Selecting Tenants

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A Lot To Let
Creative Commons License photo credit: BinaryApe

It’s been said before and it will be said again but it bears repeating, choosing the right tenants is the most important job a landlord, property manager and property owner has. To make sure you’re getting the best tenants possible, you’re going to have to do a little work. (more…)

Do you Need a Lawyer

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Creative Commons License photo credit: peggydavis66

Do all property owners need a lawyer? The answer is probably yes, but in varying degrees. It’s usually very beneficial to have a real estate attorney to make sure your initial purchase goes as planned. But after that, most property owners don’t need to have an attorney. If you only own one or two properties you can probably handle most issues on your own and can contact your real estate attorney when and if you have a concern. (more…)

Forming a Tenant’s Association

Meeting pictures
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If you’re having trouble with your landlord or property manager and want to get things done, consider forming a tenant’s association. Most landlords dread tenant’s associations because suddenly the entire group has power and the landlord can feel absolutely powerless. This is actually not your objective, you just want to get your concerns resolved, right? (more…)

Dealing with a Tenant’s Association

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Creative Commons License photo credit: llawliet

If you’re tenants have bonded together and formed a tenant’s association, all is not lost. Your first step as the landlord or the property owner is to take the position of being helpful to the association, don’t let them begin to draw battle lines, you want to try to stay on the same side of most issues. (more…)

Are you Renting to Felons

I N T E N S I T Y
Creative Commons License photo credit: A i t h n e

Are you an individual who has rental property? If so you are being targeted by felons as someone to rent from. The word on the street for convicted felons is that renting from a rental agency or a huge complex is nearly impossible because these agencies do a thorough job of checking out prospective tenants, meaning they do credit and background checks for every single applicant. But individuals have a reputation for not being as thorough. (more…)

Hoarders and Clutterers in your Property

1408webster
Creative Commons License photo credit: A Touch of Glass

Do you have a tenant that pays their rent on time but is just a huge slob? Is their messiness causing problems for other tenants or creating a nuisance on your property. In extreme situations hoarding and cluttering can get out of control. We’ve all seen the newscasts with homes full of junk and even garbage and no one wants that person for a tenant. But if you already have that tenant you may have a hard time getting rid of them. (more…)

Are you charging enough Rent?

Magnetic money clip
Creative Commons License photo credit: ?Florian

Whether you’re new to the landlord game or an old pro, you may be wondering if you’re charging your tenants enough rent. If this rental unit is new to you then you should request a past rental history report. Although this will not guarantee your rent should stay at the same level it’s a good starting point. (more…)

No Self-Help for Bad Tenants

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They haven’t paid rent in months and they’re breaking a couple other lease terms and even though you’ve asked them to leave, those problem tenants are still on your property. So, what do you do? You change the locks, right? Wrong! (more…)

Tips for New Property Managers

bruno taut, onkel toms h?tte, 1926-1932
Creative Commons License photo credit: seier+seier+seier

Are you a first time property manager? It’s a promising career and one you can make a small fortune at if you’re a good it. Follow the tips below and you’re certain to be a stronger, better property manager and happier with the job as well. (more…)

How to Evict that Tenant

time is UP!
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You’ve given them more chances than they deserve and they’ve got to go NOW! It’s a horrible feeling but unfortunately its one that a lot of landlords and property managers have experienced. You try to help out the tenant and work out a solution but they’re still breaking the rules or not paying rent on time and now you just want to get rid of them. The problem is there are fair housing rules in each state and sometimes in each community that protect the tenant from an unlawful eviction. These laws mean there are certain hoops that landlords have to jump through to obtain a legal eviction. (more…)