So you’re thinking about renting! Maybe you’re just starting to look, or maybe you’re about to move in. Wherever you are on your journey, it’s really important to consider purchasing renters insurance. In fact, you may be required to purchase renters insurance before you move in. This not only ensures that you, personally, are covered but also adds an extra layer of protection for the owner. It’s also important to note that you may be required to purchase liability insurance as well. Similar to renters insurance, it adds an extra layer of protection for the owner in the case of negligence or irresponsibility of the resident. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is renter’s insurance?

Your landlord has their own separate insurance policy covering the building itself, but in terms of you, the tenant, their insurance policy may not cover your personal belongings, loss or destruction in the event of peril, burglary, or personal injury on the property. Purchasing your own renters insurance policy will protect your belongings in the event of a mishap. 

Consider an event like a fire. While the landlord has insurance to protect the cost of the building, that insurance will not cover the cost of your personal belongings. Renters insurance will likely reimburse you for those items, either in the form of replacement or equivalent cash value. 

In addition to covering your personal belongings, your renters insurance may also cover costs like hotel bills, if your rental space is deemed unsafe to inhabit. This could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in expenses. 

Moreover, in the unfortunate event that someone is visiting you at your rental property and they get injured, your renters insurance may also cover the medical bills or any associated costs regarding the accident.

Why do you need renters insurance?

In some cases, you may not think your personal belongings are worth that much or hold that much value. But when you think about all the electronics, furniture, appliances, etc., you own and fill your space with, it could easily add up to thousands of dollars. No one hopes that a disaster or tragic incident will strike, but it’s best to be prepared in the event that it does.

How much does it cost?

Renters insurance is extremely cost-effective. A survey by the Insurance Information Institute found that the average annual premium for renters insurance is less than $200. Compare that to the damages you could incur from losing what you own, and it’s truly a no-brainer. 

What it really comes down to is risk management, and ultimately, renters insurance benefits both the tenant and the landlord. It ensures your belongings are protected and that you aren’t liable for financial expenses should an event occur beyond your control. 

Ultimately, we recommend that you do your research, reach out to your landlord, and then find a policy that works for you!

The post What is Renter’s Insurance and Why Do You Need It? appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

This week on the blog, we’re talking about compliance. There are many components to Property Management, from maintenance and leasing to resident services and financial oversight. One of the most important, yet least known, is our in-house Compliance Department. 

What is compliance, and why does it matter?

Compliance is the ongoing process of adhering to external laws, regulations, and industry standards, as well as internal policies and ethical codes. In property management, that means doing the application and re-certification processes correctly, which in turn keeps the property in good standing with those rules and funding sources.

So what do they do? 

Our in-house Compliance Department certifies income and expenses for all applicants and residents, ensuring program compliance with a variety of funding programs, including Rural Development, Section 42 Tax Credit, and HUD Programs, such as project-based Section 8 and HOME. 

This team of experts, headed by our Compliance Manager, includes credentialed Certified Occupancy Specialists (COS) and Spectrum Training Award Recipients (S.T.A.R). The WMC compliance department manages all aspects of the application and re-certification process to make sure we are doing things the right way. Their expertise ensures that we’re not just meeting standards, but we’re staying ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices.

While much of their work happens behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in keeping our communities running smoothly. Thanks to the entire Compliance Department for all that you do! 

The post Compliance: Who Are They and Why Do We Need Them? appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

The standard for renting has changed dramatically in recent years, expanding well beyond the 4 walls of a home. Today’s renters are looking for more: community, convenience, and comfort that fit their lifestyle. This month on the blog, we’re exploring what this new standard means and how Wisconsin Management Company (WMC) is meeting those expectations every step of the way.

Working From Home

Over the last few years, major societal shifts have reshaped how people live and what they expect from their homes. According to a Stanford study, 42% of U.S. workers now work from home full-time, accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s economic activity. With more time spent at home, renters naturally expect more from their living spaces.

One of the biggest changes is the growing need for flexibility. A dining room may now double as a home office, while a spare room might also need to accommodate gym equipment. Open-concept floor plans have become especially popular, offering both versatility and comfort. Many WMC-managed communities provide these layouts to support the realities of modern life, including one community that even offers live/work floor plans, complete with in-home offices and private entrances for residents who meet with clients.

Convenience

Daily life is more digital than ever. From remote work and online grocery deliveries to instant access to nearly everything at our fingertips, convenience has become the new standard. Renters now expect homes that support this lifestyle—spaces built with connectivity, flexibility, and ease in mind.

At Wisconsin Management Company, convenience is at the heart of what we offer. Many of our communities include high-speed internet, in-unit washers and dryers, and other time-saving features that make everyday living easier. It’s all about giving residents quick access to the essentials, so they can spend more time enjoying the moments that matter most.

Health and Wellness

Health and well-being are a big part of everyday life, and renters are looking for homes that make it easier to feel their best. That might mean having a fitness center right down the hall, a dog park just outside the door, or a walking path to unwind after a busy day. These kinds of spaces don’t just support physical health—they create a sense of balance and community, too.

At Wisconsin Management Company, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort, convenience, and affordability. Our communities are designed to bring it all together, blending the style of luxury finishes with the practical features that make daily life easier. Properties like The HighLine are a great example—spaces built for living well, inside and out.

Today, more renters are choosing to make leasing a long-term lifestyle, with 1 in 4 no longer seeing homeownership as their ultimate goal. That’s why rental options must evolve to match these changing expectations. 

Whatever you’re looking for in your next home, we’re confident WMC has a community that fits your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour.

The post Beyond Four Walls: The New Standard for Apartment Living in Wisconsin appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

“To run a successful organization,” I say, “you must learn to manage people’s energy, including your own. Positive energy is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. The stronger it gets, the more powerful you become. Repetition is the key, and the more you focus on positive energy, the more it becomes your natural state.”

— Jon Gordon, The Energy Bus

At the heart of our culture are the 3 P’s, the values that guide how we work and lead. One of those values is "Be Positive." Why? Because energy is contagious. Whether it's between property managers and residents, team members and leadership, or even between our marketing team and our readers—our energy influences every interaction we have.

Our President and CEO, Russ, has long emphasized that hard work and determination are essential for achieving results. At the same time, he deeply understands that mindset is what enables us to grow through challenges. A positive mindset not only helps us stay resilient, but it also keeps us open to feedback—so we can learn, adapt, and come back stronger each time.

As Jon Gordon writes, “Positive energy and positive people create positive results.” In a world where negativity often dominates, choosing to show up with positive energy is one of the most powerful ways to stay grounded, engaged, and forward-focused.

If you’re looking to better understand the role of energy in everyday interactions, we highly recommend reading The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon: http://bit.ly/WMCEnergyBus 

And if you’d like to learn more about our company and the values that shape who we are, visit: http://bit.ly/WMCAboutUs 

The post THE ENERGY BUS – THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY AT WMC appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

When the team was asked to provide their feedback about what they love in their roles, there were three main themes; The joy in creating community, great teamwork, and giving back to residents. Here’s what our wonderful team said they loved most about their roles at WMC!

1. Building Community 

Building a community is a fun and important part of the work we do as property managers, from encouraging connection through residential events, or within the wider Wisconsin community! 

Sharmecia: What I love about the work is participating in the process of building a community! People come together from many different cultures and backgrounds, and bringing people together to understand and accept each other's cultures (ones they often have never really experienced or know much about) is fulfilling. It’s a process, and we have many trials and tribulations, BUT it’s working!

Lisa: I love the people, both within our team at WMC and among the residents. I love to meet new people, share experiences together, and get advice and guidance from others who have been through similar situations. I also have amazing residents. I’m so lucky with my group out here and how much they work with me and support me. I tell them all the time how spoiled I am to have them.

2. Great Teamwork 

The joy that comes from being part of a great team was a huge theme in our employee feedback. At WMC, we practice the “3Ps” … Be Pleasant, Be Patient, Be Positive, and this is one of the things that drives our work culture. Here’s what a few of our team members had to say,

Jasmine: What I love about my job is the support we have which makes us feel like a family. I’m grateful for my team and the hard work they are willing to do. It’s great to see the difference we have made in the last few years. It’s very rewarding as a supervisor to see your team be successful and grow. We aren’t done yet though.

Stenesha: I love that we work together to get the job done. This company is truly a team which makes me love coming to work every day. I am proud to say that I am a property manager at WMC. I have to give the compliance team and Jasmine a special shout-out because I know I sometimes drive them crazy with all my questions but they always answer and recenter me. Thank you WMC!

Ashley: One of the best parts of my job is the incredible team I have been fortunate to work with. We’ve built a strong, supportive group, and my coworkers truly make the toughest days better. I also love that no two days are ever the same which keeps things exciting and sometimes stressful. Even after over 16 years in property management, I’m still learning new things, which can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Jeni: I love my team so much. We work well together. I also love Ash & Beth. They have been my saviors in learning this job. 

3. Giving Back to Residents 

Part of the joy of property management is getting to know and serve our resident communities. It’s really rewarding to provide housing to those who need it most, especially in our affordable and senior communities. 

Beth: I love getting to know team members and helping people get affordable housing. Each day is different and I know we are truly helping people.

Aaron: One aspect I enjoy at WMC is the opportunity to provide housing in a stable environment for the seniors in my community. When we speak to the residents, they say they feel safe and comfortable and, unlike other housing facilities, they know there is someone to either call or see in the business office if a manager is needed.

Lauri: I love helping people get into stable, beautiful housing. To see the smiles on their faces when they sign their leases… some have even cried tears of joy. I love being able to host events in our community rooms sharing good food, games, movies, and fun! We are making a difference in people’s lives and that makes me feel good.

Jeni: I enjoy being able to help my elderly and disabled community get into affordable housing. It’s such a relief for them not to have such high rents and be able to afford life!

Thank you to our wonderful team for all the fantastic feedback. We appreciate every single one of you!

The post Employment Feedback – What our employees love about WMC! appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

With rising rent and economic pressures in recent years, the importance of affordable housing cannot be understated, especially for our communities here in Wisconsin. In this article, we’ll explore why affordable housing matters and the many benefits of providing stability for our local communities. 

Why Affordable Housing Matters: A Solution to Housing Insecurity

Affordable housing is a subsection of housing that refers to properties where government agencies provide rent assistance or developer incentives. This unique, government-supported housing option allows individuals or families with specific income requirements to enjoy a lower rental rate. While there is a stigma surrounding affordable housing, its presence in communities makes a difference, and it matters more than we may think.

Not only do families and individuals benefit from these lower rental rate options because they save money, but they can also focus on other important issues in their lives, such as education, work, and even health, rather than worry about housing insecurity. In essence, when done right, affordable housing limits housing insecurity and gives people the stability they need to thrive. However, there are also other community-wide benefits. 

The Benefits of Affordable Housing: How It Helps Communities

It’s clear that there are benefits for individuals and families, but there are also impacts in the community due to the presence of government-funded affordable housing. From a boost to the local economy to community revitalization, let’s look at some of the benefits of affordable housing:

• Contribution to the Local Economy: If residents don’t have the resources to become active consumers, they won’t contribute to the local economy. However, with affordable housing, individuals who qualify for these properties have the means to save, invest, and contribute to the local economy, leading to community-wide effects.
• Support for the Workforce: Providing affordable housing—especially for qualified essential workers like teachers, police officers, and servers—can reduce commute times and give them a better work-life balance. This can have a noticeable impact on community involvement and neighborhoods. 
• Community Revitalization: Urban decay and other challenges can sometimes make neighborhoods less appealing and potentially unsafe. However, options like luxury affordable housing supported by federal programs can help revitalize communities, reduce urban decay, and create vibrant, sustainable communities for the future. 
• Social Equity: Finally, affordable housing can limit social inequality. By bridging gaps and offering quality housing for low- to moderate-income families, social equity is boosted, and everyone benefits from having a safe, high-quality, affordable place to start or raise a family. 

Promote Stability in Your Community with Affordable Housing

Despite its stigma, affordable housing offers many benefits beyond the extra money in people’s wallets every month. It is an opportunity for the government to support the local economy and workforce and revitalize key neighborhoods that might be subject to urban decay. By investing and working with federal agencies to provide high-quality, affordable housing, families and individuals can live better lives. Visit our website today to view our available properties or to inquire about partnering with our company. 

The post The Importance of Affordable Housing: Providing Stability for Communities appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

You’ve likely heard of luxury housing and affordable housing, but have you ever heard of luxury affordable housing? Today’s blog breaks down our innovative initiative to provide income-restricted, affordable housing to our community, with the benefit of a luxury lifestyle and all the bells and whistles offered in non-affordable communities.

In every organization, there is a passion, and at WMC, it's championing affordable housing. At WMC, we create, preserve and provide valuable affordable housing that transforms and empowers communities. From revitalizing existing communities, recently including the Grand Re-Openings of Summit Apartments and Cuba City Apartments, to the development of brand new communities, such as the upcoming developments in Lac du Flambeau and Lancaster, WI, we remain committed to meeting the growing demands for affordable housing.

What is Affordable Housing?
There are several federal programs that provide financing for the development of affordable or workforce housing such as HUD, USDA-RD, and Section 42 of the IRS Tax Credit Code. When we use the term “affordable housing”, we are referring to properties that fall under these umbrella terms where governmental agencies provide developer incentives or rent assistance/subsidies. What this means is that if individuals or families meet the income qualifications for housing built under these programs, they may qualify for a reduced rental rate, or maybe even a contribution towards their payment every month. Learn more about general affordable housing, here.

So where does “Luxury Affordable” Housing fit into this?
Luxury Affordable Housing is communities using Tax Credits and may also be called “Workforce Housing”. These communities are built to appear the same to prospects and passers-by as luxury housing as they are built with upscale finishes and amenities including, for example, stainless appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, in-home laundry, underground parking, fitness centers, community rooms, and more. Individuals and families who will potentially be eligible for these communities will typically be subject to income restrictions ranging from 30 to 80% of the county median income. You might be interested to know that many vital jobs fit into these ranges, including school teachers, daycare workers, police officers, firefighters, customer service representatives, restaurant workers, and more. Check out these Luxury Affordable Communities WMC has recently opened with developers under this category, including The HighLine, The Madisonian, and Park Cedar Apartments.

Regretfully, Affordable Housing often comes with a negative stigma. The assumption is that affordable properties are only located in undesirable neighborhoods, and are not well cared for or professionally developed, or managed. Similarly, Luxury Affordable Housing may be assumed to be expensive yet challenges both of these objections, as those who make it their home enjoy high-end accommodation with all that non-affordable properties have to offer, while still gaining government assistance to go towards their rent.

WMC is proud of the team commitment we foster to make Affordable Housing and Luxury Affordable Housing accessible and sustainable in many regions throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. If you have any questions about luxury affordable housing or want to know if you qualify, reach out to us!

The post Understanding Luxury Affordable Housing appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

Congratulations to Cannery Row on winning The Waunakee Tribune’s Best Apartment Complex in Waunakee title! 

Each year, Waunakee residents vote for their favorite establishments in various categories. We are delighted that our Property Team and Community are being recognized for their contributions to Waunakee. We are so happy to be a part of the Village!  

We know that having the right people in the right places is important, especially in senior housing, so we want to take this opportunity to thank our Property Manager, Kathy, who has been with WMC for 34 years and is adored by her residents. Her dedication to the property is why Cannery Row has placed best in Waunakee a number of times.   

Sending a huge congratulations to the rest of our property team including the Regional Manager, Suzanne; Brett and the WMC Maintenance Team!   

For more information on Cannery Row, visit our website.

The post Cannery Row: Best Apartment Complex in Waunakee appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

At Wisconsin Management Company, Andi Simmons, (Director of Business Development) and Alicia Reed (Principal), are at the helm of the ship, ensuring that our values are passed down through the ranks. Two of those values are a Positive Attitude and Accountability. 

Positive Attitude

If you're in business of any kind, one thing you undoubtedly know is that every day is full of ups and downs. Life, and business, isn't about how fast you can run or how high you climb. What truly matters is how you react when you hit an obstacle.

⁠This resilience is something that was tested throughout the last couple of years, as our employees faced the fallout of COVID-19 at every level. Time and again, those who were able to pivot and face the issues with a positive attitude were able to discover new solutions to help our residents and communities most effectively.

As Jon Gordon says in his book The Energy Bus, "Positive energy is like muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets. The stronger it gets the more powerful you become. Repetition is the key and the more you focus on positive energy the more it becomes your natural state.”

We will continue to champion this in the coming years at WMC.
 

Accountability

"Accountability is the glue that ties the commitment to the result." – Bob Proctor

With our wider team spread throughout Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois, we hold ourselves, and each other, accountable and believe that we can achieve anything as a team with hard work. But we know that the true key to success is being accountable.

For us, accountability isn't just about holding someone responsible for their actions. 

• It's about getting ahead of the industry. 
• Matching our actions to our words. 
• Working smarter with systems that best serve our communities, owners, and residents. 
• Communicating well and taking action when we receive feedback. 

This foundation is how we've been in business for 40+ years and how we continue to grow with the seasons.⁠

If you'd like to know more about how these values can help you better manage your property, don't hesitate to reach out to And Simmons, our Director of Business Development at 608.308.4236!

The post Management Series: Leading Property Management with Positive Attitude and Accountability appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

Whether you’ve just purchased a new apartment building or it’s time to update the one you currently own, you should make sure your renovations are modern and will provide a good return on investment (ROI). Not only will this attract new tenants, but it will increase the value of your property. Here are some tips on which features would be worthwhile to update and how to do it efficiently.

Floors

Flooring is an easy way to tell the age of the apartment. Materials such as carpet and certain linoleum can show wear and discoloration and, if they’re not timeless, they can transport the home to a past decade and deter potential tenants from choosing that unit. Investing slightly in luxury vinyl plank can drastically update the home and make it easier for you and the tenant to clean and take care of them.

Paint 

Arguably one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to keep an apartment home looking new and clean is a fresh coat of paint. Investing in a quality paint will last longer and reduce the amount of time you need to go in for touch-ups. But it’s important to choose the right colors. White can show scuffs, dirt and dust and can make the space look cold and uninviting. A neutral, warmer shade, like a grey or beige with yellow or pink undertones, makes the walls feel welcoming while still allowing the tenant freedom to decorate the rest of the space however they’d like. Also consider different styles of paint with sheen (eggshell, satin), for washability. Many times, the alternative to a new coat of paint is a quick wash of the walls – especially in areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Light Fixtures

Similar to flooring, light fixtures can quickly date an apartment. Since these fixtures are a focal point of the home, it’s vital that they can last through the years to increase the value of the unit. Consider adding additional fixtures to dimmer spots in the apartment to add some extra brightness, making the space more cheerful. Or, by adding rheostats to those light fixtures, you give your tenant additional dimming or brightening options. It allows for the space to be elevated in a cost-effective way.

Plumbing

Your plumbing fixtures should be updated every 10 or so years, regardless of the cosmetic benefit, so you can use that timeframe as an opportunity to give those fixtures a new look. A chrome finish is the standard but upgrading to bronze or brushed nickel can boost the appeal and add a luxurious feel to bathrooms and kitchens.

Windows

Quality windows are needed to help regulate temperature but also make sure the space has an adequate amount of lighting. Upgrading the windows will allow for a better living experience for the tenant and become a highlight of the space with crisp, clean views to the community.

Storage

Depending on the size of your apartment home, storage can make or break a potential tenant's selection. Especially in a small space, storage is important – adding additional storage in places like closets and cabinets and small touches like hooks for keys and towels can show them that their needs are cared for and they won’t have to look elsewhere for a larger unit. It’s important to think outside of the box in this category. Take an adventurous tenant, for example: if there’s no space for them to store their kayak or scuba gear, they won’t even consider signing a lease to your building. 

With these tips, your homes will become more attractive to current and potential tenants and increase your ROI. If you’re thinking of offsetting the cost of these upgrades with increased rents, consider using a 3-year term to calculate your ROI. If done right, you will actually reduce the amount of money you need to put into each home for updating and repairs. If you need guidance on how best to update your property, our management team is here to help! Reach out to us!

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