Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
What to Do When a Tenant Breaks the Lease Early (2026 Guide)
A tenant who breaks a lease early usually still owes rent until you re-rent the unit, but most states require you to mitigate damages first.
Tenant Breaking Lease for Job Relocation? Your 4 Options
Most states don't require landlords to release a tenant early for a job transfer, but a written buyout agreement usually saves both sides money and time.
Tenant Screening Mistakes That Lead to Problem Renters
Skipping income verification and relying on a credit score alone are the two mistakes most likely to hand you a problem renter you'll spend months trying to evict.
Subletting vs Assignment: What's the Difference for Landlords?
Subletting keeps the original tenant on the hook to you, while assignment hands the entire lease to a new person and releases the old one.
Should You Require Renters Insurance From Tenants? 2026 Guide
Requiring $100,000 in renters insurance costs a tenant about $15 a month and can save landlords thousands after fires, floods, or dog bites.
Selling a House With Tenants Still Living In It: 5 Rules
A signed lease survives the sale of a property in nearly every state, so the buyer inherits your tenant unless the lease has already expired.
Texas Security Deposit Rules 2026: Limits, Deadlines & Deductions
Texas landlords have 30 days after move-out to return a deposit or send an itemized list, and there's no state cap on the amount you can charge.
New York Security Deposit Rules 2026: The 5 Changes to Know
New York caps security deposits at one month's rent and requires landlords to return them within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement.
Massachusetts Security Deposit Rules 2026: The Strictest in the US
Massachusetts caps security deposits at one month's rent and requires interest, receipts, and a strict 30-day return — miss a step and you can owe triple damages.
Illinois Security Deposit Rules 2026: A Landlord's Guide
Illinois landlords with 5+ units must itemize deposit deductions within 30 days and refund the balance within 45 days of move-out.
Florida Security Deposit Rules 2026: Limits, Timelines, Notices
Florida sets no dollar cap on security deposits, but landlords must send a written notice within 30 days and return funds within 15 to 60 days.
California Security Deposit Rules 2026: Limits & Deadlines
California caps most security deposits at one month's rent under AB 12, and landlords have 21 days to return the balance with an itemized statement.
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