, many applications can appear strong at first glance. However... More +

Rental Pricing Strategy: How to Maximize Rental Income and Reduce Vacancy

By Cheryl Dell'Osso Thursday, April 30, 2026

Rental Pricing: How to Maximize Rental Income and Reduce Vacancy How Much Can You Get for Your Rental Property? And Why Getting the Price Right from the Start Makes a Difference.Pricing a rental property correctly plays a critical role in how quickly it leases—and how ... More +