Advice for Current and Prospective Landlords

While there are "standard" leases, a lease really needs to be customized to your needs, the needs of your property and needs to comply with state and federals laws. Here are some common clauses and riders you should consider including in your lease.

A lease is a binding contract between two or more people. In a real estate lease, the parties signing the lease are commonly referred to as the landlord and the tenant. Here is what you should know about leases.

There are basic clauses every lease must contain to make it valid. Learn the five things your lease can't be without.

When a tenant moves out of their apartment, you should provide them with a move out checklist so they understand what is expected of them.

Landlords should always collect a security deposit in addition to the first month's rent. This guide will teach you the proper steps; from collecting the security deposit to returning it to the tenant.

It is very important to collect a security deposit before a tenant moves into your property. The terms and conditions of the security deposit should be included as a clause in your lease agreement.

Sending your tenant a form acknowledging you have received their deposit and the bank where it is being held is required in some states. Here is an example of a security deposit acknowledgment.

There are some basic things every landlord must do before they allow a tenant to move-in to their property. One essential is requiring the tenant to pay a security deposit. Learn why.

A security deposit is meant to protect you, the landlord. Learn five situations where you keeping a tenant's security deposit may be allowed.

You may not be able to keep a tenant's security deposit if you do not take the right steps. Learn what to do from move-in to move-out to protect the money you are owed.

Everything you need to know to conduct a thorough tenant screening. The steps to help you find the best tenant for your property.

Do you know what a landlord does? Here is everything you need to know about the roles and responsibilities of a landlord.

Learn the good and the bad of becoming a landlord. This can help you determine if the life of a landlord is the right fit for you.

Have you thought of a landlord in the role of a Realtor? Detective? Debt collector? Learn the many parts a landlord must play in order to successfully manage their property.

There are certain services a tenant expects their landlord to provide them with. Here are some of the services a landlord is responsible for providing to their tenants.

A landlord has certain responsibilities. Learn what a landlord's obligations are to their property.

Often overlooked are a landlord's obligations to themselves. Learn some of the personal responsibilities a landlord should strive to fulfill.

Fulfilling obligations to their community can help increase a landlord's success. Chances are, when the surrounding neighborhood is thriving, so is the landlord's property. Learn the responsibilities a landlord has to their community.

Setting the right rent for your property is about finding that perfect price that will attract tenants but also put some money in your pocket. Here are five things to consider when pricing your rental.

In order to find tenants, you have to broaden your search. You should advertise your property using many different outlets so that you can reach the greatest number of potential renters. Hopefully, by generating more interest, you will have a larger tenant applicant pool to choose from and you will get your unit rented faster.

When screening prospective tenants, there are certain questions you should always ask. These 10 questions will help quickly weed out the applicants who may not be the best fit for your property.

Due to the Fair Housing Act and other laws protecting renters, it is illegal to say certain things when screening tenants. Here are the questions a landlord should never ask a prospective tenant.

Preventative property maintenance can save you money in the long run. A simple fix like changing a battery or cleaning a filter can prevent costly problems in the future. Learn six maintenance tips to keep your rental property in top condition.

Selecting the right tenant for your property is no easy feat. A credit check provides information about a prospective tenant's financial history and can be a good indication of whether they will pay their rent on time. Learn how to run a credit check and what it can tell you about a prospective tenant.

Not all tenants are created equal. Certain tenants will make your life as a landlord a breeze, while others will make your life a living nightmare. Here are six tips to help you select the right tenant for your property.

An important decision you will face as a landlord is whether you should make your apartments pet friendly. Learn the benefits, as well as the risks, of allowing your tenants to have pets.

Every landlord should have a pet policy regarding their property. A thorough policy can help prevent misunderstandings between you and your tenants and help prevent damage to your property. Learn the important aspects of a pet policy such as the pet deposit and how to clearly state what animals you will allow.