Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Roommate Rules for Rental Tenants
Every adult occupant needs to be on the lease — otherwise you can't hold them responsible for rent, damage, or lease violations. The "unauthorized occupant" clause is your protection.
Handling Tenant Repair Complaints
A tenant repair complaint starts a legal clock. Respond in writing, document actions taken, and address it within state-required time windows to avoid habitability claims.
Move-Out Inspection Walkthrough
A move-out inspection compares condition against move-in and determines what's normal wear (no charge) versus tenant damage (deductible). Doing it with the tenant present is the strongest defense.
Landlord Move-In Checklist for New Tenants
A 15-item move-in checklist protects both landlord and tenant — documenting condition before day one is what wins later disputes over damage vs. normal wear.
When a Tenant Abandons Your Rental
A tenant who vanishes without notice creates legal ambiguity — you can't just take the property back or dispose of belongings. State abandonment laws set specific procedures.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals — The Trade-offs
Short-term rentals gross 2-3x long-term rent but with far higher costs, regulatory risk, and daily operational burden. Long-term stays are simpler but lower yield.
Self-Manage vs Hire a Property Manager
A property manager typically charges 8-12% of rent plus lease-up fees. It's worth it if you own multiple units, live far from your rental, or dislike tenant contact — not if you have one nearby rental.
Security Deposit Rules Every Landlord Should Know
State law controls how much you can charge, where to hold the funds, and when you must return them. Miss the state timeline and you can lose the right to deduct anything.
Section 8 Tenants — Pros, Cons, and Rules
Section 8 vouchers guarantee a portion of your rent from HUD directly — reliable income but with inspection requirements and slower move-in. In many states, refusing vouchers is illegal.
Should You Require Renter's Insurance?
Renter's insurance costs tenants $10-$20/month and protects both parties — you should require it in every lease. Most states allow this, and the reduced liability is worth it.
How Often to Inspect Your Rental
Every 6-12 months is standard for a rental inspection — enough to catch problems early without harassing tenants. Always give proper notice and document what you find.
Rental Pet Policies — Dos and Don'ts
A pet policy can add rent income and expand your tenant pool — but service animals and emotional support animals aren't pets under fair housing law, and treating them as pets triggers real liability.
Get landlord tips by email
Lease clauses, tenant screening, and rent-tracking tips for people managing real tenants. No schedule, no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
Prefer to dive in? Get started free →