Setting the right rent can attract and retain quality tenants. The right rent can make a positive difference in the property’s cash flow, tenant satisfaction, and stable occupancy. For business viability, setting the right rent is not a one-time pricing event. A landlord must routinely check market conditions to evaluate and adjust his rents based […]

Interviewing an applicant for an open job position is an important part of the hiring process. Information gained from applicant interviews contribute to a more informed hiring decision. There are several interviewing techniques that can help the employer determine whether an applicant’s skills, knowledge, abilities and work experience meet job requirements. Interviews should always be […]

Whether the landlord’s decision is to collect the last month’s rent or not, the landlord’s lease agreement should address how the security deposit cannot be used. For example, a lease clause may state “Tenant may not without Landlord’s prior written consent apply the security deposit to the last month’s rent or to any other amounts […]

In general, tenants cannot escape liability under their leases due to economic hardship, a job transfer, family matters, safety and security concerns, or health issues. In most jurisdictions, even death does not terminate a lease and the deceased’s estate remains liable for the lease. The lease agreement is a binding legal contract between landlord and […]

There are many issues to consider when setting adequate pet policies. A landlord should clearly disclose in writing his pet policies to applicants and tenants regarding information and notification requirements for pet ownership during a tenancy. Most pet owners have a domestic cat or dog as a pet. A landlord’s pet policies can specify the […]

A judgment is a final ruling by the court of jurisdiction determining the rights and obligations of the parties to an action. . A money judgment is the sum of money awarded by the court to the judgment creditor (plaintiff) that the judgment debtor (defendant) must pay. In landlord tenant matters, a landlord may have […]

Many landlords cite the convenience of online rental applications as being beneficial in the collection and organization of applicant information for qualification and screening. Additionally an online application accessed through a landlord’s rental portal can be attractive to many potential tenants. Studies show that many renters expect the application process to be available online and […]

Prospective tenants and tenants wishing to renew their lease may ask for rent considerations from a landlord. There are several factors that landlords may want to consider before entering into negotiation with an applicant or tenant for a rent concession. Supply and demand of rental housing in the local market, the rental property location and […]

Due diligence is a first line of defense in protecting the business from intentional harm from tenant fraud. You should never be in a hurry to fill a vacancy without conducting adequate tenant screening and independent verification of applicant information. An applicant intent on committing fraud is counting on a landlord being too busy or […]

During the course of a rental transaction, a landlord may process many pieces of personally identifiable information (PII) from applicants and tenants. Personally identifiable information can be defined as information that directly identifies an individual such as name, address, Social Security number, telephone number, email address, etc., or indirectly identifies specific individuals through a combination […]