LANDLORD Frequently Asked Questions

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As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a safe and habitable living environment, which includes maintaining structural integrity, ensuring functional utilities, addressing necessary repairs, and adhering to local housing laws. You also need to comply with fair housing regulations and properly manage leases, rent collection, and tenant communication.

Tenant screening involves checking a prospective tenant’s background, including credit history, rental history, income verification, and a criminal background check. This helps ensure you find responsible tenants who can pay rent on time and take care of your property. Be consistent in your screening process to avoid discrimination claims. When you work with me as your realtor, I help you screen all tenants (criminal and background checks) and then share all of the information with you so you can make informed decisions.

A lease agreement should clearly outline the terms of the rental, including the rental amount, due date, security deposit, lease duration, tenant and landlord responsibilities, pet policies, and rules for use of the property. It should also cover consequences for lease violations, late rent payments, and how disputes will be handled.

A security deposit is a refundable sum collected to cover potential damage to the property or unpaid rent at the end of the lease. A pet deposit (or pet fee) is specifically collected to cover potential damage caused by pets. Pet deposits may or may not be refundable, depending on state law and the terms of your lease.

Rent increases depend on local laws and the terms of your lease agreement. In most cases, you can only increase rent when a lease term ends or during a lease renewal period, and you must provide proper notice, typically 30 to 60 days. Be aware of rent control or rent stabilization laws in your area, which may limit the amount or frequency of rent increases.

A property management company can handle day-to-day tasks such as tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and evictions, allowing you to focus on other responsibilities. While property management services come at a cost, they can reduce stress and ensure your rental property is run efficiently, especially if you own multiple units or live far from your rental.

If a tenant damages your property beyond normal wear and tear, you can use their security deposit to cover repair costs. If the damage exceeds the deposit amount, you may pursue legal action to recover additional costs. It’s important to document the condition of the property before and after the tenant moves in, ideally with photos or videos, to support your claim.

As a landlord, you are responsible for making timely repairs and maintaining the property in accordance with local health and safety laws. Set up a system for tenants to submit maintenance requests, and respond promptly to issues such as broken appliances, plumbing, heating, or structural concerns. Some landlords hire a property management company to handle repairs and maintenance.

If a tenant stops paying rent, you should first issue a written notice, usually a pay or quit notice, giving them a deadline to pay or vacate the property. If they don’t comply, you may need to begin the eviction process. Always follow the legal steps required in your jurisdiction to avoid potential lawsuits or delays.

If a tenant wants to break their lease early, review your lease agreement to see if it includes an early termination clause or any associated fees. You can negotiate an early release agreement with the tenant, but you may be entitled to compensation for any lost rent. In some states, you are required to mitigate damages by trying to re-rent the property as soon as possible.

Subleasing allows tenants to rent the property to another person while they are still responsible for the lease. Your lease agreement should specify whether subleasing is allowed and under what conditions. If you permit subleasing, it’s important to screen the new tenant just as you would any other, and ensure the original tenant remains responsible for rent and any damages.

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with disabilities who have an emotional support animal (ESA), even if your property has a no-pet policy. Tenants must provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. Unlike pets, ESAs are not subject to pet deposits or fees, although tenants are responsible for any damages the animal may cause.

As a landlord, you must report rental income on your taxes. However, you can also deduct many rental property expenses, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, and depreciation. Keeping detailed records of all income and expenses is important. Consider consulting a tax professional to ensure you’re maximizing deductions and complying with tax laws.

Landlord insurance is crucial to protect your investment property. It typically covers property damage, liability for tenant injuries, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. This is different from homeowners insurance, which may not cover rental activities. You can also encourage tenants to purchase renters insurance to cover their personal belongings and additional liabilities.

Landlord insurance is crucial to protect your investment property. It typically covers property damage, liability for tenant injuries, and loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. This is different from homeowners insurance, which may not cover rental activities. You can also encourage tenants to purchase renters insurance to cover their personal belongings and additional liabilities.

Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in renting based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. As a landlord, you must ensure that your advertising, screening process, and rental practices comply with these laws. Violations can lead to legal penalties, so it’s important to follow non-discriminatory practices when selecting tenants.

A co-signer is someone who signs the lease and shares legal responsibility for paying rent and adhering to the lease terms. A guarantor provides financial backing for the lease but is not a party to the lease itself. If the tenant defaults on payments, the guarantor is responsible for covering the rent. Both options are used to strengthen an applicant’s financial standing if they don’t meet your income requirements.

If a tenant violates the lease, such as by having unauthorized pets, damaging the property, or subletting without permission, you should first issue a written notice informing them of the violation and giving them an opportunity to correct it. If they fail to comply, you may pursue legal action, including eviction. Always document the violation and follow the procedures outlined in your lease and local laws.

Most leases give landlords the right to show the property to prospective tenants or buyers during the final months of the lease. However, landlords must provide reasonable notice (typically 24 to 48 hours) before entering. If a tenant refuses to cooperate, you may issue a lease violation notice, but it’s best to work with the tenant to find mutually convenient times for showings.