Question I am a relatively new landlord, only now turning my old home into a rental after having a new home built nearby. What can I ask and am I not allowed ask during tenant screening. Also, is there anything prevents me from making copies of tenant documentation? Finally, can I give the applicant a […]

Ending a Tenancy – Part 2 Ending a tenancy should be a matter-of-fact business transaction regardless of whether the tenancy was a periodic tenancy or a fixed term lease with a date certain beginning and ending date. Knowledge and compliance with applicable laws – landlord-tenant, fair housing laws, and consumer protections – will be required […]

Question A tenant in one of my 4-plex units left the place a mess. In addition to not even attempting to do any cleaning, he seriously stained the carpet during his stay and otherwise damaged it in several spots. Also, certain walls and many of the window blinds were damaged. I have a non-refundable cleaning […]

Question My tenant wants to extend her lease. The only item on the old lease that will change is the lease term. Do I have to enter into a new lease, or can I do a short amendment for the existing lease? Answer When changes are being made to a lease (or any other contract) […]

Ending a Tenancy – Part 1 Tenants come and tenants go. Ending a tenancy should be a matter-of-fact business transaction regardless of whether the tenancy was a periodic tenancy (usually month-to-month) or a fixed term lease with a date certain beginning and ending date. However, whether a tenancy ends with nary a whimper or with […]

Question One of my tenants moved out without giving written notice. Our lease agreement requires that 60 days’ notice be given for termination of the lease and states that failure to provide such the notice makes the tenant liable for 60 days of additional rent from the date they vacated the unit. I am looking […]

Termination Notices Terminating a tenancy due to a tenant’s material breach of his lease agreement begins by providing the proper notice according to the statutes of the state where the rental property is located. The type of termination notice and the notice period depends upon the circumstances of the breach as well as state laws. […]

National Preparedness Month   September is designated “National Preparedness Month” by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, a public education outreach campaign, provides information to help the general public, businesses, and communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters. This […]

Question I rent a studio apartment to a woman who wants to move the two children in of which she will soon be obtaining custody from her ex-husband who has had custody until now. How many people can live in a studio? Answer That might depend on a number of factors including the city and […]

Question I have a problem tenant who, in response to my demanding payment of rent that is now a week late, has threatened to report me for failing to maintain their rental unit in habitable condition. I know of no problem that makes their unit uninhabitable. What should I do? Answer The first thing you […]