Category: Lease Rules

What Is a Tenant Responsible for When They Move Out?

young couple hugging in apartment full of boxes

When a tenant moves out of your property, you want to ensure that your property is still in proper shape when they leave. As such, a tenant has certain responsibilities they have to take care of before they leave the premises. While all these responsibilities should be detailed in the lease, here is what a… Read more »

Understanding the Rules of Security Deposits

Just about anyone who has rented or leased a property is familiar with the concept of a security deposit. What exactly is the purpose of this deposit and when is a tenant entitled to have it returned when they move out? We’re here to go over the basics to help you out. The uses of… Read more »

Understanding the Right to “Repair and Deduct”

mechanic repairing gas boiler with a wrench

As a landlord, it is your job to ensure that your property and individual apartments are safe to live in and up to code. However, sometimes essential components such as heat or electricity break no matter what you’ve done. It’s your responsibility to repair those items, but sometimes the tenant may take it upon themselves… Read more »

How to Handle Pets on Your Rental Property

A close-up of a lease agreement document with a pen resting on top.

Owning and renting out property can be a tricky business. Most of the time, renters take pretty good care of the spaces they inhabit – and if they don’t, that’s what security deposits are for. But what if the tenant has a pet that causes significant property damage beyond what’s covered by the security deposit… Read more »

How to Increase Rent for Your Property

Increasing the rent for your property can be a difficult process. Tenants may resist the increase, and you need to time it right so that you are not in violation of any state or federal laws. Below, we discuss the best practices when it comes to raising your rent so that you avoid as many… Read more »

Should You Allow Tenants to Make Property Renovations?

tenant making renovations

Generally speaking, landlords and property managers are responsible for making repairs and improvements to their properties. However, you may come across a particularly ambitious renter who wants to make some improvements of their own. In this case, you may be understandably hesitant to let inexperienced renters make changes to your property. But with careful planning… 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 »

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 Can’t Be in a Lease

If you own or manage an apartment or other property, it is essential that you understand your contracts inside and out. It is important to know the language in your leasing agreement from front to back to make sure that there is nothing within it that is questionable, false or even illegal for your tenants…. Read more »