Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
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.
Rent-to-Own Agreements Explained
Rent-to-own combines a lease with an option to purchase. Structured right, both sides benefit. Structured wrong, one side ends up out thousands with nothing to show.
Late Fees — How to Set Them Fairly
Late fees must be reasonable, disclosed in the lease, and comply with state caps. An unreasonable fee — even one the tenant signed off on — can be unenforceable in court.
How to Handle Tenant Noise Complaints
Document each complaint in writing, communicate with the noise source in writing, and reference the lease's quiet enjoyment clause. Written warnings before escalation give you an eviction path if it doesn't resolve.
Should You Allow Smokers in Your Rental?
A no-smoking policy is legal in most rentals and reduces damage costs and re-rent turnaround by weeks. But it must be in writing and enforced consistently to hold up.
How to Raise Rent Legally
A rent increase requires proper written notice with a state-specific number of days, must respect any rent control caps, and cannot violate the lease during the current term.
How to Handle a Bounced Rent Check
A bounced rent check means immediate nonpayment. Charge the late fee + NSF fee, document, and start the pay-or-quit notice clock — waiting hurts you.
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