The Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records by Landlords for Housing Decisions The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings and in other housing-related activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin. The U.S. Department of […]

Question Is there a particular format required for Denial of Application to Rent letter? Answer The actual name of the document required under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is “Adverse Action Notice” and the notice is only required when the landlord uses a “consumer report” as defined under FCRA. An adverse action is […]

Question What exactly is tenancy-at-will? Answer Basically, a tenancy at will is a tenancy that can be terminated at any time by either the tenant or the owner (landlord). It exists without a contract or lease, and is unspecific in duration or the exchange of paymentVarious legal dictionaries have somewhat different definitions of “tenancy-at-will” and […]

Recordkeeping for Landlords Accurate and detailed record keeping is an essential business practice for landlords. Whether for a single rental property, multi-family properties, or multiple properties, good records and good organizational practices contribute to more effective property management. In turn, a reliable and complete record keeping system provides the data for business financials, tax reporting, […]

Question If an unmarried couple wants to rent our rental home can we have only the man who is working sign the lease? We don’t want to have the live-in lady to have her name on the lease in case the boyfriend leaves as she has no income. If her name isn’t on the lease […]

Landlord Legal Entry to Rental Premises Most aspects of landlord tenant relationships are regulated by state statutes and local laws including, in many states, the landlord’s access to rental property. In addition to statutes, the landlord’s lease agreement customarily contains language that details the landlord’s right to entry and notice requirements. The lease agreement governs […]

Question The tenant of one of my units vacated as per the lease agreement, but left without making any attempt to clean. In addition, the carpet is seriously stained and otherwise damaged in several spots. Also, walls and blinds are damaged. I have a non-refundable cleaning deposit in addition to a security deposit. What can […]

Question I’m unable to find any clause in the lease agreement form I use that deals with “early termination.” Is it fair to ask for the remaining months’ rent if tenant has to break the contract before the 12 months of lease expires? Answer It is not a question of fairness. Both signatories to the […]

Question I’m having problems with the guest of one of my tenants and need to know what I can do to prevent this guest from coming on to the property. Answer What, if anything, you can do about the “problem” guest depends on (1) why you consider the guest to be a problem, (2) what […]

Question For the first time since I bought my duplex, the lease term for one of my tenants is nearing the end and wonder if I need to serve the tenant with a notice if I do not want to extend or renew his lease. Answer What you need to do to terminate the lease […]