Fall is officially here, and cold winter weather won’t be far behind. Since winter temperatures can take a toll on buildings in many parts of the U.S., now is an ideal time to take care of maintenance at your rental properties. Performing basic maintenance now will ensure you’ll spend less time (and money) on roofing,… Read more »
How to Begin Building an Emergency Rental Fund
Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, it’s always wise to have an emergency fund to pull from when unexpected expenses come up. Most financial advisors recommend property owners save at least 3 – 6 months’ worth of expenses to cover maintenance, repairs, mortgage loss of income, and other financial concerns. However, only around 39%… Read more »
Cash for Keys: An Alternative to Eviction
For many landlords, the goal is to avoid spending money unless doing so will increase their return on investment (ROI). However, there are times when spending money to convince a tenant to leave is preferable to the time, costs, and hassle of eviction. Cash for keys is an ideal option for landlords who would like… Read more »
9 Tenant Questions That Should Make You Feel Triggered
One of the best things about tenant screening reports is that they give you plenty of objective information to base your rental decisions on. However, there’s still value to be had by paying close attention to the questions a potential tenant asks when you’re showing them your property. Here are some questions applicants may ask… Read more »
How to Make Sure You Find a Qualified Tenant for Your Rental Property
As experienced landlords know, tenants can have a huge impact on your business. Responsible tenants will pay their rent on time, minimize wear and tear, and typically treat your property like it was their own. Bad tenants, on the other hand, can be costly in more ways than one. They may consistently pay their rent… Read more »
How to Prepare for a New Tenant After an Eviction
Evictions aren’t pleasant—for landlords or tenants. However, knowing what to do after you evict a tenant can make the entire process easier and less stressful. Once you’ve regained possession of your property, it’s invaluable to have a defined course of action. Here are some steps to take to get your rental ready for the next… Read more »
Is it Legal for Landlords and Property Managers to Allow Police to Searches at Rental Properties?
All tenants have the legal right to privacy; as a landlord or property manager, this means you’re required to give up some of your rights to the property when it’s occupied by a tenant. For example, you must provide adequate notice before conducting an inspection, changing the locks, or other activities that could somehow violate… Read more »
Apartment Fire Prevention
Did you know cooking is the leading cause of apartment fires and fire-related injuries? Nearly half of all home fires start in the kitchen, resulting in approximately 10% of residential fire deaths in the United States. Apartment fires, whether caused by cooking or an electrical fault, can spread rapidly and put the lives of other… Read more »
Rental Property Bookkeeping & Accounting 101
If you’re a busy landlord, you may be tempted to let your accounting fall by the wayside—but did you know that 82% of businesses fail because they don’t manage their cash flow well? Although bookkeeping tends to take the back burner, it’s crucial for the success of your business. Fortunately, setting up an efficient accounting… Read more »
What You Should Know About Rental Application Fraud
Tenant application fraud has always been a problem in the rental housing industry, but it’s been on the rise since the start of the pandemic. One survey conducted in 2021 found that 55% of property managers experienced rental application fraud every few months, with 15% dealing with multiple fraudulent applications each month. To help you… Read more »