Rental data suggests that pet friendly housing may rent faster than properties with a “no pets” policy. In many rental markets there are a greater number of potential tenants that have pets than there are landlords who allow pets in their rentals. By advertising your property as pet friendly, you gain access to a larger […]

The rental application is a significant document between landlord and potential tenant. By completing the application, the applicant signifies his interest and intent to fill the vacancy if he, the applicant, is selected for tenancy. The applicant, by submitting his application, acknowledges and consents to the landlord’s stated tenant screening practices. The landlord by accepting […]

A landlord has the right to legally ask for information that can verify the potential tenant’s ability to meet lease terms and conditions, including tenant screening for credit history and background checks. The information requested must be reasonable to business necessity to determine an applicant’s qualification for tenancy per the landlord’s stated policies, administered in […]

Application fees are intended to cover the cost of tenant screenings such as credit and background checks. Landlord-tenant statutes of each state can address the matter of application fees differently. You will need to determine what your state allows before deciding on your policy. As allowed by statute, many landlords do charge an application fee. […]

The purpose of a listing is to advertise your vacancy in such a way as to attract the attention of a prospective renter and encourage him to call the listed contact for more information and a showing of the unit. Your listing should be descriptive and informative while providing the must-have details of your rental […]

The landlord-tenant relationship is governed by legal rights and responsibilities. There is an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing between landlord and tenant that requires the landlord and tenant to treat each other honestly and in a reasonable manner. It is understood neither party will do anything that will injure the right of […]

To help protect his business from tenant fraud, a landlord should, at a minimum: Have full understanding of landlord-tenant statues, local ordinances, and fair housing protections. Be prepared to pre-screen potential applicants when they respond to an advertised vacancy; make notes of information discussed and save for later reference as needed. Meet the prospect in […]

Identity theft is true name fraud. Fraud occurs when an individual’s personal information is used without their knowledge by another individual to commit a criminal act. An applicant may use bits and pieces of the identity theft victim’s personal information, such as the victim’s name, date of birth, or Social Security number, as his own […]

Choosing the right tenant can make all the difference in the landlord’s business. Choice is more than filling a vacancy; choice is every effort to avoid financial risk. An applicant comes with a story and a history. The applicant the landlord sees is the one that is judged. What if the applicant has intentionally given […]

Nuisance and disturbance issues should always be adequately addressed in your lease agreement. A lease agreement should always include a clause that prohibits tenants and their guests from creating a nuisance by disturbing or interfering with other tenants’ right to the quiet enjoyment of the rental property. If a tenant or guest violates the lease […]