Keys to Comfort: Navigating the Rental Journey with Hope Property Investments

Keys to Comfort: Navigating the Rental Journey with Hope Property Investments

Your AC Isn’t Broken—It’s Just Fighting for Its Life

by Hope Property Investments on 06/17/25

A Hope Property Guide to Surviving Southern Heat Like a Pro

Welcome to the season where the pavement sizzles, your car becomes a sauna, and your air conditioner starts to question its life choices.

We know it’s hot out there — especially in Newnan, Grantville, Hogansville, and all our surrounding Georgia towns. When the heat index hits 100°F or higher, your HVAC unit is officially in survival mode.

Let’s break it down:


Why Is It Still 80°F Inside?

Here’s the science-y but important part:
Most HVAC systems can only cool the air about 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.

So if it’s 100°F outside, your system is doing its absolute best to get your home to 80°F. If your home hits 80–85°F during peak afternoon heat but cools down at night, that’s actually a sign it’s working properly — just under extreme heat stress.


How to Help Your AC Help You

Here are seven solid tips (backed by real HVAC science and your lease) to keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible:


1. Set Your Thermostat for Sanity, Not Arctic Tundra

Cranking your thermostat to 65°F won’t make it cool faster. It’ll just make your AC run endlessly.
Best Practice:

  • Keep your thermostat set at a consistent 78°F when home                   (The Department of Energy recommends homes sit at 78 degrees in the summer for ideal energy-efficiency, but this may be a little too toasty for some. Setting the AC between this temperature and 72 degrees is generally a good balance of comfort and energy efficiency for most users.)

  • Set it a few degrees higher when you’re away
    Trying to drop it below 70°F in extreme heat? You’ll end up with a sky-high power bill and a very tired system (sometimes frozen) 


2. Become a Sun-Blocking Ninja

Close your blinds, curtains, shades — whatever you’ve got. Sunlight = heat.
Less sun inside = less work for your AC.

Bonus points if your curtains are blackout or thermal. You don’t need to live in a cave… but we’re not saying don’t try it either.


3. Change That Air Filter. Seriously.

We say it often because it’s that important:
Dirty filters don’t just slow your airflow — they can clog the coil.

And guess what happens when that coil is clogged? Your system freezes up, your AC stops working properly, and you get hit with a repair charge. Yes, even if you run and put a clean filter in right before we arrive — we can tell.

Changing your filter is your responsibility per your lease, and not doing so results in:

  • Coil damage

  • Costly repairs

  • A minimum $100+ HVAC charge added to your account

Pro tip: Change your filter when you pay your rent. Easy to remember, easy on your pocket.


4. Clear the Air (Vents and Returns, Too!)

Make sure:

  • Vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or piles of laundry

  • Return vents (those big ones) are open and breathing

Your AC isn’t psychic — if air can’t flow, it can’t cool. Free the vents.


5. Keep Doors and Windows Closed

We love a breeze as much as the next person… but open doors and windows let in hot, humid air that your system has to fight off like a knight in a very sweaty battle.

Every “just for a second” moment adds up. Stay sealed.


6. Use Fans (aka The AC Sidekicks)

Fans don’t cool the air, but they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin.

Use ceiling fans (or floor fans) where available or place a room fan strategically in high-use areas. Pro tip: Run your ceiling fan clockwise in summer to pull heat up and away.


7. If Your Unit Is Icing Over… TURN IT OFF

If you spot ice on your outside AC unit, that’s not “extra cooling” — that’s a problem.

  • Turn it off immediately and put in a work order notating that it is frozen

  • Let it thaw

  • Then call us and let us know when it has thawed! 

We can’t repair a frozen unit. Give it time to melt before we send a technician.


In Summary: Your AC Is Not a Superhero — But It’s Trying

When the heat hits triple digits, your HVAC system is doing everything it can to keep you comfortable. Help it out by being smart with settings, airflow, and sunlight — and change your filter regularly to avoid expensive problems.

Still concerned?

  • Submit a work order through your AppFolio portal

We’re here to keep things cool — in every sense of the word.

Stay hydrated, stay shady, and yes... change your filter.


Hope Property Investments
tenant@hopega.com | www.hopega.com

“Grass Is for Growing, Not for Parking”

by Hope Property Investments on 06/17/25

A Sitcom-Worthy Guide to Outdoor Do’s and Don’ts from Hope Property Investments


Meet your new neighbors on Lawnmower Lane:

  • Jamie – trying their best but… not reading the lease

  • Chris – friendly next-door neighbor and unofficial HOA of the block

  • Angel – the account manager who’s seen it all

  • And one yard that’s about to go from “welcome home” to “what happened here?”


Scene 1: The Driveway Dilemma

Jamie pulls into their new home at 34 Lawnmower Lane and thinks,

“Driveway’s full… no biggie—I’ll just park on the grass.”

Cue angelic thunder and a giant sign flashing:
“$25 A DAY FINE – DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS.”

Why Not?

  • It kills the lawn

  • It damages underground systems

  • It costs money to fix

  • And it’s a lease violation

That vehicle is getting towed faster than you can say “I was just unloading groceries!”

Chris from next door leans over the fence, sipping coffee:

“Hope’s got a rule: if it’s green and grows, don’t park on it.”


Scene 2: The Trampoline Tragedy

Jamie sets up a brand-new trampoline for their niece's birthday party.
Kids are bouncing. Laughter fills the air. Until…

The lease says:
"No trampolines allowed. At all. Ever. No exceptions."

Why? Because they’re a massive liability. And a shortcut to court if someone gets hurt. That $100 birthday party could cost you $500 in fines and a lease termination notice.

Chris gives Jamie a look.

“Bounce your rent check, not your relatives.”


Scene 3: The Pool Problem

July heat kicks in. Jamie buys an above-ground pool at the local mega-mart—36 inches of splashy fun. They fill it up, post it on TikTok, and forget the rule...

No above-ground pools over 13 inches high.
Anything more? Must go. Fast.
Even the shallow ones need to be emptied after every use and kept off the grass.

Angel calls:

“Hey Jamie, it’s not a waterpark. Please remove the pool by end of day—or expect a fine and potential lease action.”


Scene 4: Welcome to Trash Mountain

Jamie’s weekend project? Cleaning out the garage.
The result? A front-yard display of:

  • 3 tires

  • 1 busted recliner

  • A mattress

  • A mysterious “vintage” treadmill

Big mistake.

Hope Property Investments does not run a landfill.

  • Tires? $50 per tire removal fee

  • Furniture? Not allowed in the yard

  • Mattresses? Please… just don’t

Chris walks by and mutters,

“That’s not ‘curb appeal,’ that’s ‘court date waiting to happen.’”


Scene 5: Lawn of the Living Dread

Jamie lets the grass grow knee-high. The shrubs have become a jungle. There’s even a vine trying to open the front door.

Lease Rule 3.1: You are responsible for yard care.

  • Mow the lawn

  • Pull the weeds

  • Trim the bushes

  • Keep it tidy

Fail to do so? We’ll hire pros, and you’ll get the bill.

Chris, now holding hedge clippers like a lawn ninja, offers this wisdom:

“If the Amazon rainforest is creeping into your living room, it’s time to mow.”


Final Scene: Redemption Arc

Jamie reads the lease (finally), fixes the yard, ditches the pool, parks in the driveway, and becomes the outdoor MVP of Lawnmower Lane.

Angel sends a cheerful email:

“Great job bringing everything into compliance! Thanks for keeping your home—and our neighborhood—beautiful.”


Moral of the Story

Your lease isn’t just paperwork—it’s the playbook to being a great tenant. When it comes to the outside of your home, here’s your cheat sheet:

  • Park in the driveway or designated spaces

  • Never park on grass

  • Keep lawn, bushes, and flowerbeds neat

  • No trampolines or tall pools

  • No tires, appliances, mattresses, or mystery trash piles

  • Be proud of your yard—and your lease record


Need a refresher on your outdoor rules?
Call us at 770-583-8864 or email tenant@hopega.com
We’re here to help you thrive—not just survive.

How to Be a Dream Tenant (and Avoid Nightmares!) with Hope Property Investments

by Hope Property Investments on 06/17/25

Let’s set the scene…


Location: 18 Imagination Lane

Characters:

  • Jamie – new to the neighborhood, first-time renter

  • Chris – friendly next-door neighbor and low-key lease expert

  • Angel – the account manager with the clipboard of destiny

  • The House – a lovely 3-bedroom rental with hardwood floors, a tidy lawn, and lots of potential


Jamie had just moved in and was ready to start their rental journey. They were responsible, excited, and totally unprepared for all the things renters sometimes forget.

Enter Chris, waving from across the driveway:

“You got the welcome email, right? With the lease PDF? Oh buddy… let’s talk about the Do’s and Don'ts before things get wild.”


DO: Pay Your Rent On Time

?? Jamie's Story: Jamie forgot to pay rent until the 7th. That small delay? It cost them a 10% late fee plus a call from Angel reminding them court costs and a $250 attendance fee apply if things escalate.

Reminder: Rent is due on the 1st, late on the 5th, and not paying is serious business. Use your portal at AppFolio and keep those funds ready!


DON'T: Disconnect the Utilities

?? Jamie thought, “I’m not using the gas stove yet—I'll just wait to set that up.”
Wrong move. The utilities must be transferred into your name within 24 hours or risk a $100 fee, disconnection, and the landlord having to get involved.

Chris chuckled, “You ever tried showering in the dark? Don’t be Jamie. Just call the utility companies.”


DO: Let Us Know If You’re Leaving (Even for a Month)

?? Jamie’s cousin needed help across the state. Jamie left for 3 weeks with no heads-up. Cue a wellness check, frantic phone calls, and unnecessary worry.

Lease says: Let us know before extended absences, or you might return to a whole lot of confusion.


DON'T: Start a Petting Zoo or Surprise Puppy Rescue

Jamie brought home a surprise foster pit bull, thinking it was “just for the weekend.” Fast forward to a $500 fine and a very awkward visit from Angel.

Pets need prior approval, a $300 deposit, and no pit bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, or exotic animals are allowed—no matter how cuddly they are.


DO: Take Care of Your Yard

Jamie was shocked when their lawn turned into a jungle. Guess what? Hope Property sent a landscaping crew and billed Jamie for the overgrowth.

Yard maintenance is your job—mow, trim, weed. Even leaves! (Yes, seriously.)


DON'T: Store Tires in the Yard (Or Mattresses, Pools, or Grandpa’s Couch)

 Jamie hosted a garage sale that ended in the yard looking like a landfill. A $50-per-tire fee and notices later, Jamie learned: the yard is not a storage unit.

No trampolines, no above-ground pools over 13”, and NO PARKING ON THE GRASS (that’s a $25/day fine, folks).


DO: Submit Maintenance Requests the Right Way

Jamie texted “my fridge is dying ??” to Angel at 10 PM on a Sunday.
That text? Lost in the weekend shuffle.

Use your AppFolio portal for work orders. Always. Then call during office hours (8:30–5). Emergencies aside, it's the smoothest way to keep your place in shape.


DON'T: Use the Toilet Like a Trash Can

Jamie flushed paper towels, wipes, and who-knows-what else. Cue a $475 plumbing bill and a big mess.

Only flush single-ply toilet paper and, well... you know. Anything else goes in the trash. Trust us.


DO: Change Your Air Filters Monthly

Jamie ignored the HVAC filter. Their AC quit during a July heatwave.
Turns out, repairs for a dirty filter are on YOU, and it’s never less than $100.

Buy a stack of filters and make it part of your monthly routine!


DON'T: Paint the Living Room Hot Pink (Without Asking)

Jamie’s “creative vision” required repainting three walls. Hope Property required it be returned to original condition—and Jamie had to pay for it.

No remodeling, painting, or structural changes without written permission.


DO: Enter a 30-Day Notice & Complete Your Obligations

Jamie thought giving a verbal heads-up was good enough. They didn’t file the official 30-day notice, left the place messy, and never returned keys. They lost part of their deposit and racked up fees.

Here’s how to avoid that:

  • Submit your 30-day notice in writing through the google form. .

  • Allow showings for new applicants (you’ll get a 24-hour heads-up).

  • Leave the home in clean condition and return all keys.

  • Don’t assume anything—complete the checklist so your deposit comes back with no deductions.


DON'T: Smoke Inside (Seriously.)

One slip-up, a few cigarette butts, and a surprise inspection = $500 smoking violation. Second time? Eviction.

Smoke outside, clean up after yourself, and make your home fresh-air approved.


DO: Get Renter’s Insurance

When Jamie’s laptop got stolen from their car parked in the driveway, they were out of luck—no renter’s insurance.

Your lease requires coverage of $100,000 liability minimum. It's peace of mind that saves you when surprises hit.


In Summary: Be the Jamie Everyone Loves (Not Learns From)

  • Read your lease (or call Angel—she’ll help break it down).

  • Treat the house like it's your own.

  • Communicate early and often.

  • Follow the golden rule: Don’t surprise your landlord.

At Hope Property Investments, we want to see you thrive—not just survive. Respect your lease, and you’ll enjoy stress-free renting—and keep Chris off your lawn with that “I told you so” look.

Summer HVAC Tips!!

by Hope Property Investments on 06/25/24

As temperatures rise and we experience high heat indexes in Newnan and the surrounding areas, we want to ensure that you stay cool and comfortable in your homes.

Understanding HVAC Limitations in Extreme Heat:
During extreme heat, when the heat index reaches 100°F or higher, HVAC systems may struggle to maintain temperatures lower than 20°F below the outside temperature. This means that if the temperature outside is 100°F, your HVAC system may only be able to cool your home to around 80°F. If you notice your home temperature reaching 80-85°F during the hottest parts of the day but cooling down at night, this indicates that your unit is operating correctly but is under significant stress due to the extreme conditions.

Here are some helpful tips to get the best performance from your HVAC system during this hot spell:

1. Set Your Thermostat Efficiently: Keep your thermostat set at a consistent temperature. A setting of 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away can help maintain comfort without overworking your system. Turning your air down lower than 70°F when it’s hot outside is not recommended, as it will run constantly and will not reach that temperature any faster by setting it lower.

2. Close Curtains and Blinds: Blocking direct sunlight can significantly reduce the heat entering your home, helping your HVAC system work more efficiently.

3. Change Your Air Filters: Ensure that your air filters are clean. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can make your system work harder, leading to higher energy use and potential breakdowns. This is especially important if you have pets or excess dust in your home. Consider changing the filter more frequently to maintain proper airflow.

4. Clear Vents and Returns: Make sure that vents and return air ducts are not blocked by furniture or other items to allow for proper air circulation.

5. Keep Doors and Windows Closed: Reduce the amount of warm air entering your home by keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible.

6. Use Ceiling Fans: Use ceiling fans if you have them. If you do not, we recommend adding a room fan to help circulate the cool air more effectively, allowing you to feel cooler even at higher thermostat settings.

7. Check for Ice on Your AC Unit: If you notice that your AC unit outside has ice on it, you must turn the unit off to let it thaw. The unit cannot be repaired with ice on it and it will not work properly until the ice has melted.

By following these tips, you can help keep your home cool and your HVAC system running efficiently during these hot days. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our office.



Discover Newnan, GA – A City of Charm, Convenience, and Community

by Hope Property Investments on 06/20/24

Welcome to Newnan, GA, a thriving city in Coweta County that beautifully blends historical charm with modern conveniences. Known for its vibrant community, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, Newnan is the perfect place to call home.

Why Newnan?

Newnan offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities, making it an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. Situated just southwest of Atlanta, Newnan provides easy access to big-city opportunities while maintaining a close-knit community feel.

  • Historic Downtown: Newnan's historic downtown is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved buildings, boutique shops, and a variety of dining options. Take a stroll through this charming area and discover why Newnan is often called the "City of Homes."
  • Community Events: Newnan is known for its lively community events, including annual festivals, parades, and farmers' markets. These events foster a strong sense of community and provide plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends.
  • Parks and Recreation: With numerous parks and recreational facilities, Newnan offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and more in the city's well-maintained green spaces.

Utilities and Services

Newnan is well-served by reliable utility providers, ensuring residents have access to essential services with ease and efficiency.

  • Coweta-Fayette EMC: Known for its outstanding customer service and reliable electric service, Coweta-Fayette EMC powers many homes in Newnan and the surrounding areas. Their commitment to the community and innovative energy solutions make them a trusted provider.
  • Newnan Utilities: Providing a comprehensive range of services, including electricity, water, sewer, and internet, Newnan Utilities is dedicated to delivering high-quality utility services to residents and businesses in Newnan.

Famous Residents

Newnan is proud to be the home of the famous "Mr. Personality." Known for his vibrant character and contributions to the community, Mr. Personality has become a local legend. His presence embodies the spirit of Newnan – friendly, welcoming, and full of life.

Here are a few quotes that capture the essence of Newnan and its community spirit:

  • "Newnan is not just a place to live; it's a place to love. The sense of community here is unmatched." – Local Resident
  • "The charm of Newnan's historic downtown and the warmth of its people make it a truly special place." – Visitor
  • "Living in Newnan means being part of a community that cares, supports, and celebrates together." – Local Business Owner

Hope Property Investments – Your Local Experts

At Hope Property Investments, we are proud to serve the Newnan community. As the leading property management company in the area, we specialize in managing and renting single-family homes throughout Newnan and the surrounding towns of Grantville, Peachtree City, Manchester, Griffin, and Hogansville.

Our Properties

We offer a diverse range of rental properties to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a cozy home in a quiet neighborhood or a spacious house close to amenities, we have the perfect property for you.

  • Family Homes: Ideal for families, our single-family homes offer plenty of space, modern amenities, and convenient locations.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: We understand the importance of pets, so we offer pet-friendly rental options to accommodate your furry family members.
  • Flexible Leasing: With flexible leasing terms, we make it easy for you to find a rental home that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Contact Us Today

Ready to experience the charm and convenience of Newnan, GA? Let Hope Property Investments help you find the perfect rental property. Contact us today to learn more about our available homes and discover why so many people love living in Newnan. Visit our office at 54 Church St, Grantville, GA 30220, or give us a call. Your dream home is just a phone call away!

Newnan, GA – A city of charm, convenience, and community.

Home PageCurrent Homes For Rent