Important Considerations for Using Criminal Records in Tenant Screening

Posted by & filed under Background Check.

Using criminal records to screen tenants is a complex and evolving issue that has significant implications for both landlords and potential tenants. On one hand, landlords have a legitimate interest in protecting their properties and ensuring the safety of their tenants, while on the other, individuals with criminal records often face barriers to finding housing…

How to Handle a Tenant Who Files For Bankruptcy

Posted by & filed under Tips.

How to Handle a Tenant Who Files For Bankruptcy

One of the last things any landlord wants to deal with is a tenant who files for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the likelihood of this happening has increased since the pandemic due to the increased economic uncertainty. A tenant filing for bankruptcy may mean a struggle to claim unpaid rent—and it throws future rent payments into question….

How to Communicate a Rent Increase to Your Tenants

Posted by & filed under Rent, Rental Market, Rentals, Tips.

Rent Increase

Although raising the rent is part of the responsibility of being a landlord, the process can often feel daunting. To meet your own financial obligations and keep your tenants happy, there needs to be a bit of a balancing act. If you raise the rent too high, you risk losing good tenants; if the increase…

Fake Pay Stubs—Tips on How to Spot Them

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Fake Pay Stubs

It’s an unfortunate truth in the rental industry: although most people are honest, there are unscrupulous renters out there who try to deceive landlords and property managers with fake pay stubs. These deceptive practices can lead to numerous issues for property owners, from rental payment defaults and property damage to legal complications.  For this reason,…

Why Lease Addendums Are Vital for Your Success as a Landlord

Posted by & filed under Landlords, Leases.

Why Lease Addendums Are Vital for Your Success as a Landlord

As a landlord, you understand the importance of having a comprehensive lease agreement to protect against any rental situation. However, lease addendums are equally vital for successfully managing your rental business.  Please note that the following is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.  What Are Lease Addendums? Lease addendums, also…

Understanding the White House’s Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights

Posted by & filed under Rental Housing, Rental Market.

Understanding the White House’s Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights

In response to the pressing need to protect renters and ensure rental affordability, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights earlier this year. Although not legally binding, this comprehensive 19-page document outlines five critical principles aimed at safeguarding tenants’ rights and promoting a fair and well-functioning real estate market. It…

The 7 Top Tips for Rental Property Maintenance

Posted by & filed under Property Management.

Rental Property Maintenance

Every landlord wants to make sure they get the highest return on investment for their rental properties. There are several factors that affect ROI, including financing costs, market conditions, and vacancy rates—but one of the most important factors is maintaining the value of your properties. The best way to do this is to keep your…

Common Mistakes Typically Made By New Landlords

Posted by & filed under Landlords.

Common Mistakes Typically Made By New Landlords

Being a landlord sounds easy enough; you buy a home, make some renovations, and rent it out for more than your monthly mortgage payment. But in reality, becoming a landlord requires you to master a variety of skills: business, interpersonal communication, property management, and a keen understanding of legal and financial responsibilities.  With little experience…

What If My Tenant Won’t Leave At The End Of the Lease?

Posted by & filed under Leases.

What If My Tenant Won't Leave At The End Of the Lease

Most tenancies have set expiration dates, however, there may be instances where you have a tenant who refuses to leave after the end of the lease. This can be a difficult situation to navigate; fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve the situation, including renewing the lease at a higher rental price…

What to Know About Selling Your Rental Home with a Tenant in Place

Posted by & filed under Landlords, Rental Market.

What to Know About Selling Your Rental Home with a Tenant in Place