Posts Tagged ‘Landlord-tenant laws’
Does the Fair Housing Act Apply to Your Rental?
The Fair Housing Act establishes federal protections that prevent housing discrimination and requires landlords to provide equal opportunities to all prospective tenants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Landlords who violate Fair Housing Act provisions can face penalties up to $105,194 for repeat violations, plus damages and attorney’s fees,…
Read MoreWhat Is Landlord Eviction Retaliation?
Understanding how landlord eviction retaliation works is critical for protecting your rental business and avoiding unintended legal trouble. Landlord eviction retaliation happens when a landlord tries to evict a tenant or takes other negative actions after the tenant exercises their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or joining a tenant’s union. In most states,…
Read MoreShould Landlords Hire a Real Estate Paralegal?
Managing rental properties comes with a maze of paperwork, regulations, and legal needs that can be challenging to navigate on your own. A real estate paralegal can support landlords by preparing documents, conducting title searches, and helping ensure your transactions follow all applicable property laws. For many landlords, this specialized help can be invaluable, especially…
Read MoreHow Property Inspections Differ for Rentals vs. Homebuyers
Navigating the world of property inspections as a real estate investor requires a different approach than what homebuyers typically experience. While homebuyers focus on the property as a place to live, investors need to evaluate properties through the lens of profitability, tenant safety, and long-term sustainability. A comprehensive rental property inspection helps investors identify potential…
Read MoreSecurity Deposit Accounting: Best Practices for Landlords
Security deposits play a vital role in protecting rental property investments. As a landlord, proper accounting of these funds ensures both legal compliance and financial organization. A security deposit is classified as a long-term asset under “Other Assets” on your balance sheet, not as rental income. When you receive a security deposit from a tenant,…
Read MoreWhy Are Corporate Landlords Dumping Homes? 5 Red Flags to Watch
Large institutional landlords own approximately 446,000 single-family homes nationwide, representing a significant portion of rental housing inventory. When these large corporate landlords start dumping homes, it can signal broader market shifts that savvy real estate investors need to monitor carefully. The emergence of corporate landlords after the Great Recession created a new dynamic in housing…
Read MoreIs Tenant Bad Debt Collection Worth the Hassle?
When tenants fail to pay rent, landlords face difficult decisions about pursuing collection. Tenant debt collection involves various methods to recover past-due rent, from direct communication to hiring collection agencies. Your success in recovering unpaid rent largely depends on taking prompt action and following proper legal procedures while documenting all collection attempts. As a landlord,…
Read MoreDo Tenant Friendly Laws Cause Housing Shortages?
As a real estate investor, understanding the interplay between tenant-friendly laws and housing shortages is crucial for making informed decisions. Recent legislative changes across the United States aim to address the ongoing housing crisis by expanding options, streamlining development processes, and protecting tenants from eviction. These new laws, taking effect in various states, could significantly…
Read MoreThe True Cost of Hidden Rental Fees for Investors
Hidden rental fees may seem like an easy way to boost income from your investment properties, but they often come with significant drawbacks. As a real estate investor, you might be tempted to implement these charges to maximize profits in a competitive rental market. Hidden fees can damage your reputation, erode tenant trust, and potentially…
Read MoreRenter Fraud to Landlords: Scams Targeting Property Owners
Renter fraud poses a significant threat to landlords in today’s housing market. As a property owner, you need to be vigilant and informed to protect your investment. Tenant scams can occur at any stage of the rental process, from initial applications to move-out, costing landlords time, money, and peace of mind. Recognizing the signs of…
Read MoreHow To Handle a Landlord Tenant Rent Dispute
In the property management business, few situations can stir up tension quite like a landlord tenant rent dispute. It’s an uncomfortable scenario, one that can leave even the most experienced landlords feeling frustrated and uncertain. Yet, it’s an issue that many will face. This blog post is your comprehensive guide to handling these disputes. We…
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