The following article is from the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know. Landlords and property managers are legally allowed to review a rental applicant’s consumer reports and run a background check to determine if he or she will be a qualified tenant. Housing providers will use a variety […]
Laws pertaining to rental housing are established to protect both parties of the landlord-tenant relationship. Knowledge of and compliance with federal, state and local regulations is crucial for both landlords and tenants. Rental property owners want to run a profitable business and protect their investment. Tenants want to live peacefully in a rental home and […]
If your rental property is in need of maintenance or repairs, some state laws allow tenants to make the repair and deduct the cost of the repair from their rent, referred to as repair and deduct. The concept of repair and deduct can be a point of contention between landlords and tenants who don’t fully […]
Insurance policies designed specifically for landlords provide added protection for financial loss and obligations associated with your rental properties. While some landlords assume they can rely on their standard homeowners insurance to cover their rental units, homeowners coverage it usually not sufficient to protect an investment property. Landlord vs. Homeowners Insurance – What’s The Difference? Homeowners […]
Tenant turnover is the process of getting a rental property ready for a new tenant after a lease expires and your previous tenant moves out. Property managers and landlords need to make the turnover as efficient as possible to minimize the time the property is unoccupied. Every day that a property sits vacant is a […]
Be honest with yourself. How much interaction do you have with your tenants? Probably not much right? That’s why it’s so important to make a great first impression. You’ve already done the hard work of preparing the unit, running a background check, credit check & you’ve FINALLY found some great tenants. Now is the time to […]
Current updates about Hurricane Irma, following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, is an important reminder that hurricane season is upon us. Property managers and landlords in hurricane zones have the added responsibility of ensuring the safety of their tenants and properties. While it is not necessarily a landlord’s job to hold their renters’ hands through […]
Renters and landlords alike may be wondering what steps they need to take if their property was damaged in Hurricane Harvey-related flooding. The Houston Chronicle reports that as many as 120,000 apartment units across the region have been damaged in floods related to Hurricane Harvey. Flood damage will affect both the renters who called […]
Backpacks and crayons are lining the store shelves; parents are dancing a quiet jig, and students are soaking up the fleeting rays of summer. The start of the school year reminds us that autumn is nearly here. Now is the time to complete your seasonal maintenance and prep your properties for the cold and rain […]
In the property management world a thriving tenant-landlord relationship can mean the difference between success and stress when it comes to managing your rental properties. That’s not to say success and stress are mutually exclusive in this industry, but a positive relationship with your tenants means higher tenant retention, less vacancies, more rental income and greater […]
Property managers that thrive execute one thing very well: Efficiency. Because there are so many moving parts that go into running a successful rental business, property managers need have a system that keeps them efficient and effective. Property management software gives landlords and property managers a convenient solution to organize their rental business and streamline […]
Congratulations on making the leap towards owning an investment property. Real estate investments are often seen as one of the most reliable (and profitable) investment opportunities due to the tax benefits and income potential. However, a reliable and profitable investment will only become safe and lucrative if managed properly. A new landlord needs to take […]
Make a lasting first impression with a Rental Resume to make sure your landlord remembers you during the rental application process. Applying for a rental home can be as competitive as landing your dream job. The best properties will attract the most qualified tenants, and as a renter, the application process should be approached like applying […]
Landlords and property managers are required to follow their federal, state and local laws about informing tenants of policies, facts, and rules about the property. Any information that is shared with a renter about the property or a renter’s rights are considered disclosures. Landlord disclosures can either be included in the lease or rental agreement, […]
Picking the best property management software isn’t easy. Why? Because you’re constantly bombarded with misleading advertising, trumped up demos, and bad information … from high-pressure sales to overpriced platforms to promises of “one size fits all.” How do you ever find the software that’s right for you? You start by asking the best of the […]