Today, I read an article in Curbed about the rise in these bonds and their adoption as a tool for making housing more affordable, especially in the more expensive cities where rent+deposit could run you from $3000-$4000 for even lower end apartments, effectively making it impossible for many renters to come up with the funds to sign a lease. https://www.curbed.com/2019/11/21/20976075/apartment-for-rent-tenant-security-deposit-insuranceAlso, politicos are jumping on this and addressing the potentially long delay in transitioning to this by sponsoring legislation that would make it mandatory for landlords to offer this choice, and to not exclude the bonds as an option.I'd prefer to steer clear of ideological opinion responses about big government vs socialism here - but I would like to hear your thoughts on the material ways that security bonds would affect us as landlords.

Unfortunately, landscaping can give you property curb appeal but is usually not considered a value add during an appraisal.

Check with the city or county to determine what is required for all approvals including site plan and building permits, proffers, water/sewer tap fees, bonding requirements, inspections and CO process and time frame for all approvals.You also need to check with the utility companies and get an idea of availability and cost estimates from them for water, sewer, power, gas, cable, installation and connection requirements, tap fees, hookup charges, transformer location and relocation, power line and power pole relocation issues.Check to see if you have to install any manholes, fire hydrants, curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting any specific street design or access requirements,.Check DOT requirements for access, stop lights and permits, traffic studiesDWQ requirements for permits, permit fees, time framesThis is a broad overview of the process and your civil engineer can handle all of this but it's good for you to know exactly what's required.

In Florida, the landlord is responsible for placing any belongings left in the unit at the curb of the property.  

I see in the mid west and south though on set outs the stuff is just hauled to the curb and just sits there ..

Tiled bathrooms, Major kitchen reno, LVP flooring everywhere else, and curb appeal.

Jeremy,Correcting architectural mistakes and creating a more welcoming facade and curb appeal doesn't always have a direct mathmatical equation for ROI.

Then as Scott suggested, add some precast parking curbs to 'remind' the dumpster people not to put the bin in the parking spot.

If groceries are expensive buy in bulk and avoid name brand stuff… I think things like this both could curb inflation if done en masse and allow the average joe to get ahead, or at least save up a little and be OK.  

Having a contingency plan will help you stay on budget and on schedule.Focus on curb appeal: The exterior of the house is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make sure it looks good.