TENANT NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2021
You’re invited to join the nearly 38-million Americans who partake in National Night Out (NNO) each year. NNO is a cohesive effort to promote crime prevention, police and fire-community partnerships, and neighborhood unity. Some neighborhoods organize NNO Block Parties and there are many cities across the state that encourage participation. It is a good way to meet your neighbors and invite public safety and other city staff to your event. Check with your HOA and/or local city office if you would like to host a National Night Out Neighborhood Party.
Leave your outside lights on that night to show your support!
5 Essentials for a Permanent Work-from-Home Space
Written by alexa bricker
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people found themselves scrambling to create a work-from-home space that satisfied their needs. However, not many people could have predicted these temporary spaces would become permanent.
Although this is not the new normal for every working adult, it certainly is for many. According to a recent survey from Gartner, a research and advisory firm, more than 80 percent of company leaders said they would be comfortable allowing employees to work from home, at least part of the time, on a permanent basis. That number has risen steeply since the pandemic began as employers quickly realized the benefits of a virtual workforce, including reduced costs on office rentals and increased productivity.
So what does this mean for individuals with a nine-to-five office job who now have to figure out a more permanent virtual setup? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret. There are plenty of affordable ways to craft a virtual office that’s functional and that can help you comfortably adjust to this new reality.
1. CREATE SOME SEPARATION.
First and foremost, for your work-from-home setup to fuel maximum productivity, it needs to be removed, whether physically or metaphorically, from the rest of your home. If you already have a designated office, try to only conduct work in that room. Resist the urge to use your office for other tasks, and if you work on a laptop, try not to carry it from room to room to do your work.
If you do not have a designated office, placing a physical or mental barrier between your work and play zones is imperative. For example, if your desk is set up in your living room, consider purchasing a room divider. Sites like Amazon and Wayfair have a variety of styles available, so you can find a divider that fits seamlessly with the rest of your room. If you’re not keen on a physical barrier, set mental barriers for yourself during work hours, such as refraining from turning on the television or keeping your phone away from your desk.
2. UP YOUR TECH GAME.
You may not have needed the highest internet speed or a top-notch router before the pandemic, but a proper work-from-home setup requires reliable internet service, and that may mean shelling out for an upgraded system. Fortunately, most internet providers offer plans with a wide array of speed options, so you can find the right match for your needs. If you have a larger home and multiple people online at the same time, you might consider purchasing a second router so you can guarantee a strong internet connection throughout your house.
Aside from a solid internet connection, you’ll want to make sure your computer setup is as close as possible to that in a professional office. Investing in a quality laptop and/or monitor, keyboard, mouse, and mousepad can help your workspace look and feel more professional—and help you look and feel more professional, too. Be sure to check in with your employer about a stipend for your home office supplies, and, depending on your location, you may qualify for tax breaks on these purchases as well.
3. COMFORT OVER SUBSTANCE.
It’s not necessary to spend a fortune on a desk and desk chair. What matters most is comfort and that they serve their purpose—helping you get work done. Nowadays, a desk that doubles as a standing desk is a popular option. Sitting all day can cause a whole host of problems for your body, but it can also be burdensome on your mind. Standing upright can help with blood flow, leading to more energy and an improved mood. The typical standing desk will run you anywhere between $40 for a portable model to $500 for a high-tech variety. And most can be converted back into a sitting desk so you can have a standing or sitting option throughout the day.
A proper desk chair is even more important than a proper desk, so it’s worth the investment if you want to purchase one on the higher-end of the price spectrum. However, there are also plenty of middle-of-the-road and less expensive options, too. Your desk chair needs to be supportive enough to keep you upright yet comfortable enough to get you through an hour-long meeting without straining your back. Look for a chair with ergonomic in its name—meaning it was designed with the human body and comfort in mind. Lumbar and head support are equally important to prevent slouching, especially for taller people.
4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO PERSONALIZE.
If the beginning of the pandemic was the first time you ever worked from home, you might have felt wary about making your setup and background the slightest bit personal. Every video call felt like your colleagues could see into your home life, and that’s not necessarily what you wanted. At the same time, a permanent setup should involve a little personalization. After all, if you could have pictures of your family and other knick knacks on your desk at work, why can’t you also have them on your desk at home?
Be mindful of your background and ensure that it is clean and professional looking. But feel free to fill your workspace with items that make you happy and more productive. Perhaps you want to start your morning with a little motivation? A letter board with changeable pieces can be a fun option to hang above or place on your workspace. Or, if you’re a fan of aromatherapy, using an essential oil diffuser or lighting natural scented candles can help ease you through the day.
5. XTRAS ARE ESSENTIAL.
In the same vein as personal items, investing in extra odds and ends to make your office space more comfortable and functional isn’t frivolous—it’s a wise choice. For instance, if you have to do a lot of writing for your job, consider purchasing a high-quality notebook and pen set that will make your handcrafted letters or paperwork look and feel more professional. Or, if your job requires you to do a lot of typing, make sure your wrists are protected by investing in a wrist pad to place at the edge of your keyboard. Here are a few other examples of extras you might consider:
Cable ties: to prevent wires from impeding the space under your desk.
Filing cabinet/bins: to keep important papers and sensitive documents safe.
Adjustable desk lamp: to create the perfect lighting for productivity.
Blue-light glasses: to prevent eye strain from excessive screen time.
Noise-canceling headphones: to fuel your focus and inhibit distraction.
Now that many people are working from home on a permanent basis, it’s important that home workspaces are crafted with intention. Use these ideas to ensure that your setup has everything you need to be happy and productive.
Simple Steps for an Extra Safe Halloween
Kids love the magic of Halloween, but the COVID-19 pandemic means Halloween may be a bit different this year. You can still have fun! First and foremost, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to ensure your celebrations are safe.
If trick-or-treating is allowed in your area, Family Safety & Health and Mars Wrigley offer some additional precautions and simple steps you can add to your Halloween routine this year.
Of course, costume and traffic safety measures still apply.
Costume Safety
Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards.
All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation
When They're on the Prowl
Children are at a higher risk of harm on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:
A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
Agree on a specific time children should return home
Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car
Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
Children and adults are advised to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street
Safety Tips for Motorists
Here are additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
Mummy Pizzas
Trick your kids (and some adults) into eating their veggies by turning zucchini ribbons into tasty mummy bandages atop ciabatta bread pizzas.
Tips & Reminders
Maintenance requests MUST be in writing so please use your tenant portal. Photos can also be uploaded to support your maintenance requests. Report any leaks so minor problems don’t turn into major ones.
We have a new process for submitting emergency work orders.
All emergency work orders must be submitted via your tenant portal. Emergency work orders will be received after hours and on weekends. The previous emergency maintenance phone number has been closed. Please make note of this change.
Maintenance emergencies are:
Major Water Leak (shut off water immediately)
Heat is out and it is below 55 degrees
AC is out and it is above 85 degrees
We service each of our rental properties quarterly or semi-annually for filter changes, smoke alarm testing and property walkthroughs. This is a requirement of your Landlord and to ensure the safety and condition of your home. If you refuse service and/or do not allow access to your rental property, a $65 trip charge will be added to your rental account.
If you are ever locked out of your rental property, it is your responsibility to contact and pay for locksmith services.
Do NOT pour oil or grease down any drains including garbage disposals to prevent clogs and repairs being charged back to tenants due to misuse.
Per your Lease Agreement, all tenants and occupants 18 years and older need their own separate Renter’s Insurance Policy or on a combined policy naming all tenants and occupants as insureds. 3G Properties Group should be named on your policy as an “additional interest” so your insurance company will automatically send us your proof of insurance and any changes or updates. If all tenants are not named on the insurance policy or we do not have a copy of your policy on file, there is a mandatory $12.50 landlord’s liability insurance policy charged to your rental property each month to be included in your rent payment. Tenant’s personal property is not protected unless Tenant has their own RENTERS INSURANCE.
DUE TO LIABILITY, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY TENANT OR OCCUPANT ACCESS THE ATTIC OF THE PROPERTY FOR STORAGE OR ANY OTHER PURPOSE. You are not allowed to change your AC filters if they are located in the attic space or above 6 feet from the ground.
No temporary or above ground pools of any kind or trampolines are permitted on the property per your Lease Agreement, paragraph 12D.
Tenants must kennel or crate pets whenever the landlord or landlord’s representative will be on property for a scheduled appointment. If not, there will be a $65 trip charge added to your rental account.
If you have an addition to your family, i.e. new baby, please let us know so we can add them as occupants. We will need their name and date of birth. Any occupants 18 or older are required to complete a rental application for approval prior to them moving in.
Please make all payments through your portal. We do not accept personal checks.
Want to buy your next home?
3G Properties Group wants to be your full-service Realtor®. Our team is a top producer, experienced and knowledgeable to assist clients with purchasing and selling their homes in addition to our property management services. We can guide you through the steps, put you in touch with one of our preferred lenders and help you improve your credit so you can purchase your next home. When you are ready to step into home ownership, please let us know.
