All property owners are required to protect their tenants from criminal activity to some degree. Not only are landlords liable for criminal acts committed by their tenants, but they also have a responsibility to protect the neighborhood from the illegal activities of strangers. With that in mind, landlords need to take steps that not only… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Landlords
8 Tax Breaks Landlords May Be Overlooking
Tax season is here again, so it’s an ideal time to review several important tax breaks that you could be overlooking with your rental housing properties. Here’s a look at some common tax deductions you may be able to take advantage of this tax season; please note that this is for informational purposes only and… Read more »
7 Financial Tips for Landlords during COVID-19
Times are tough for many around the nation right now, especially with a large part of the workforce being unemployed. While we can all hope that things return to normal soon, this “new normal” will likely be our reality for quite some time. Without an official end date for the COVID-19 crisis, many landlords are… Read more »
Oakland Ordinance Expands Landlord Requirements and Tenant Rights
Oakland landlords and tenants enter a shifting rental landscape after the City Council passed its Fair Chance Housing ordinance that establishes the East Bay city as the first in California to bar landlords from conducting criminal background checks. This law, adopted by the City Council on February 4, “bans the box” which stops landlords from… Read more »
How to Prevent Common Misunderstandings with Tenants
Every tenant wants a peaceful home. Likewise, every landlord wants good tenants who will take care of their property. Unfortunately, misunderstandings can undermine the goodwill between tenants and landlords. Misunderstandings can quickly escalate and create uncomfortable situations between both parties, sometimes even damaging the relationship permanently. With that in mind, it’s important to know how… Read more »
How to Handle a Tenant Who Won’t Leave After Eviction
Eviction can be hard on everyone involved – tenant and landlord alike. Not only is there a lot of paperwork involved, but the process can be long and draining. To make matters worse, there are occasions when landlords or property managers are faced with a tenant who won’t leave. This can be extremely frustrating –… Read more »
New Laws Every California Landlord or Property Managers Need to Know
California legislators have been busy during the first half of 2019! There have been a number of new bills, acts, and ordinances that have either been passed or are currently pending, many of which have implications for landlords and property managers. Even if you don’t have rental properties in California, it’s important to keep updated… Read more »
Changes to How Landlords Can Access Criminal Records
Near the end of May, Cook County in Illinois approved a new change to how and when landlords are allowed to access criminal records while running tenant screening. While landlords are still allowed to inquire about a potential tenant’s criminal history, they are only able to do it as a second step to the screening… Read more »
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Sue a Tenant for Property Damage?
Many landlords have a checklist they go through when they examine a property for damages after a tenant moves out, allowing them to discover any damage to the property and withhold the cost of repairs from the security deposit. Sometimes, however, the damage isn’t discovered for weeks or even months afterward, and the security deposit… Read more »
An Overview of State-Required Landlord Disclosures
Tenants have many rights under federal and state laws, including a right to privacy, a livable residence, how their security deposit can be used, and a right to non-discriminatory treatment. Many states go even further than this, requiring landlords to inform their tenants in writing – often before they even move in – of specific… Read more »