Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Abandoned Property After a Tenant Leaves: State Rules for 2026
Most states give landlords 15 to 30 days to store a former tenant's belongings before selling or disposing of them, but the exact rule depends on your state.
How to Depreciate a Capital Improvement Made Mid-Lease
A capital improvement made mid-lease is depreciated separately over 27.5 years, starting the month it's placed in service, not the month you paid for it.
How to Check a Tenant's Rental References the Right Way
Calling a prior landlord takes about 10 minutes and can reveal late rent, damage, or noise complaints a credit report never shows.
Month-to-Month Notice Periods by State: 30, 60, or 90 Days?
Most states require 30 days written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, but California, New York, and a handful of others require 60 or 90 days.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in Texas? 2026 Timeline
A Texas eviction typically runs 3 to 6 weeks from the 3-day notice to vacate through the constable's writ of possession, longer if the tenant appeals.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in New York? 2026 Timeline
A New York eviction typically takes 3 to 6 months uncontested, but contested cases in NYC Housing Court can stretch past a year in 2026.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in Florida? 2026 Timeline
An uncontested Florida eviction usually takes 3 to 6 weeks from notice to sheriff lockout, but a contested case can stretch past 8 weeks.
How Long Does an Eviction Take in California? 2026 Timeline
A California eviction typically takes 30-45 days if uncontested, but can stretch past 90 days once a tenant files an answer and demands trial.
7 Eviction Mistakes That Get Cases Thrown Out in Court
A single wrong date on an eviction notice can cost a landlord 30 to 60 days and force a case restart in most US courts.
Depreciating a Rental That Sat Vacant Between Tenants
A rental stays depreciable during normal vacancy between tenants as long as it's held out for rent, even for 60, 90, or 200+ days.
Cash-for-Keys vs Eviction: When Paying to Leave Wins
A cash-for-keys deal of $500 to $2,500 often costs less and moves faster than a formal eviction, which can run $3,500 to $10,000 and take 60 to 90 days.
Can You Deduct Eviction Costs on Your Taxes? Yes, Here's How
Most eviction costs, including attorney fees, court filing fees, and lost rent write-offs, are deductible as ordinary rental business expenses on Schedule E.
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