Being a landlord involves more than fixing leaky pipes and broken lights. Being a landlord is a legal designation overseen by local housing authorities and state laws. These not only protect you as a landlord, but your tenant as well, and are subsequently legally binding. Protect yourself from common legal pitfalls landlords make when dealing… Read more »
Does your Income Property Offer Reliable Income?
When in the market for income property, there are many points to consider before signing a purchase agreement and committing to a years-long mortgage. But there is one item to always remember; you want an income property to function as a steady source of income. To achieve a consistent income stream, you obviously… Read more »
Your tenant filed for bankruptcy; how does that affect your landlord-tenant relationship?
Uh oh! Instead of receiving this month’s rent check in the mail you received a notice of voluntary petition for bankruptcy from your tenant. What does that mean to you Mr. Landlord? The first thing to understand about bankruptcy in landlord-tenant relationships is that the simple filing of a petition for bankruptcy protection enacts a… Read more »
When Tenant Permission isn’t needed for Entry
It is generally common practice for landlords to seek permission to gain entry to a tenant’s apartment. Not only is it a legally required under most template leases, but it is also common courtesy. Showing up unexpectedly or even barging in on a tenant could present an uncomfortable situation for both parties. As long as… Read more »
Your Tenant Just Appealed Your Landlord-Tenant Eviction Judgment… Now What?
You just spent the last 4-6 weeks patiently working through Michigan’s landlord-tenant eviction procedures to get a judgment of possession against your tenant. A few days later you receive notice that your tenant has appealed your judgment…now what? By itself, the filing of an appeal does nothing to stop your judgment from being enforceable…. Read more »
Your Tenant Just Filed a Motion Challenging Your Eviction Judgment… Now What?
You just spent the last 4-6 weeks patiently working through Michigan’s landlord-tenant eviction procedures to get a judgment of possession against your tenant. A few days later you receive notice that your tenant has filed a motion to set aside the judgment or for a new trial. By itself, the filing of a motion… Read more »
An in Depth Look at Landlord’s Rights
A landlord has a legal right to enter his tenant’s rental unit in many circumstances. Practical access to the space is much more limited than it would be if the unit was vacant. But the home or commercial property still belongs to the landlord. The Covenant of Quiet use and Enjoyment Residential rental contracts imply… Read more »
Landlords / Tenants Should be Wary of Legal Pitfalls
LANDLORD’S LEGAL PITFALLS Most property owners who rent their property handle the legal actions associated with landlord and tenant relations on their own. The district court system is amicable to property owners handling their own legal affairs, but these landlords need to be especially wary of legal pitfalls. While most property owners who are also… Read more »
Tax Deeds – The Silent Problem for Purchasers
SO YOU BOUGHT A PROPERTY AT THE COUNTY TAX SALE? DO YOU REALLY OWN IT? CAN YOU SELL IT? Every fall Michigan Counties sell thousands of properties for delinquent taxes. The purchasers of these properties acquire deeds for reduced costs – sometimes pennies on the dollar – and receive a “Quit-Claim” deed in exchange. The… Read more »