[an error occurred while processing this directive]
  1. Money

Landlords & Property Investments: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Prospective Tenant Questions
Finding the right tenant is often about asking the right questions. Learn the 10 Essential Questions for Prospective Tenants.
Keep Security Deposit
A security deposit can offer you protection if a tenant becomes a problem. Here are five common reasons you can keep a tenant's security deposit.
Credit Check
There are certain steps every landlord must take before they are able to run a credit check on a prospective tenant. From being approved to check credit, to deciding if you will charge an application fee, learn what it takes to access a tenant's credit report.
Responsibilities to Tenants
A landlord has certain obligations to their tenants. Learn what a landlord is legally responsible for and what they should do in good faith.
Questions You Can't Ask Tenant
Be careful what you say when screening prospective tenants. There are certain questions you cannot ask. Learn which ones.
Noisy Neighbor Complaint
Dealing with a tenant complaining about noise is a common issue for landlords. Here's how to handle noise complaints.
Select the Right Tenant
Taking the time to choose the right tenant to live in your property can save you numerous headaches down the road. Learn the factors that differentiate the good tenants from the potential problem ones.
What Is Property Manager?
Many property owners hire property managers to manage their investment properties. Find out what a property manager is responsible for and how they can help you.
Lease Basics
The information required in a lease will vary, but every lease needs to have some basics. Make sure your rental lease has these five clauses.
Move Out Checklist
A move out checklist is a great way to avoid confusion between landlord and tenant as to the condition the apartment should be left in.
Improve vs Repair
It is important to understand the difference between improvements and repairs for tax purposes and for increasing the value of your investment.
Find Tenants
To get your property rented, you need to know where to find tenants. You should advertise your property in a variety of areas so that you will be able to reach more people, generate more interest and hopefully have a larger tenant applicant pool to choose from.
Employment Verification Request Form
To verify a tenant's employment, you may have to send their employer an Employment Verification Request Form. Here is a sample of one.
Investing in an Income Property
Income property can be a very lucrative investment. Being your own boss, huge tax-write offs and rental income in your pocket are some of the benefits of property investing. Learn more.
Terminate Management Contract
If your property manager is not living up to expectations, you must terminate the management contract. Learn the dos and don'ts of firing a property manager.
Hire a Property Manager?
Do you need to hire a property manager? Find out what you should consider before making your decision.
Pet Policy
As a landlord, a comprehensive pet policy is essential to protect yourself and your tenants. Learn how to screen tenants with pets and the essential information your policy should include.
Florida Security Deposit
If you own rental property in Florida, you must follow certain laws relating to the security deposit. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Tax Deductions - Landlords
Landlords have many tax deductions they can take advantage of. Learn the common tax deductions that can help save you money.
Sample Security Deposit Clause
One of the most important clauses in your lease is the security deposit clause. Here is a sample of what it should include.
Before Becoming Landlord
Before you become a landlord, you should understand some of the ups and downs a landlord faces. Here are some of the challenges and rewards.
Security Deposit Dispute
A common dispute between landlords and tenants is over the return of the security deposit. Here's what to do if a tenant challenges you.
Verify Tenants Income and Employment
All landlords should verify a prospective tenant's income and employment as part of tenant screening. Here are the steps you should take.
Security Deposit Basics
Did you know there is a maximum amount you can charge tenants as a security deposit? Here are the basics.
Questions to Ask Property Manager
Do you want to find the best manager for your property? Here are some questions you need to ask when interviewing a property manager.
Responsibilities to Property
Being a landlord involves taking care of your property. Learn the legal responsibilities a landlord has to their investment.
Makeover Your Property
Learn how to makeover your property so that it is more appealing to potential tenants. These five simple strategies will have your property rented in no time.
California Security Deposit
If you own rental property in California, you must follow certain laws relating to the security deposit. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Writing Newspaper Ad
A newspaper ad is a great way to advertise a vacancy at your property. Here's what you should include about your rental.
What to Include in Rent Ad
Don’t know what to include in your ‘For Rent’ ad? Learn the 15 things that will help get your property rented quickly.
Management Agreement
One of the most important aspects of hiring a property manager is making sure you understand the terms of the management agreement. Learn what to look for to make sure you are protected.
Guide to Tenant Screening
Do you have a comprehensive tenant screening process? Learn everything from placing 'for rent' ads to running credit checks.
Fair Housing
What Is Fair Housing? Fair housing aims to eliminate discrimination in any housing related activities.
Amenities Tenants Look For
Why do some rentals stay on the market for months? Get your property rented quickly by learning the amenities tenants look for.
Right Rent
There is a difference between setting the rent for your property and setting the right rent for your property. The right rent will take into consideration demand and desire for the unit, as well as the ability to make a profit.
Tenants to Renew Lease
If you want your tenants to stay for a long time, you have to keep them happy. Learn five things that will make a tenant renew their lease.
Lead Paint Disclosure
Landlords and property owners must follow specific rules and provide certain forms regarding the disclosure of lead paint on their property.
Websites to Find Investment Property
Finding investment property for sale can be tricky. Here are seven websites that can make your search easier.
New Jersey Security Deposit
If you own rental property in New Jersey, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Guide to Property Managers
Property managers can be an asset for a property investor. They can also be a detriment if they are not
What Is a Lease
You may have heard of a lease, or even signed one, but do you know what a lease actually is? Find out more about real estate leases.
Investment Properties
A single family home or a single family condo is a type of investment property. Find out the pros and cons of investing in single family property.
Texas Security Deposit
If you own rental property in Texas, you must follow certain laws relating to the security deposit. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Massachusetts Security Deposit
If you own rental property in Massachusetts, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Reduce Noise in Apartments
You don't have to deal with constant tenant complaints about noise because there are ways to reduce noise in apartments. Learn how.
Bed Bug Signs
If you are afraid you have bed bugs, there are signs you can look for. Learn how to tell if you have bed bugs.
Illinois Security Deposit
If you own rental property in Illinois, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Property Maintenance
As a landlord, performing regular property maintenance can help save you money. Here are six tips to help you catch a small problem before it turns into a large expense.
For Rent Craigslist
Craigslist is a great place to advertise your rental for free. Learn how to place your 'For Rent' ad and find tenants quickly.
Security Deposit Acknowledgment Form
When you receive a security deposit from a tenant it is a good idea to send them a letter of acknowledgment that you received the deposit.
Right to Security Deposit
Landlords, learn how to protect the portion of the security deposit you are entitled to. Here are the right steps to take.
Pennsylvania Security Deposit
As a landlord in the state of Pennsylvania, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Dos and Don'ts Craigslist
Craigslist is a great place to find tenants. Learn the dos and don'ts of advertising your rental there.
Questions for Property Manager
When searching for a property manager, if you don't ask the right questions, you can easily hire the wrong person. Learn the important questions to ask about fees charged and what services will be provided for those fees.
North Carolina Security Deposit
As a landlord in the state of North Carolina, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Responsibilities of Landlord
Learn what a landlord's responsibilities are to their tenants, to their property, to themselves and to their community.
Find Best Property Manager
There are thousands of property managers out there, but they are not all created equal. Learn what you should look for so you can find the best manager for your investment.
Choosing Flooring
There are many options available when choosing flooring for an investment property. Learn the three things to consider before you decide.
HUD Programs
HUD is responsible for enacting numerous housing programs across America. 3 of these HUD programs are essential for property investors to know and understand, here's why..
Lease Clauses and Lease Riders
Learn the common residential lease clauses. Learn what additional riders you should include to supplement your lease agreement.
Standard Mileage Rate
When deducting business travel expenses on your taxes you can use the standard mileage rate or the actual automobile expenses. Here's how.
Liability for Dog Bites
Many landlords wonder about their liability if a tenant's dog bites someone. Learn when you could be held responsible.
D-Develop Plan
Developing a plan before you invest in property will increase your chances of success in the long run. Learn some of the questions to ask yourself to help guide your plan.
Tenant Red Flags
There are certain signs that a tenant could cause problems down the line. Learn five prospective tenant red flags.
Guide to Security Deposit
This guide will give you a complete understanding of the security deposit. Learn the basics, the rules and how to handle a dispute.
Georgia Security Deposit
As a landlord in Georgia, you must follow certain laws relating to the security deposit. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Preventing Bed Bugs
There are ways you can prevent bed bugs in your home. Here are some tips to help prevent a bed bug infestation.
Tenants With Bed Bugs
Tenants who have bed bugs can take steps to prevent them from spreading. Here are tips landlords should pass along to their tenants.
Pet Friendly Property
As a landlord, there are both pros and cons to consider when you allow your tenants to have pets. Once you understand these benefits and risks, you can decide if a pet friendly property is right for you.
Nevada Security Deposit
As a landlord in the state of Nevada, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you must do and what you can never do.
Michigan Security Deposit
If you own rental property in the state of Michigan, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Connecticut Security Deposit
If you own rental property in the state of Connecticut, you must follow certain security deposit laws. Learn what you can and cannot do.
Increase Property Value
Increasing the value of your property can be done in several ways. Here are low cost and high cost ways to add value to your home.
Housing Rights for Disabled
The Fair Housing Act protects certain classes, including the disabled, against discrimination in housing related activities. It is important to know what the housing rights for the disabled are so you can provide them with an equal opportunity to live in your property and avoid being charged with discrimination.
Virginia Security Deposit
Landlords must follow the laws set up by the state of Virginia regarding security deposits. Learn what landlords can and cannot do.
Insurance for Landlords and Property Investors
Having the proper insurance is a vital protection for landlords and property investors. Here are some types of insurance to consider.
State Security Deposit Limits
Each state has different rules regarding how much you can charge for a security deposits. Learn the security deposit limit in your state.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is a sum of money a tenant agrees to pay the landlord prior to move-in.
Tips for Tenant Complaints
Every landlord will have to deal with tenant complaints. Here are some tips for handling these complaints successfully.
Records to Keep
Do you ask yourself, 'What records should I keep for taxes?' Learn the right records to keep to make filing your taxes easier.
5 Senses
Learn how to use the five senses to appeal to potential tenants. If they like what they see, hear, touch, smell and taste, you will have a better chance of getting the apartment rented quickly.
Things to Avoid in Hardship Letter
The hardship letter is an important part of any short sale package. Learn five things to avoid when writing yours.
Landlord Entry
A landlord has the right to enter a tenant's unit under certain conditions. Learn when and why a landlord can access a rental.
Blockbusting
Blockbusting is an illegal housing practice. Real estate agents or property developers persuade homeowners to sell their homes by convincing them that minorities are moving in and will decrease their homes value.
Handle Tenant Complaints- How To
The landlord tenant relationship can be hostile, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to handle tenant complaints and keep tenants happy.
Arizona Security Deposit
Learn what Arizona landlords can and cannot do with a tenant's security deposit. Here are the most common questions about the law.
South Carolina Security Deposit
Those who own rental property in South Carolina must follow the statewide security deposit laws. Here are some frequently asked questions.
Roles of Landlord
It is hard to define a landlord because landlords do so many different things. Learn some of the roles a landlord takes on.
Colorado Security Deposit
It is important for Colorado landlords to follow the statewide security deposit law. Here are some of the most frequent questions.
New York Security Deposit
New York landlords must adhere to certain security deposit laws. Here are the basics for those who own rental property in New York.
Fair Housing by State
Seven classes are protected from housing discrimination by the Fair Housing Act. Learn what additional groups are protected in each state.
Legal to Run Credit Check
A credit check can tell a landlord a lot about a tenant. Find out how to legally run a credit check on an applicant.
Flooring Option Pros and Cons
There are numerous options when choosing flooring for a property. Here are the pros and cons of each choice.
E-Evaluate Investment
When buying property, you must first thoroughly evaluate the investment. This will help determine if it is a good or bad investment.
Eviction
An eviction is the legal removal of a tenant from a rental property.
What Is HUD?
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is involved in every aspect of housing in America. What is HUD? What Programs is HUD in charge of?
Choosing a Countertop
There are certain things you should consider before choosing a countertop. Looking at these factors can help you make the right choice.
Travel Expenses
Landlords and property investors can deduct travel expenses that are related to their business on their taxes. Find out how.
Landlord Obligations
There are certain obligations that a landlord must fulfill under landlord-tenant law. Learn what landlords must legally do.
State Security Deposit Laws
Every state has specific landlord-tenant laws. Learn the security deposit rules landlords must abide by in your state.
Emergency Plan
The best way to handle an emergency is to prepare a plan before one occurs. An emergency plan can help minimize panic and hopefully any loss, monetary or otherwise, that an emergency can cause.
Lead Certification
The EPA requires renovators of pre-1978 buildings to be lead-safe certified. Learn what lead certification is.
ABC's of Investing
Learn what to do before you invest in property. Everything you need to get started and to have long term success.
Types of Distressed Properties
Distressed properties can often be bought at steep discounts. Here are seven types of situations that can cause distress in real estate.
Flipping a Property Pros and Cons
Flipping a property is a popular type of short-term real estate investment. Here are the pros and cons of this strategy.
Tenant Obligations
Landlord-tenant law spells out certain requirements for tenants. Learn the obligations tenants have under this Act.
Landlord to Maintain Premises
Landlord-tenant law spells out a landlord's obligations. Learn what the responsibility to maintain the premises entails.
How Much Tenant Security Deposit
You probably know that you can require a security deposit from a tenant, but do you know how much you can charge?
More Prospective Tenant Red Flags
Not all prospective tenants are created equal. Here are 5 more red flags that a tenant could cause a landlord trouble down the line.
Tenant
A tenant is a person who has the right to reside in a rental property according to an oral agreement, signed lease, or rental agreement.
Find Rental Properties
Finding a great rental property is all about knowing where to look. Here are five places to search for rental properties.
B-Be Educated
There are many ways to become educated about investing in property. Reading books and talking to other investors are two ways to gain knowledge.
Flipping a Home
What does it mean to flip a house? Are there risks involved? Here is all you need to know about flipping a home.
Short Sale Risks
If you are considering buying a short sale, you must understand the risks involved. Learn the disadvantages of purchasing a short sale.
FICO Score
A FICO score is a number between 300 and 850 that will be assigned to you based on your credit history. A low FICO score can make it more difficult to get financing.
C-Consider Personality
Assessing your personality type will help you decide if property investing is right for you. Learn which traits will help you succeed as a property investor.
Choosing Materials
Choosing materials for a property renovation can be a daunting task. Learn the various options available and the best bets for each room.
Pet Complaints
A common tenant complaint involves pets. Here are the steps you should take when handling these tenant complaints about pets.
Home Office Expenses
If you have a home office, do you know what expenses you can deduct on your taxes? Learn the common deductions available.
Ohio Security Deposit
It is important that landlords in the state of Ohio understand the security deposit law. Here are some frequent questions.
Home Office Deduction
Do you have a home office? Learn the basics of the home office deduction and if you are eligible to claim it on your taxes.
Responsibilities to Themselves
Landlords have many responsibilities to themselves. These include achieving their goals, acting ethically and educating themselves.
Handling Maintenance Request
There are certain things you can do to make it easier to handle a tenant's maintenance request. Learn the steps you should take.
Section 8
Section 8 is a housing assistance program run by HUD. It provides housing vouchers to low-income individuals.
Newspaper Classified Ad
The classified section of the newspaper is a great place to advertise your rental. Here's how to place the ad.
After Repair Value
The After Repair Value is the projected value of the property after repairs.
Dog Bites Tenant
Landlords who allow dogs in their property often wonder what they will do if a dog bites a tenant. Here are the steps you should take.
Partial Claim
HUD allows homeowners who have FHA loans to file for a partial claim to assist them in paying their delinquent mortgage. There are certain stipulations however.
Plan for Maintenance Requests
To help handle the constant stream of tenant maintenance requests, you should devise a plan before you even place tenants in your property.
Barking Dogs and Pet Odors
Barking dogs and pet odors can make your property feel more like a kennel than a home. Here are tips for dealing with noisy pets and odors.
College Town Pros and Cons
A college town offers many property investing options, but is it the right for you? Learn the pros and cons of investing in college towns.
Alabama Security Deposit
Rental property owners in Alabama must follow the state's security deposit laws. Find out what landlords can and cannot do.
Benefits of Online Advertising
Advertising your rental online is a great way to fill a vacancy. Learn the benefits of listing your property online.
Counter Materials Pros and Cons
There are many materials to choose from when selecting a counter. Learn the pros and cons of each so you can make an educated decision.
Certificate of Occupancy
Many towns require a property to have a certificate of occupancy. Learn what it is and why you might need one.
Home Office Expense
If you are claiming a home office on your taxes, there are different ways to deduct each expense. Here's how.
Home Office Deduction Limit
Will you be able to deduct all of your home office expenses? Learn if you may be subject to a deduction limit.
Indiana Security Deposit
Indiana landlord tenant law defines the rules for security deposits in the state. Here is what Indiana landlords can and cannot do.
Selling Without Realtor
There are pros and cons to showing property yourself. Here's what you should know about selling or renting your property without a Realtor.
Responsibilities to Community
Landlords play a role in their community. Their responsibilities include selecting tenants, maintaining their property and paying taxes.
Renter's Insurance
Landlords should advise tenants to purchase renter's insurance. Tenants need this liability coverage and contents coverage.
Sense of Smell
Smell has the power to influence our feelings, which can be useful when trying to get a property rented. Learn how to use the sense of smell to attract potential tenants to your property.
A-Assess Finances
Assessing your personal finances is essential before investing in property. How much money do you have on hand and how much money can you get?
Short Selling Pros
If you are underwater on a property, short selling may be your only option. Learn the pros of an investment property short sale.
Washington Security Deposit
Rental property owners in Washington must follow specific security deposit laws. Learn what you should always do and what you must never do.
Tenant Pest Prevention
Tenants want to live in a clean property. Here are ways tenants can help prevent pests from entering their unit.
Short Selling Cons
There are negatives to short selling your property. Learn the cons of a property investment short sale.
Urban Pros and Cons
Buying investment property in urban areas has its pros and cons. Here is the good and bad of buying property in the city.
Owner Occupant
An owner occupied property is one where the owner of the property also calls the property home. They live in the property as their main residence.
Safety Risks When Showing Property
Showing property is essential when you want to get it rented or sold, but there are safety risks involved. Learn what dangers to beware of.

Discuss in my forum

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.