Posts By: Aaron Cox

4 Times a Landlord Should Hire a Lawyer

5 Times a Landlord Should Hire a Lawyer

No landlord wants to deal with a lawsuit. However, these instances do crop up, even for the most diligent landlords. Minor disputes can typically be handled between a landlord and their tenant, but there are moments when it’s best to have a lawyer to fight your case. Evictions When a tenant stops paying their rent,… Read more »

How to Screen and Choose Tenants in Michigan

HOW TO SCREEN AND CHOOSE TENANTS IN MICHIGAN

Screening and choosing tenants is never a straightforward process. First you have to contend with federal and Michigan state tenant laws, but then you also have to consider a tenant’s particular history. No case is simple, and you must stay vigilant to avoid bad tenants or potential lawsuits. Be aware of Michigan laws There are… Read more »

When Can a Landlord Not Return a Security Deposit?

WHEN CAN A LANDLORD NOT RETURN A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

The security deposit. It is perhaps the most contentious issue between a landlord and their tenant. The question of not returning a tenant’s security deposit can be tricky, especially if you don’t know when you should or should not return it. You must always keep in mind that Michigan law does NOT permit a landlord… Read more »

How to Draft a Lease Agreement

How to Draft a Lease Agreement

When accepting a new tenant, every landlord has to draft a lease agreement. After all, a lease, details exactly what you, the landlord, and the future tenant are responsible for. This not only prevents any confusion between you and your tenant, but it can also protect you from a potential lawsuit. But how do you… Read more »

How to Report a Delinquent Tenant to the Credit Bureau

How to Report a Delinquent Tenant to the Credit Bureau

No landlord wants to deal with delinquent tenants. A tenant who doesn’t pay their rent is not only a problem for you but a problem for future landlords as well. Reporting delinquent tenants to the credit bureau can indicate to other landlords that they shouldn’t rent to this particular person. However, reporting a delinquent tenant… Read more »

What to Do When a Tenant Stops Paying Rent

What to Do When a Tenant Stops Paying Rent

At one time or another, you will have a tenant that doesn’t pay rent. This can be a serious problem, especially if the tenant has a pattern of skipping payments. So, here are some steps you can take if one of your tenants misses a payment: Double-check the lease agreement and payment records Before taking… Read more »

A Landlord’s Guide to Pet Deposits, Fees, and Rents

We all love our pets, but they can be destructive. Pets, after all, can not only damage your property, but they could also be a nuisance to neighbors. 46% of renters live with pets, meaning that nearly half of your tenants likely own a pet. Allowing pets onto your apartment complex is a fine choice,… Read more »

What You Should Know About Quiet Title Action

A quiet title action is a lawsuit that seeks to resolve, or “quiet,” a dispute over the ownership of a specific property. One may file a lawsuit against anyone who tries to claim ownership of a property that you believe is yours. For these cases, you may want to contact a real estate lawyer to… Read more »

Why Landlords Should Require Tenants to Have Renters’ Insurance

As a landlord, you have a lot to worry about during the course of any given month. The safety and security of your tenants’ possessions, however, shouldn’t be one of them. Many tenants mistakenly believe that a landlord’s insurance policy will cover any possible damage; this can lead to potential lawsuits and other complications. But… Read more »