Rental Secrets by Justin Pogue is a well thought-out and well-executed book that provides valuable advice, not just for renters and potential renters, but also for landlords. In today’s extremely competitive buyers' market, and with housing prices soaring in urban locations such as California, Washington, DC, the state of Washington and New York, more and more people are forced to rent as homeownership becomes a pipe dream for them. However, renting doesn’t mean having to give up what is important. If you believe what Pogue states, renters also have a certain amount of power – the power to reduce one’s rent and get better value and ultimately to create quality communities. The author has written the book for anyone currently living in a rental home or is wanting to do so, as well as for landlords and their relationships with their residents. Pogue is a real estate consultant, having developed and managed apartments, rental homes and student housing across the U.S. and it’s clear that he’s knowledgeable in his field.

Rental Secrets is divided into ten chapters, with each title beginning with “The Power of…” and covers various aspects of the landlord-renter burdens such as negotiation, competition, proximity, and timing; all very important aspects that cannot be overlooked. Most importantly, the author provides insights that are valuable to both ends of the rental spectrum. For example, the wealth of most landlords is locked up in their buildings, so they depend on the building's monthly cash flow from rent. Maintaining that steady cash flow isn’t always easy. A potential renter’s power, on the other hand, comes from working with landlords who can negotiate, thereby reducing the risks associated with a landlord’s rent cash flow, and getting the best value for the renter’s dollars. In essence, this positive relationship between landlord and renter ensures the property is a great place to live. With plenty of tips and valuable insights, Rental Secrets is a must-read for those venturing into the rental market – either as a landlord or as a renter.

In Rental Secrets: Reduce Your Rent - Get Better Value - Create Quality Communities, Justin Pogue offers informative content useful to any renter. While we mostly have the perception that landlords have the upper hand when it comes to renting, Pogue shows that renters too have different options that they can leverage to get a better deal on their lease. In the fourth chapter, for instance, a chapter titled “The Power of Timing,” Pogue shows how delaying on moving to a new rental property during the busy summer months could save you a significant amount of money. During the winter, on the other hand, potential residents are few and rents may likely be lower during the season hence you can end up with a better deal. More eye-opening strategies are offered in the book and they show the power that renters hold.

While most readers shy away from reading self-help books of similar content because of the technical language they will have to trudge through, Rental Secrets is written in language accessible to basically any reader no matter what their level of expertise on the topic. The work explains each detail in a straightforward way, avoiding lengthy details that may confuse the reader. The content is enlightening in many ways and anyone who is a renter will find tips that they can utilize. Each chapter ends with summary points and questions. The summary reminds readers of the key information contained in the chapter while the questions serve as thought-provoking breaks in the work that help in internalizing the content. Rental Secrets by Justin Pogue is not only well-written but the practicality of its content makes it stand out.

Rental Secrets is a work of non-fiction centered on financial decision making and power in the property rental market and was penned by author Justin Pogue. Subtitled with the promise to ‘Reduce Your Rent – Get Better Value – Create Quality Communities’, this how-to guide seeks to put the power back in the hands of the renter by informing them of the real goings-on between landlords and management companies. With advice coming from a professional who has worked in real estate and managed property for many years, the guidebook separates out different social, economic and location-specific aspects which can help its readers to think smart about what real value for money is.

Whilst many people may think that the art of deal-making is reserved for those with lots of money and status, author Justin Pogue reveals the true negotiating power that anyone from any background can have when signing their next lease to rent a property. The formatting of the book is accompanied by bright illustrations, clear headers, and well-arranged chapters to make it an accessible read to all, and the tone in which Pogue’s ‘secrets’ are explained is equally bright and friendly. There’s plenty of good information that comes directly from deep analysis of the property market, and the chapters cover factors that prospective renters may not realize have value, but they really do. Overall, Rental Secrets is an excellent resource guide for both those seeking a new rental property that gives better value and those interested in becoming a part of property management in general.

Rental Secrets is a succinct book of business advice by Justin Pogue. Having worked in real estate for years, he shares what to look for in renting an apartment and how to negotiate with property managers and landlords. The book is divided into 10 structured chapters covering key material including using industry competition to your advantage; understanding why property owners charge what they do; strategies for paying less rent; and making sure you aren’t incorrectly charged for repairs. Each chapter has a list of questions for readers regarding their specific relationship to the chapter’s topics, and there are several pages at the end for jotting down your own notes.

Justin Pogue’s book is out of this world when it comes to providing practical assistance to the prospective renter. Easy to read, it makes the subject matter easy to manage. As someone who’s unfamiliar with negotiating a good deal on an apartment, I’ve found the subject intimidating—but not anymore. Good solid suggestions, transparency in describing the property owner’s point of view, and insider tips on deciphering incentives and choosing a good time to rent make Rental Secrets a book that lives up to its title in every way. The relationship between owner and renter is really mutual, each helping the other, and Justin lays out a load of tips for how to get a great deal on your next place to live. I wish there were more books like this outstanding resource.