Timing is Everything: If your tenant hasn’t initiated a conversation about renewal, you should bring it up at least 45 days before the expiration of the current lease. This gives your tenant peace of mind knowing they will not have to start looking for a new place to live....
Tenants will respect a property owner if they know they are consistent. So, make sure your late rent notices are distributed exactly on the 7th day. Make sure you conduct inspections when your lease agreement says you will. Only you can protect the integrity of your business, and a great way to do this is to live up to your own expectations....
While it may be tempting to outsource all of your maintenance needs, sometimes it’s not economical – especially if you are a new landlord who is just starting out. While it does make sense to hire a professional for major repairs, you can save yourself time and money if you have these tools readily available in your arsenal....
Landlords and property managers know they need to collect a security deposit from tenants in the event their rental unit is damaged. However, what happens if the price of repairs exceeds the amount of the security deposit? Are landlord’s stuck with the extra costs? The answer is: No, not if you do a thorough job....
Much of the country is divided in their stance on gun control. As a landlord or property owner you have a right to set many rules regarding your rental property, but can landlords include a clause in your lease agreement that prohibits a tenant from having a gun?...
Landlords and property managers know they need to collect a security deposit from tenants in the event their rental unit is damaged. However, what happens if the price of repairs exceeds the amount of the security deposit? Are landlord’s stuck with the extra costs? The answer is: No, not if you do a thorough job....
What rights and responsibilities do landlords and tenants have after a rental unit is damaged by fire? The answer to this will vary by location and insurance policies....
The Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating any tenant based on race, color, sex, national origin, disability or familial status. However, it is within your rights as a landlord to decide what breed of pet is allowed to live on your property....
In 2009, a tenant was sued by her landlord for defamation after she complained about her moldy apartment on Twitter. A judge eventually threw out the case. However, in 2013, more companies are winning social media defamation lawsuits. This begs the question: Should landlords and tenants be more careful about what they say on social media?...
So should you, as a landlord, offer free wifi as an incentive to sign a lease with you? It’s an option that more landlords are considering, particularly those who are moving toward an online payment setup with their tenants for collecting monthly rental payments....